Kitten Care - Cat Owners - MSD Veterinary Manual (2024)

FAQs

What is the fading kitten syndrome? ›

Fading kitten syndrome occurs when newborn kittens fail to thrive and are likely to expire prematurely, usually prior to weaning. Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause and include excessive crying, low body temperature, lethargy, separating from littermates, weight loss, and poor sucking reflex.

Once the kittens are “weaned” (eating on their own - typically no earlier than 4 weeks), the kittens can be safely separated from the mother. You can then begin the socialization process in your home or bring them to our shelter so they can fostered until they are at least two pounds.

Meeting your feline friend's veterinary needs. Until they are four months old, kittens need to see a vet every three to four weeks. A typical adult cat should see the vet for a check-up at least once a year. Senior cats need to see the vet at least every six months.

Like people, cats can go longer without food than water. Cats can survive for about two weeks without eating but only three days without drinking. The longer your cat goes without proper nutrition, however, the weaker they become, so it's important to contact your vet if you suspect they haven't eaten in a day or more.

This condition affects 15%-27% of kittens before 9 weeks of age. It most often occurs between 1 and 6 weeks of age. It can affect older kittens, too, but Dr. Hammond says most cases occur in the first week of a kitten's life.

Ataxia is incoordination within the nervous system. The abnormal movement can occur in the legs, the head, the body, or all three.

If the mama cat or pet parent does not stimulate the kitten or if the kitten is orphaned without anyone taking care of them, they will be unable to defecate. The feces will build up in the colon and eventually become a life-threatening condition.

5 – 6 Weeks of Age

Dry food and water should be available at all times. Some kittens do not like wet food and some kittens do not like dry food.

When kittens are four weeks old, it's time to start getting serious about the weaning process! Mix kitten formula with wet food and either let the kittens eat it themselves from a dish or feed them the mixture with a kitten-specific bottle. Gradually, adjust the mixture so it's more wet food and less formula.

All newly adopted cats should be brought to a veterinarian within a couple weeks of adoption for a full physical examination even if they are older and already up to date with their vaccinations. Kittens will need to have at least a few visits. They will get vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.

What is included in a kitten's first vet visit? ›

The staff and veterinarian will ask you about your kitten's history and do a physical examination. During your kitten's first checkup, your vet will look for signs of parasites such as fleas and mites. The vet will examine your kitten's eyes, ears, lips, skin, coat, and entire body.

If the kittens appear ill or injured, they should be brought to your local shelter or rescue or a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. Please call first to ensure they are open and can accept the kittens.

Often, we jump to the worst conclusions and forget the obvious reason why a cat might not finish their food: its stomach is full. Cats have small stomachs; on average about the size of a ping-pong ball, so their eating patterns can involve several breaks rather than eating an entire portion in one sitting.

Cats don't need much water to drink, especially if they eat canned food or food in pouches which contains a lot of water in it. However, it is still important to make sure your cat has fresh water at all times.

Yes, cats can feel sad when their kittens are given away. Mother cats form strong bonds with their kittens, and they may experience a range of emotions when they are separated, including sadness, grief, and anxiety [1].

Symptoms of Fading Kitten Syndrome

Early signs that a kitten is fading may include lethargy, lack of interest in nursing, sleeping separately from the litter, and whining. Caregivers may notice that the kitten—s skin is less elastic, which is a symptom of dehydration.

INCREASE BLOOD SUGAR – While warming the kitten, apply light Karo corn syrup to the gums. If Karo is not available, use pancake syrup or mix equal parts sugar and warm water until dissolved. Use a syringe or your finger to place a few drops of the sugar source into the kitten's mouth EVERY 3 MINTUES.

When a kitten is fading, two things are happening: hypothermia, being too cold; and hypoglycemia, not enough blood sugar. You must get the kitten's body temperature up and raise its blood sugar or it will die. Get them warm. Immediately wrap the kitten in a towel like a burrito leaving only their face exposed.