Caring for Litters of Young Kittens
Here at LL's we take on a large number of very young kittens, litters of kittens and even unweaned neonatal kittens. Caring for young kittens can be very time consuming and at times heartbreaking, but it is also greatly rewarding to nurture a tiny baby who otherwise had no chance and helping them survive those early days without their birth Mother.
Here is some information on how to care for various aged kittens, their requirements and things to watch out for.
Here is some information on how to care for various aged kittens, their requirements and things to watch out for.
Neonatal Kittens
Neonatal Kittens are unweaned babies from birth to approx 4 weeks of age. Unweaned babies unfortunately very often come into rescue and experienced carers are ALWAYS needed to help with the demand placed on regular carers to care for them.
Neonatal Kittens are unweaned babies from birth to approx 4 weeks of age. Unweaned babies unfortunately very often come into rescue and experienced carers are ALWAYS needed to help with the demand placed on regular carers to care for them.
At LL's we prefer to use Di-Vetelact formula for our babies, this is a low lactose supplement full of the nutrients needed by hand reared orphans. LL's can in most instances provide this or it can be obtained from vets, petbarns and produce stores. We start all babies as per the instructions on Dilution A and gradually increase to Dilution B over the week. Kitten teats and bottles can also be obtained from the above mentioned stores.
Very young kittens ( day old to approx 2-3 week ) will require few hourly round the clock feeds, as such you will need to have the time to be at home caring for kittens and the ability to do night feeds. Unweaned young cannot eliminate on their own and will need stimulation of the genital area using a cotton wool ball, tissue or baby wipe. This will need to be done after each feed. Kittens need safety and warmth, away from drafts and loud noises.
Kittens will sleep between feeds. We keep unweaned litters in cat carriers, the soft closed type are excellent as they are safe and secure and easily transported. You will need plenty of blankets, towels and pee mats are also very usual. Giving kittens a soft toy to cuddle to is advised, snuggle pets with simulated beating hearts and heat sources are ideal, babies love them! Baby wipes come in handy for keeping little kitten mouths and faces clean. Kittens may require a heat source in cooler weather.
Very young kittens ( day old to approx 2-3 week ) will require few hourly round the clock feeds, as such you will need to have the time to be at home caring for kittens and the ability to do night feeds. Unweaned young cannot eliminate on their own and will need stimulation of the genital area using a cotton wool ball, tissue or baby wipe. This will need to be done after each feed. Kittens need safety and warmth, away from drafts and loud noises.
Kittens will sleep between feeds. We keep unweaned litters in cat carriers, the soft closed type are excellent as they are safe and secure and easily transported. You will need plenty of blankets, towels and pee mats are also very usual. Giving kittens a soft toy to cuddle to is advised, snuggle pets with simulated beating hearts and heat sources are ideal, babies love them! Baby wipes come in handy for keeping little kitten mouths and faces clean. Kittens may require a heat source in cooler weather.
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Weaning
At approx 3-4 weeks of age kittens can start to try solids. Soaked kitten kibble is a great way to start as it is less messy than wet food and kittens will suck the moisture out as first steps to weaning. Another way is to obtain Hills ad tinned food, this is critical care formula so is great for orphans who may have had a very tough start and need extra support.
The ad food is also the easiest to mix with formula and mush to syringe feed with ease to babies who don't quite have the hang of eating on their own. Some kittens will still need supported care until around 5 weeks of age to ensure they are eating enough.
At approx 3-4 weeks of age kittens can start to try solids. Soaked kitten kibble is a great way to start as it is less messy than wet food and kittens will suck the moisture out as first steps to weaning. Another way is to obtain Hills ad tinned food, this is critical care formula so is great for orphans who may have had a very tough start and need extra support.
The ad food is also the easiest to mix with formula and mush to syringe feed with ease to babies who don't quite have the hang of eating on their own. Some kittens will still need supported care until around 5 weeks of age to ensure they are eating enough.
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Litter/Toileting
Once kittens are around 3 weeks of age they will start to eliminate unassisted. It is a good idea to introduce a small litter tray early as kittens have a natural instinct to use litter. We recommend either Catlux, fine clumping or Breeders Choice pellets as these are the safest for inexperienced kittens. Crystals can be dangerous as kittens have a tendency to eat them and get them stuck in their mouths. It is important to change litter regularly
Once kittens are around 3 weeks of age they will start to eliminate unassisted. It is a good idea to introduce a small litter tray early as kittens have a natural instinct to use litter. We recommend either Catlux, fine clumping or Breeders Choice pellets as these are the safest for inexperienced kittens. Crystals can be dangerous as kittens have a tendency to eat them and get them stuck in their mouths. It is important to change litter regularly
4 Weeks Plus
From 4 weeks of age your kittens should be mostly weaned, using litter and beginning to explore and play. At this stage it is recommended to move them to a larger space. I personally use the soft play pens or large metal dog crates, there is ample room for food and water bowls, litter, some toys and their bed and kittens are safe from harm of getting lost.
From 4 weeks of age your kittens should be mostly weaned, using litter and beginning to explore and play. At this stage it is recommended to move them to a larger space. I personally use the soft play pens or large metal dog crates, there is ample room for food and water bowls, litter, some toys and their bed and kittens are safe from harm of getting lost.
Soft play pen, perfect set up for kittens 4 weeks up to 5 weeks.
It is not advisable to allow small kittens to freely roam your house, tiny babies can become lost, entangled, stuck in recliners, let outside accidentally, squashed by children, harmed by other pets etc etc. a bathroom or laundry is also a good place to safely house babies. By keeping kittens contained you are also much easier able to keep an eye on eating and toileting habits and any sign of illness can be picked up on early.
6 Weeks Plus
From 6 weeks of age kittens will be eating, toileting and exploring independently. In most cases as long as 500g plus kittens can now be wormed and given first vaccination. LL's kittens are also placed up for pre adoption at this age. You will need to provide good photos for their adoption profile as well as detailed personality information.
From 6 weeks of age kittens will be eating, toileting and exploring independently. In most cases as long as 500g plus kittens can now be wormed and given first vaccination. LL's kittens are also placed up for pre adoption at this age. You will need to provide good photos for their adoption profile as well as detailed personality information.
Large metal crate, perfect set up for kittens from 5-6 weeks of age.
10 Weeks Plus
At 10 weeks of age our kittens are generally ready for second vaccinations, microchip and desexing. And as such they are also able to go to forever homes once adopted at this age. Kittens adopted at 10 weeks of age will require new owners to have the third kitten vaccination done at 14 weeks.
At 10 weeks of age our kittens are generally ready for second vaccinations, microchip and desexing. And as such they are also able to go to forever homes once adopted at this age. Kittens adopted at 10 weeks of age will require new owners to have the third kitten vaccination done at 14 weeks.
Metal indoor playpen, great for younger kittens who can't climb.
Things to watch out for
Things to watch out for include, blood in urine or faeces, vomiting, sneezing, gunky eyes. Please take your kitten to a LL's approved vet at the FIRST sign of illness, kittens crash very quickly and acting quickly may save their life.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is common in young kittens and is caused by their blood sugar level dropping drastically low. This can happen if your kittens have not been receiving enough food/milk/nutrition,too long between feeds etc. it is very important to ensure kittens are adequately fed often to prevent this. Being cold is another cause, warmth is essential.
A kitten with hypoglycemia will lack energy. In severe instances, the kitten may even seizure, since glucose is necessary for the brain tissue and muscles to function. These hypoglycemic episodes will cause the kitten to fall over and appear lethargic or comatose.
Things to watch out for include, blood in urine or faeces, vomiting, sneezing, gunky eyes. Please take your kitten to a LL's approved vet at the FIRST sign of illness, kittens crash very quickly and acting quickly may save their life.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is common in young kittens and is caused by their blood sugar level dropping drastically low. This can happen if your kittens have not been receiving enough food/milk/nutrition,too long between feeds etc. it is very important to ensure kittens are adequately fed often to prevent this. Being cold is another cause, warmth is essential.
A kitten with hypoglycemia will lack energy. In severe instances, the kitten may even seizure, since glucose is necessary for the brain tissue and muscles to function. These hypoglycemic episodes will cause the kitten to fall over and appear lethargic or comatose.
