Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
bottles with small nipples. Kitten milk needs to be fed warmed, but not
hot—just like the milk you would give to a human baby.
Potty Me
Kittens do not have control over their urination and defecation until
they are about four weeks old. From birth until that time, their moth-
er normally stimulates them to eliminate by licking their genitalia. Of
course, you don't have to go this far; you can simulate this action by
using a warm, damp washcloth or cotton ball, turning the kitten over,
and gently rubbing the genitalia until urine and feces pass.This should
be done after each feeding.
Keep Me Safe and Warm
Kittens do not have any body fat to keep themselves insulated. They
usually pile on top of each other next to their mom and share her heat.
If you have an orphan, you need to keep her warm using a hot water
bottle or a heating pad set on low; both should be covered with a towel.
Make sure the kitten has a way to crawl off the heating pad or bottle if
she becomes too hot. Except when you are handling her, a newborn
kitten should be confined in a small box with a towel in an area free
from drafts. Because newborns cannot see, it is essential to know where
they are at all times to keep them out of trouble.
Orphans are weaned in the same manner as kittens raised by their
mothers. They can be introduced to a gruel of meat baby food at four
weeks of age. Litter box introductions are also recommended at this
time.
Behavior problems are common in orphaned kittens because they
miss out on being trained by another cat. Orphans tend to bite more,
be less tolerant of restraint and play roughly. They would not get away
with these actions if their mother, siblings or other cats were around.
Other cats teach manners and appropriate responses by biting back, rep-
rimanding with their paws and demonstrating by example. Exposing
orphans to humans and other cats at a young age helps. Don't allow an
orphan kitten to bite you or play with you in an aggressive manner. It
only reinforces bad behavior.
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