• Skip to main content

Tree Pony

How to Care for Newborn Cats

by tree pony

Newborn kittens require a lot of attention. You have to hand feed them to start and make sure they are warm as well as not overheating. With a lot of love you can raise your kitten into a very behaved adult cat.

Feeding
It’s very important to watch your kittens weight. This ensures you that you are feeding the proper amounts for a healthy growth. You can purchase a nursery bottle for kittens at many local stores. A Pet AG Animal Nurser is sold at PetCo for $1.97. They are also available at department stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. Aside from purchasing a feeding bottle, you will need to buy a milk replacer. Milk replacer is available in a liquid or powder form. Just Born Milk Kitten Powder in a 12 oz can costs between $14 and $26. You can find this product or similar products in stores or online. KMR Kitten Milk Replacer is a liquid replacer and for a 13 oz can it is available at your local Wal-Mart for $5.64. Which ever milk replacer you prefer, make sure to read the directions on how much to feed a newborn kitten. After about a month you can start feeding your kitten soft cat food. Start by using a mushy kind versus chunky and meaty. Your kitten will use one can per day. Feed a half a can to your kitten in the morning and the other half at night. Once you think that your kitten is ready for dry food, purchase a kitten formula to start. Prices for soft food range by brand and amount. Meow Mix 12 can count ranges from $6 to $9 dollars at Wal-Mart. Friskies offers a 24 can pack for $11.37 at Wal-Mart and a 12 can pack for $7. Single cans range anywhere from under a dollar to a few dollars depending on brand. It is honestly a lot more efficient and worth the price to buy soft food in bulk. Dry cat food could range anywhere from $4 and up. Prices vary between store, size, and brand. Cat food can be purchased at any pet retailer like PetCo, big department store like Wal-Mart, drug store like Walgreens, or local grocery store such as Publix or Food Lion.

Cleaning
It’s important to keep your kitten clean and get everything on their body working properly. To do so, moisten a gentle cloth. Rub the belly and private areas to ensure proper release of urine. Make sure to keep your cats blankets and areas clean every day.

Liter Box Training
Kittens tend to figure out where to go potty on their own. If it looks like they may go on the floor, set them in the box. Make sure to use plain liter for newborns. Remember to not get angry or frustrated when accidents happen. They will get the hang of it.

Sleeping
Just like human babies, kittens need a lot of sleep. They will sleep the majority of the day and spend the time awake by eating and going to the bathroom. Try not to wake your kitten up. It is normal for them to sleep for hours at a time.

Love
It is important to give your kitten lots of human interaction and love. This will help ensure they grow up used to humans and loving as well. Playing is important too. Make sure not to be rough. You do not want them growing up wanting to attack you all the time. Make sure to give your cats lots of toys to play with. In addition to toys feed them a treat or too for being good.

Related

  • Newborn Care - Treatment for Cradle Cap and Seborrheic Dermatitis
  • Newborn Care Basics
  • ABO Incompatibility, Pregnancy, and Severe Newborn Jaundice
  • Breastfeeding Your Newborn Helps Brain Development
  • Can a Newborn Go Out in Public?
  • Do Newborn Babies Cry with Accents?

© 2019 Tree Pony · Contact · Privacy