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Newborn Kitten Care: Kitty Food, Nutrition And Veterinary Care

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Published: January 24, 2008

Youtube.com offers thousands of home videos featuring the antics of young kittens. The popularity of these snapshots demonstrates the significant role these animals play in their owner’s lives. Because kittens do so much to entertain both in the living room and in cyberspace, owners have a responsibility to supply the best foundation for their pets. By providing the proper newborn kitten care, owners can ensure the lifelong health of their playful friends.

The key to newborn kitten care is correct nutrition and hydration. Newborn kittens receive much of their food from their mother for the first several weeks and should never be given cow’s milk because it provides little nutritional value. Kittens can usually be weaned from their mothers at 3 to 4 weeks. To maintain newborn kitten care during the transition from mother’s milk to solid food, owners can soak kitten chow in water to soften it. During this time, kittens should be fed small meals several times a day. To make sure kittens are hydrated, gently tug their skin; if the skin snaps back immediately, they have enough water in their system. However, if the skin takes several seconds to regain its shape, owners should seek veterinary care. Firm, brown stool and pale yellow urine are appropriate signs that the animal is receiving the right newborn kitten care.

Another significant component of newborn kitten care is providing a safe, warm environment. Newborns must always be kept warm, especially if they are orphans. Even if their mother is available, the temperature of their shelter should always be monitored. A dry, draft-free crate or box should also be provided to help maintain the body temperature of its occupants.

Because newborns are sensitive, cleanliness is another essential element of newborn kitten care. Unless the mother is thorough in grooming her kittens, owners must remove any food or fecal remnants from their skin. Regularly grooming the animal provides a positive example that the kitten will continue to uphold throughout their lives.

Newborn kitten care also depends on the proper socialization. Handling the kittens immediately will make the animals more comfortable with human interaction later in life. During newborn kitten care, be sure to gently support the body and head. Kittens will be more accepting of being held and coddled if done in the presence of their relaxed mother.

Both online and on laps, kittens provide countless hours of entertainment and joy to their human companions. But their sociable behavior can only be developed with a solid foundation. To help kittens maintain their fun-loving energy throughout their adulthood, owners should be mindful of newborn kitten care.


Sources:
“Kitten Care Handbook.” KittenRescue.org. 2008. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.kittenrescue.org/handbook.htm.

“Little Kittens – New Born Care.” KittenCare.com. 1998-2008. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.kittencare.com/askKC_LittleKittens.html .

“Newborn Kitten Care.” Petcaretips.net. 2008. 23 Jan. 2008. http://www.petcaretips.net/newborn_kitten_care.htm l.
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