You may have found a few kittens in a box or, worse, in a garbage bag. Unfortunately, this sad and unfair situation continues to occur all too often. Many people do not sterilize their cats, which results in unwanted litters. However, those who are not willing to care for these small felines abandon them to their fate. This is not only irresponsible, but it contributes to increasing the stray cat population, leaving them exposed to various dangers such as enfermedades, accidents and even abuse.
Fortunately, there are generous and compassionate people who take the initiative to help these defenseless animals. If you have been one of those people and have decided to take care of some abandoned kittens, this article is designed to guide you through the steps you need to take care of. insights detailed and useful to provide them with the care they need.
Initial Care: Health Assessment
When you find kittens, the first thing you should do is assess their general health. Being small and defenseless, they are often victims of enfermedades y parasites which, if not treated in time, can compromise their well-being. Therefore, the first measure should always be to take them to a veterinarian for examination.
During this visit, the veterinarian may:
- Detect possible enfermedades or infections.
- Check the existence of parasites internal (such as worms) or external (such as fleas).
- Determine the edad approximate weight of the kittens, which is essential for establishing an appropriate feeding regimen.
Tip: If you can't get them to the vet right away, watch for signs like lack of appetite, Diarrhea, crying eyes, runny nose o extreme weakness, and act quickly.
Provide warmth and a safe place
Newborn kittens are not able to regulate their body temperature until they are about 6 weeks old. This means that they need an external source of heat. If you find them in a cold or damp place, the first thing to do is to move them to a warm space y dry.
Follow these recommendations:
- Use a thermal blanket or a hot water bag wrapped in a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin.
- Keep the temperature between 30-32 degree during the first week, gradually reducing it to 24 degrees as they grow.
- Make sure the space is protected from drafts.
A safe environment also implies a quiet where they can rest without constant interruptions. This helps reduce the Stress, a key factor for its healthy development.
Proper nutrition according to age
La eating is one of the fundamental pillars to ensure the correct development of kittens. Depending on their edad, their nutritional needs will vary significantly:
- Kittens under 4 weeks old: These kittens depend exclusively on mother's milk or, failing that, on special milk for kittens. Never use cow's milk, as it can cause severe digestive problems. Feed the kittens with a special bottle or a syringe without a needle every 2-3 hours.
- Between 4 and 6 weeks: You can start the weaning process by introducing wet kitten food mixed with a little special milk. This will ease the transition to solid food.
- From 8 weeks: The kittens will be ready to eat now. I think dry, preferably moistened at the beginning to facilitate chewing and digestion.
It is essential to maintain regular hours feeding and ensuring that they always have access to fresh water and clean.
Nighttime screams and cries: How to calm them down
It is common for kittens to cry, especially at night. These little ones have been separated from their mother and siblings, which can cause them to feel anxiety y fearTo help them adjust, follow these tips:
- Place a clock wrapped in a cloth near them. The ticking sound simulates their mother's heartbeat and can comfort them.
- Talk to them with a soft tone of voice and warm. This will make them feel safe.
- Proportionate them soft toys or even a small blanket that they can consider as a substitute for the mother or siblings.
It is essential to have patienceOver time, the kittens will begin to feel more secure in their new home.
Hygiene and disease prevention
La hygiene and prevention are key to keeping kittens from getting sick. Here's how to keep them clean and healthy:
- Bathrooms: It is not advisable to bathe very young kittens, as they can easily catch cold. If necessary, clean dirty areas with a wet cloth and warm.
- Rest zone: Wash blankets and towels regularly. Remove food residue and keep the sleeping area clean.
- Deworming: Even if kittens do not go outside, they can be exposed to parasites. Consult your veterinarian to establish an appropriate deworming program.
Vaccination and sterilization
The Vaccines are essential to protect kittens from serious diseases such as feline parvovirus or calicivirus. The vaccination schedule usually begins between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Also, consider the sterilization when kittens reach 5-6 months to avoid unwanted litters and reduce risks such as uterine infections or breast cancer in females.
Socialization and emotional development
The period of socialization, which spans from 2 to 7 weeks of age, is crucial for their emotional development. During this time, expose kittens to different stimuli like sounds, smells and people of different ages. This will help them become confident and sociable cats.
It also encourages play through interactive toys to stimulate their natural hunting instinct and improve their physical and mental well-being. Toys with feathers, stuffed mice y lasers they are excellent options.
With proper care and lots of love, these little felines can grow up healthy and happy, becoming loyal and loving companions. Being part of this process is an enriching experience that fills the heart.