What to do when a kitten is born? A must-read comprehensive guide for newbies
Kittens are very fragile when they are born and require careful care from their owners. This article will provide you with comprehensive guidance in terms of feeding, nursing, and health monitoring. The following is a compilation of hot topics and hot content on kitten care in the past 10 days across the Internet:
| hot topics | Attention | Key takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten feeding frequency | high | Newborns should be fed every 2-3 hours |
| Warming measures | high | Keep the ambient temperature at 29-32℃ |
| irritation to defecation | in | Use a wet cotton swab to imitate a female cat’s licking |
| weight monitoring | in | You should gain 10-15 grams of weight every day |
| Weaning time | high | Start trying solid foods at 4-5 weeks |
1. Feeding Guide for Kittens
Newborn kittens rely entirely on breast milk or artificial feeding. Here are detailed feeding recommendations:
| age | Feeding frequency | Single feeding amount | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 week | every 2-3 hours | 2-6ml | Use special bottles |
| 1-2 weeks | every 3-4 hours | 6-10ml | Observe swallowing reaction |
| 2-3 weeks | every 4-5 hours | 10-14ml | You can start trying shallow dishes |
| 3-4 weeks | every 5-6 hours | 14-18ml | Introducing mushy foods |
2. Key points of environment and care
The living environment of kittens requires special attention to the following points:
1.keep warm: Use a heating pad or hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) to keep the nest temperature constant. If the temperature is too low, the kitten will not be able to digest food properly.
2.hygiene: Change the litter every day and keep the environment dry and clean. Kittens have weak resistance and are prone to bacterial infections.
3.stimulate excretion: After each feeding, gently massage the anal area with a warm, wet cotton swab, imitating the licking behavior of a female cat.
4.isolation protection: Isolate kittens from other pets to avoid accidental injury or the spread of disease.
3. Health monitoring indicators
Regularly monitoring the following indicators can ensure healthy development of your kitten:
| Monitoring items | normal range | abnormal behavior |
|---|---|---|
| weight | Gain 10-15g of weight daily | No weight gain or loss |
| body temperature | 37.5-39.2℃ | Below 36℃ or above 40℃ |
| Breathe | 15-35 times/minute | Urgent or difficult |
| Excretion | 3-4 times a day | constipation or diarrhea |
4. Frequently Asked Questions
1.Q: What should I do if my kitten doesn’t defecate?
A: Check whether the stimulation method is correct and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
2.Q: Can I give a bath to a kitten?
A: It is not recommended to take a bath before 4 weeks of age. You can use a wet towel to clean the area.
3.Q: When should I start deworming?
A: Usually the first deworming is performed at 6 weeks of age, and doctor’s advice is required.
4.Q: Why do kittens keep meowing?
A: It may be hunger, cold, discomfort or need to urinate, and should be investigated one by one.
5. Emergency handling
You should seek medical attention immediately if you encounter the following situations:
- Body temperature below 36℃ or above 40℃
- Not eating for more than 12 hours
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Visible trauma or bleeding
Remember, caring for newborn kittens requires a lot of patience and care. If there is any uncertainty, prompt consultation with a professional veterinarian is the safest option. I hope this guide helps you take care of your new life!
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