Tips on general kitten care

Newborn kittens are fragile and need gentle handling and care. As pet parents, your duty is to see to that they meet their daily nutritional requirements, have enough liquids and are reasonably active.

Here are a general tips on kitten care:

• Lice and pests – Kittens can be infested by lice and other pests. Sometimes they are transferred through the mother or bedding. The bedding should be changed and cleaned regularly. The mother cat can be treated for lice if you find her to be the source. The kitten can be treated separately too. Wash the kitten in a small tub with lukewarm water added with baby shampoo and safe medication. After washing, a lice comb can be used to pick any lice or eggs in the fur. Make sure the kitten is dried properly after the wash.
• To make sure that the kittens are getting proper nutrition and putting on weight, you will need to weigh them once a week and keep a record of their weight. Kittens should gain about 1 ¾ to 3 ½ ounces per week. Talk your veterinarian if you are concerned that the kittens are not gaining weight fast enough.
• Be very careful when handling a newborn kitten. If children will be handling the kittens, teach them to be gentle and do not allow them to hold the kittens without supervision. Newborn kittens are very delicate.
• Make sure they are watched as they explore. Because of their inquisitive nature kittens often love to move under the table, sofa, into the bathrooms, wardrobe etc. (13%)