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Q&A for How to Care for Newborn Kittens
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QuestionWhy does the mother cat leave her kittens?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.The mother cat has her own needs, including finding water, food, and a place to toilet. Most mother cats won't toilet in or near her litter, since this can attract predators, so she will leave for a short time to do her business. As the kittens get older, she will leave them for longer, but this is completely normal behavior and the start her training them to be independent.
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QuestionWhat should I use to clean the eyes of 1- to 3-week old kittens?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.Soak cotton wool in clean boiled water. It's important to keep the eyes clean at all times. If they are unusually gummy or the discharge is yellow-green, they may have an infection, and the kitten should see the vet.
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QuestionHow can you tell when your cat is close to giving birth?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.Cats are secretive creatures, so it can be difficult to tell. You may find she is quieter than usual for a couple of days before giving birth, but commonly the first sign is that the cat has disappeared off somewhere quiet to give birth. In addition, her mammary glands may start to swell as they fill with milk, and her rectal temperature may drop slightly below normal.
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QuestionShould I be worried that my kitten has only one eye open?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.Kittens are born deaf and blind, with their ears and eyes closed. These open gradually, starting from around 7-10 days of age. Both eyes do not necessarily open at the same time, so no, you don't need to worry if only one eye is open. Give it a few more days.
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QuestionWhen can kittens be separated from their mothers?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.This is the subject of much debate, but 8 weeks is widely regarded as the youngest age at which kittens can leave their mother and go to a new home.
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QuestionIt feels like there is another kitten in the mother's belly, but she finished giving birth to the kittens hours before. What should we do?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.Mother cats can suffer from uterine inertia where the contractions cease. This is potentially dangerous to both the mother and unborn kitten. It's likely the kitten will die inside the womb and then slowly poison the mother. If there is any possibility this is the case, contact the vet immediately.
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QuestionHow often should a 1-week old kitten poop, and what does it look like?Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.Newborn kittens don't pass feces unless stimulated by their mother licking the anal region, and she then cleans away the poop. This is a survival mechanism which keeps the nest clean and reduces the risk of predators finding the nest. If the mother is doing her job, then you won't see kitten poop. If you are hand rearing it's crucial to wipe each kitten butt with a clean piece of damp cotton wool to encourage them to go. The poop is very runny and yellow-brown in color.
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