How to Care for Newborn Kittens With Mom
Hey there, pet parents! all you know is that Newborn kittens require a lot of care. While their mother knows what to do, you also play an important role. As you help her, make sure she and the kittens stay safe and healthy. I love to welcome newborn kitty at my home. It is an exciting moment for both of me and my Purr Friend.
In this blog, I will share my experience on how to care for newborn kittens with Mom. Let’s dive into this adorable journey!
How Do You Prepare for a Newborn Kitten?
Getting ready for newborn kittens is exciting, but it takes some planning to make sure mom and her babies have everything they need. A calm, safe environment will help the mother cat feel secure. Then, She will prepare to care for her cubs.
Start by establishing a comfortable place where she can give birth and care for her kittens. Choose a quiet area away from the noise. Buy a large box or a pet bed with soft blankets. Make sure the place is warm, as newborn kittens cannot yet regulate their body temperature. If necessary, use a heating pad under the bed area (but leave a cool area so they can move if they get too hot).
Have a few supplies ready, such as clean towels, kitten-safe blankets, and access to fresh water and food for mom. She’ll need lots of nutrients to produce milk, so feed her high-quality food, especially kitten food—it’s packed with extra nutrients.
Check on her often before she gives birth, but also give her space. Cats love to feel safe and secure, especially when they are close to giving birth.
What to Do After Cat Gives Birth?
Right after birth, the mother cat will get busy cleaning her kittens by licking them. This helps stimulate their breathing and keeps them warm. Kittens will immediately begin seeking mom’s nipples. If a kitten seems weak or unable to latch, you may need to gently help it find a nipple.
Keep the area calm and comfortable. Mother and kittens will need plenty of rest. If something seems off — such as a kitten struggling to breathe or the mother ignoring you — you may need to call the vet.
Newborn Kitten Care Week by Week
Week 1: Warmth and Nursing
Your newborn guests can’t see, hear, or regulate their body temperature. Your main job is to keep them warm and cozy. They will spend most of their time nursing and sleeping. Your tiny purrballs will sleep 12 hours daily.
Ensure every kitten gets a chance to nurse. Check their weight daily to track growth.
Week 2: Eyes Begin to Open
Around day 10, their eyes will start to open, though their vision will still be blurry. The kittens will stay close to their mom and continue nursing. Check the mom is grooming them regularly to help with their bathroom needs.
Week 3: Tiny Explorers
By the third week, your cute kittens become more active. Their hearing improves, and they’ll start to respond to sounds. You might see them wobbling on their little legs as they explore the area. It’s time to start introducing a shallow litter box.
Week 4: Playtime Begins
your kittens will now be more coordinated, and playtime begins! They’ll wrestle with each other. They will practice their hunting skills, and bond with Mom. Start offering soft, wet kitten food alongside nursing, as they’re getting ready to transition from milk to solids.
Week 5-6: Weaning in Progress
By week five, the kittens will eat more solid food and nurse less. Encourage them to eat by offering wet food several times a day. They’ll get the hang of the litter box too, so keep it clean and accessible. Spend more time with new furry friends. It will help them to feel comfortable with humans. Feline Cognitive Development Study” Applied Animal Behavior Science (2019) Research Team: UC Davis found that problem-solving abilities emerge at 5 weeks. Their social learning peaks at 6-8 weeks. Environmental enrichment increases the intelligence scores of your tiny friend.
Week 7-8: Independent Little Kittens
Your kittens are now playful, curious, and more independent. They’ll be eating mostly solid food and using the litter box on their own. This is the perfect time to schedule their first vet visit for vaccinations and a health check.
“Early Weaning Effects on Kitten Development” Veterinary Sciences (2020) Study by: Cornell University found that optimal weaning age is 8-10 weeks. Early weaning linked to:
- Increased behavioral problems.
- Compromised immune development.
- Poor social skills.
Need more kitten care tips? Drop a comment below!
