The first six weeks of kitten life are vital to their development, so it’s important to study this kitten care guide week by week.
What items do I need to purchase for a kitten?
- A cat’s bed – so they know from the very beginning where they will sleep.
- Food / water bowls – stainless steel are the best choice.
- Syringe – Used to feed small kittens.
- Kitten food – it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian which food is best.
- Tray / scoop for tray – Consult your veterinarian for the best tray as there are so many on the market.
- Cat Toys – Play is an important part of a cat’s development.
- Scratching post – This is very important because the scratching post is the place where the kitten can sharpen its claws, not the furniture.
- Care Products – Regular grooming will help minimize the occurrence of fleas.
- Medical supplies – ear cleaner, toothbrush / toothpaste, kitten flea treatment, etc.
Kitten Care Guide Week by Week:
How quickly do kittens develop?
Kittens change and grow in no time. In fact, a cat’s gestation period is also pretty quick. It takes humans nine months to give birth, and cats only nine weeks. For comparison, a week in the development of a cat is equal to a month in human development. Amazing right? By the time cats are 20-24 weeks old, they can become self-sufficient and even reproduce.
Week 1: blind and deaf
Kittens are born both deaf and blind. But don’t panic, they will soon open their eyes. Plus, their umbilical cords will fall off after two or three days. Kittens have no teeth, and they usually weigh only a few grams, but within a week they can double their weight.
Newborn kittens cannot regulate their temperature, so if they leave their mother, they should be returned immediately. If mom isn’t around, we have to make them a cozy box.
To make a cozy box, you can put towels or old blankets in an open box and place kittens inside. Then you need to warm a bottle of water in a pot of water, wrap it in a towel and put it in a box with kittens. Make sure the box is large enough that if the kitten feels overheated, she can move away from the bottle.
Artificial feeding of kittens in the first week
When feeding small kittens, a ratio of eight cubic centimeters of milk for every 30 grams of body weight is used. If there is no mom’s cat, you can use a special feeding mixture. These mixtures contain all the nutrients that animals get from their mother. You shouldn’t give your kittens cow’s or goat’s milk. Over time, the amount of food per meal increases, and the number of feedings decreases. Basically, this first week, the kittens will eat, sleep, and grow.
Week 2: Growth
In the second week, the kitten’s eyes will begin to open. Even if they still won’t open, everything is fine. Although their eyes are opening, they still cannot see well. Kittens are also prone to eye infections and should not be touched in this area. You should also pay attention to the discharge from the kitten’s eyes. Pure discharge is normal, but white, yellowish, or green is not.
If you notice abnormal discharge, you need to take the kitten to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In addition, animals should be kept away from bright lights as their pupils do not dilate or contract yet. Kittens’ eyes should be fully open between 9-14 days.
The kitten will also continue to gain weight during this week, about 10 grams per day. Also, during this time, kittens develop a sense of smell. All kittens have a favorite pacifier on their mother, which they recognize by their smell. At the end of the second week, the kitten will also be able to stand and crawl.
Week 3: Hearing and smell
By the third week, the kitten’s ear canals will be fully open. Their ears will begin to hear, and loud noises are likely to scare them.
Now the kitten will be able to go to the toilet on its own, however, the mother cat will still carry out the grooming duties. Kittens can also purr at this age and their baby teeth will begin to grow.
Note
· The kitten will try to stand up and wiggle as it moves because it can’t walk yet.
· The kitten’s sense of smell is its strongest sense at present.
· Temperature regulation is always a challenge for toddlers.
Week 4: First steps
Between three and four weeks, the kitten will begin to walk, although it is very wobbly. This is because their bodies are disproportionate compared to adults. Everything will change as soon as they start learning things.
Kittens will start to run away from their “cozy box” to go explore the world. They will also begin to interact more with their littermates, even making “best friends”.
Important
Kittens still need to be nursed regularly at this age, so you should continue to feed the mother cat quality food.
Week 5: Looking at the world
By the fifth week, kittens’ eyesight is fully developed and their mobility will only increase, so they strive to explore the world and play with their siblings. The kittens will partly fight each other. They can also chase prey, their own tails, and even human legs.
This is also a great time to start hanging out with them, letting them spend time with people and other pets.
Also, don’t be afraid to let them explore their surroundings under close surveillance. Giving them the opportunity to explore new species and sounds will help them grow into emotionally healthy and well-adjusted cats.
Getting Started with Solid Food
Mixing a small amount of canned or dry foods with milk is a great way to start complementary foods. Put food in a shallow dish and watch out for them in case they knock the bowl over. Don’t be surprised if they step on food and get smeared. Mom will help cleanse them as well as feed them to provide them with some extra nutrients.
Kittens will also be able to go to the toilet on their own, so now is the time to provide them with a litter box. They will learn what they need to do from their mom, but they need to keep the litter box clean.
Weeks 6-8: growing up and socializing
In six to eight weeks, the kitten will undergo many changes. Their eyes will change color, all their baby teeth will be formed and they will be full of energy. Even when they sleep, you can see how they “play” with their brothers and sisters, fight with each other ..
You should also take the kitten to its first “official” veterinarian visit for the first round of vaccinations. They will need four types first, including plague, respiratory vaccines, viral rhinotracheitis of the feline, and feline calicivirus. The veterinarian will advise on what vaccinations they will need in the future.
Note
Kittens can be separated from their mother at the age of six to eight weeks. Slowly transition from dry or wet foods mixed with milk to harder foods.
Week 9-12: self-reliance
Kittens can now be taken to another house. They must be fast and confident on their feet. Kittens should weigh about 800-900 grams.
Kittens are amazing little creatures. It’s amazing how they can grow from a few grams to almost a kilogram in a few short weeks. Keeping them warm when they are tiny, feeding them milk, keeping an eye on them when they start to walk, and preparing them for their first appointment with the vet are some important things to do during their first few weeks of life. With all this in mind, you can raise a happy, healthy, active cat.