Becoming a parent to a new kitten is a special experience that requires a lot of responsibility and care. Helping your new baby become acclimated to its new environment and family while encouraging their healthy development is your top priority. The first six months of their lives are the most critical, and it’s important you understand how to care for and nurture them properly. Before bringing your new kitten into the home, create a safe living space as you would for a baby or toddler. Keep small items away from the paws reach to prevent from choking such as rubber bands, toilet paper, jewelry, small toys, and balloons. Here are three other top tips to help keep your kitty healthy and happy.
Food
Proper nutrition is the most important, especially regarding newborn kittens. Your kittens must be bottle-fed if their mother isn’t there to nurse. They require a special formula for healthy bones and it’s best to ask your veterinarian which works best. Always bottlefed your kitten in an upright position or gently on their side to prevent choking. Newborn kittens will gain weight at a rapid pace until they reach roughly seven months old. From there on, growth will slow until they are a year old. A proper diet is crucial for healthy growth and energy. Kittens can consume soft or solid foods after 5 weeks old. If your kitten is still nursing from the mother, choose a canned food that is meat-based. Most veterinarians agree that diet formulas are the best varieties of canned foods for kittens after weaning. These types have small amounts of nutrients and calories, making them easier to digest. Never feed your kitten, adult diet versions as they lack the fat and protein content that kittens require.
Litter box training
Kittens don’t know where they’re supposed to eliminate without guidance. From birth to three weeks, their bowels need stimulation. Introduce the litter box right at three weeks, allowing them to explore and examine their new potty. Practice patience as every kitten develops differently. Choosing the right litter matters. Cats will reject litter that is too rough in texture or overly fragrant. Reading the unbiased ratings of Dr. Elsey’s litter reviews will help ease your concerns on making the right litter choice. Avoid any litter that contains harsh chemicals, or fragrances. Be prepared to clean the litter box at least three times a day.
Bedding
Newborn kittens get cold easily and must have a warm, safe place to sleep and play every day. The best bedding for them are small soft beds and cozy fleece blankets. Choose an area of your home that is quiet and draft-free. You can also place a heating pad underneath the blankets for added warmth. Give them room to move from the heat if they get too hot.
Caring for newborn kittens can seem overwhelming and rewarding at the same time. Once you help them get through this fragile stage, you’ll enjoy watching your happy and healthy furry friend at play for years to come.
