How to Care for Newborn Kittens - Handling and Protecting
1. Leave kittens alone during their first week of life if the mother is around. Mother cats may reject their kittens or get upset if they are handled too much, so it is in their best interest to leave them alone if she is still around. However, from the age of 2-7 weeks it is important to get kittens used to being held by humans.[7]
2. Handle kittens gently. Be very careful when handling a newborn kitten. If you have children who will be handling your kittens, teach them how to be gentle and never allow them to hold the kittens unless they are being supervised. Newborn kittens are fragile and even a small child could cause serious harm to a kitten.[8]
3. Provide a place for the kitten(s) to sleep. If the kittens do not already have a place to sleep, make sure that you provide someplace for them that is warm, dry, and away from potential predators. Make sure that the place you choose for the kittens is out of the elements and away from drafts. You can use a box or a cat carrier that is lined with clean towels or blankets.[9]
4. Keep the kittens warm. If the mother cat is not around, you will need to provide a heating pad or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to help keep the kittens warm. Just make sure that the kittens can get away from the heat if they become too warm. Check on them often to see if they seem comfortable.[10]
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