From Squeaks to Shrieks: A Clinic Mouse’s Guide to Kitten Season

Hey everybody, Whinny the Clinic Mouse here! Spring came and went, as it does, and brought with it the annual phenomenon known as “kitten season.” During this time, feline fertility peaks, leading to a surge in the number of cat mothers giving birth. While this can be heartwarming, it can also be heartbreaking when there are orphan kittens in need of care. Animal shelters are often overflowing at this time of year as well, which means there isn’t always a place for these pip-squeaks to go. Kittens are made cute, so they can get people to do what they want and take them in (mice are way cuter in my humble opinion, but you don’t see people busting down doors to take us into their homes). Anyway…

Mother cats are typically incredibly dedicated caregivers, and if you find a healthy, well-fed group of kittens nestled together somewhere, they are probably under the jurisdiction of an adult cat, and take it from me, you don’t want to mess with them! However, if the kittens are alone, crying, appear malnourished, or injured, then they may be orphaned and will need your intervention.

If you know of a shelter or kitten rescue group with availability, definitely bring any sickly kittens there, but if that’s not an option, let me lead you down the whisker-trail of taking care of orphaned kittens.

The Delicate Art of Orphaned Kitten Care

Caring for orphaned kittens is a significant commitment that requires knowledge, patience, and a good deal of love. Their needs will vary depending on their age, but some general principles apply.

Warmth is Crucial: Newborn kittens are unable to regulate their body temperature and rely on their mother’s warmth for survival. If you’ve taken in orphaned kittens, you must create a cozy nest box lined with soft towels and provide external heat. You can use a heating pad set on low (covered with a towel) to maintain a temperature around 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This mimics the warmth they would receive from their mother. There is also a product called Snuggle Safe that heats up in the microwave and stays warm for a few hours without the risk of electrical issues. There should be an area of the box that does not have a heating element under it so the kittens can move away from it if they need to.

Feeding Time: Orphaned kittens require frequent feedings with a kitten-specific formula. Kittens younger than 1 week need food about every 2-3 hours. They are not able to sustain themselves overnight. It’s very important to mix the formula exactly as the product directs, and to warm it to body temperature prior to feeding. You can test it on the inside of your paw—whoops, I mean wrist—to check that it’s not too warm. Never feed kittens on their back, they should be on their stomach and should be actively swallowing.

Whinny Wisdom: Squeezing or syringing milk into their mouth is not ok! You’re more likely to cause them to inhale it. 

Elimination Stimulation: Unlike older kittens, newborns cannot eliminate waste on their own. The mother cat would typically lick their genitals to stimulate urination and defecation. You can mimic this process by gently rubbing the kitten’s genital area with a warm, damp cotton ball, piece of gauze, or washcloth after each feeding. Continue until elimination occurs. Don’t skip this step, and if you’re too squeamish for it, well, that’s when you’d call my docs or other professionals, because to raise kittens, you have to be able to handle the gross and the cute!

A Gradual Transition

As the kittens mature, their needs will evolve. Here’s a breakdown of care by age group:

• Newborn to 4 Weeks Old: These fragile kittens require constant care, including bottle-feeding every few hours, warmth regulation, and elimination stimulation. Their eyes may be closed or partially open, and they won’t be able to walk or play.
• 4 to 8 Weeks Old: Kittens in this age group can start lapping formula from a shallow dish. You can introduce moistened kitten food at this stage, but bottle-feeding may still be necessary to ensure they get enough calories. Their eyes will be open, and they’ll begin to explore their surroundings.
• 8 to 12 Weeks Old: By this age, kittens can typically be weaned off formula and eat moistened kitten food. However, monitor their weight gain and continue bottle-feeding if needed. These playful kittens will be more active and can begin litter box training.

Beyond the Basics

While providing warmth, food, and elimination assistance are crucial, orphaned kittens also require socialization and enrichment. Handle them gently and regularly to get them accustomed to human contact. Provide them with safe toys to play with and stimulate their natural instincts. If you have a single orphan kitten, you’ll need to teach them to play safely and learn to be independent as they age. Bottle babies are notorious for becoming spoiled rotten adult cats. They may be small, but their meows pack a punch! Honestly, the decibel level rivals a rock concert sometimes. Guess I need to invest in some earplugs…or maybe some cheese…for this kitten season. Did I mention that we have a bottle baby kitten here at the Clinic? Wednesday is not thrilled about it. Anyway.

Remember, Prevention is Key

The overwhelming number of orphaned kittens during kitten season should remind you of the importance of spaying and neutering your cats. This routine surgery is the single most effective way to prevent unwanted litters and their associated challenges. Spaying and neutering also has numerous health benefits for your feline companions.

The Rewarding Journey of Kitten Care

Helping orphaned kittens is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding experience. By providing them with the necessary care and love, you’ll be giving them a fighting chance at a happy and healthy life. Remember, even small actions can make a big difference for these vulnerable creatures. So, this kitten season, consider opening your heart and maybe even your home to a furry little orphan in need. Remember, your veterinarian is your best partner for helping all animals, but especially the tiniest of the bunch! Another resource our clinic recommends all the time to foster kitten parents is this website:

www.kittenlady.org

There, you will find lots of helpful diagrams, pictures, and videos for raising kittens!

Whinny Wisdom: Keep an eye out for “kitten season” awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts in your area. These initiatives are crucial in supporting shelters and rescue organizations that care for orphaned kittens. Consider volunteering your time or making a donation to contribute to their lifesaving work.

Well, that’s it for this week. Now that Pugsly, our new kitten here at the Clinic, is learning to eat dry food, I’m going to see if I can sneak a bite.

Until next week,

~Whinny

P.S. If you haven’t brought your feline friends in to meet Dr. Speziok yet, or had her come to your house to meet them, you are missing out! Yes, you read that right, your favorite cat vet makes house calls! That takes most of the stress out of things for your less-socially inclined feline. Call our office today to schedule your visit! 352-472-1620.