Breeding Cats and Raising Kittens
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What do I do to care for the newborn
kittens?
The mother will spend most of her time with the kittens
during the next few days. The kittens need to be kept warm
and to nurse frequently; they should be checked every few
hours to make certain that they are warm and well fed. The
mother should be checked to make certain that she is
producing adequate milk.
If the mother does not stay in the box, the kittens'
temperature must be monitored. If the kittens are cold,
supplemental heating should be provided. During the first
four days of life, the newborns' box should be maintained at
85º to 90ºF (29.4º to 32.2ºC). The temperature may gradually
be decreased to 80ºF (26.7ºC) by the seventh to tenth day
and to 72ºF (22.2ºC) by the end of the fourth week. If the
litter is large, the temperature need not be as high. As
kittens huddle together, their body heat provides additional
warmth.
If the mother feels the kittens are in danger or if there is
too much light, she may become anxious. Placing a sheet or
cloth over most of the top of the box to obscure much of the
light may resolve the problem. An enclosed box is also a
solution. Some cats, especially first-time mothers, are more
anxious than others. Such cats may attempt to hide their
young, even from her owner. Moving from place to place may
continue and will endanger the kittens if they are placed in
a cold or drafty location. Cats with this behavior should be
caged in a secluded area. This type of mother has also been
known to kill her kittens as a means of "protecting" them
from danger.
What are the signs that the kittens
are not doing well and what do I do?
Kittens should eat or sleep 90% of the time during the first
two weeks. If they are crying during or after eating, they
are usually becoming ill or are not getting adequate milk. A
newborn kitten is very susceptible to infections and can die
within 24 hours. If excessive crying occurs, the mother and
entire litter should be examined by a veterinarian promptly.
When the milk supply is inadequate, supplemental feeding one
to three times per day is recommended and should be
performed on any litter with five or more kittens. There are
several commercial formulae available that are made to
supply the needs of kittens. They require no preparation
other than warming. They should be warmed to 95º to 100ºF
(35º to 37.8ºC) before feeding. Its temperature can be
tested on one's forearm; it should be about the same as
one's skin. An alternative is canned goats' milk that is
available in most grocery stores. The commercial products
have directions concerning feeding amounts. If the kittens
are still nursing from their mother, the amounts recommended
will be excessive. Generally, 1/3 to 1/2 of the listed
amount should be the daily goal. Supplemental feeding may be
continued until the kittens are old enough to eat kitten
food.
If the mother does not produce milk or her milk becomes
infected, the kittens will also cry. If this occurs, the
entire litter could die within 24 to 48 hours. Total
replacement feeding, using the mentioned products, or
adopting the kittens to another nursing mother is usually
necessary. If replacement feeding is chosen, the amounts of
milk listed on the product should be fed. Kittens less than
two weeks of age should be fed every 3-4 hours. Kittens 2-4
weeks of age do well with feedings every 6-8 hours. Weaning,
as described below, should begin at 3-4 weeks of age.
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