Found a Newborn Kitten? Essential Care Guide for Beginners

Found a Newborn Kitten? Essential Care Guide for Beginners

In the bustling city, we occasionally see abandoned animals, and kittens are among the most common. What do you do when you encounter a newborn kitten, alone and helpless?

The first thing to do: Keep the kitten warm!

Kittens under three weeks old cannot maintain their own body temperature. They are like tiny little warmers and need warmth to survive. Here are a few ways to keep your kitten warm:

Cardboard box + sweater + heating pad: Line the bottom of a cardboard box with a sweater to mimic the warmth of a mother cat. Then, place a small clock in the box to simulate the sound of a mother cat's heartbeat, providing the kitten with a sense of security. Lastly, get a small heating pad to keep the kitten cozy.
Cardboard box + sweater + hot water bottle: Line the bottom of a cardboard box with a sweater, wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it next to the kitten to mimic the mother cat's body temperature.
Cardboard box + sweater + light bulb: Line the bottom of a cardboard box with a sweater and use a light bulb placed on the edge of the box, but make sure it is not too close to the kitten to avoid burning. If the kitten is constantly panting and sticking out its tongue, it means it's too hot. Keep the temperature between 29.4 and 32.2 degrees Celsius.

Warm tips:

While providing warmth, also ensure good ventilation to prevent the kitten from overheating.
Newborn kittens have weak immune systems and should not be exposed to other animals to prevent cross-infection.

Nutritional support for kittens: Kitten formula is the key!

Newborn kittens need professional nutritional supplements. Kitten-specific formula (KMR) sold in pet stores is the best choice.

Brewing techniques: Do not use boiling water to brew kitten formula, as it will destroy its nutritional value. A cat's body temperature is slightly higher than a human's, about 39 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the brewed formula should be higher than 39 degrees Celsius. You can test the temperature with your finger, and it should feel warm.
Feeding tools: It is recommended to buy a kitten-specific bottle, which makes feeding easier. Before each feeding, be sure to wash the bottle thoroughly and prepare only enough formula for one feeding. Any leftover formula should not be given at the next meal.

How to feed a kitten?

Bottle selection: Buy a kitten-specific bottle. If you can't find one, you can use a syringe, remove the needle, and attach a valve core. Do not cut the hole in the nipple too large at once, as this could cause the kitten to choke.
Safe holding posture: Kitten claws are very sharp, and direct feeding can easily lead to scratches. You can wrap the kitten in a small towel, leaving only its head exposed.
Burping is important: After feeding, remember to gently pat the kitten's back to help it burp and prevent vomiting due to swallowing excess air.

Kitten elimination problems:

Manual assistance: After each feeding, hold the kitten and gently wipe its anus (from the abdomen towards the tail) with a damp tissue. It will soon urinate or defecate.
Observation and guidance: Once the kitten starts to eliminate on its own, you can try putting it on the litter box to help it learn to associate the litter box with elimination.

Kitten hygiene and health issues:

Bathing: Newborn kittens are best bathed when they are a little older, as they are susceptible to catching a cold.
Deworming: Kittens picked up from outside almost always have fleas and may also have parasites. It is best to take the kitten to a veterinarian for deworming and a basic checkup.

Observing kitten growth:

Eye changes: Kittens typically begin to open their eyes around 7-10 days old.
Activity changes: As the kitten grows, it will become more active and curious about its surroundings.

Love and care, let your kitten grow healthy!

Finding a newborn kitten requires a lot of patience and love. You need to feed, clean, keep it warm, and take it to the veterinarian for checkups. Although it may take time and effort, every bit of love you give will help the kitten grow healthily and eventually find a loving home.

Experience summary:

Caring for a newborn kitten is a challenging but meaningful task. It requires your meticulous observation and careful care to help them through their infancy and grow healthily. Throughout the process, you will not only gain valuable experience but also feel a sense of love and accomplishment.

This article is original, please keep the link when forwarding:https://www.5zo.net/showinfo-4-87951-0.html

Previous: Cat Osteoarthritis and Joint Stiffness: Symptoms, Treatment, and Improving Quality of Life


search