SimplyCats

There are several basic functions to be addressed when hand rearing kittens. These include the provision of a clean, warm environment, a strict feeding regimen, attention to urination and defecation (emptying of the bowels), and attention to general health.

Total dedication and commitment is required by the carer at all times.

Hand rearing a kitten is an extremely intensive and demanding time condensed into a short period of your life. The rewards of my labours far exceed your sleepless nights.

Bottles can be bought which are specially designed for kittens. The size of the hole in the teat is critical. If when the bottle is turned upside down the milk drips from the teat, the hole is too large, and there is a risk of drowning the kitten. If when the bottle is turned upside down the milk only comes out after considerable squeezing of the bottle, the hole is too small, and its use may result in the kitten becoming discouraged and refusing to feed. The correct size hole allows the milk to drip from the teat with minimal squeezing of the bottle. As teats are used the holes tend to enlarge, so new ones must be introduced. Kittens tend to become fixated upon one particular nipple, so when changing from an old one to a new one they may show reluctance to feed. As the kittens grow the size of the hole in the nipple can be gradually enlarged.

Kittens under 2 weeks old should be fed 10 times in 24 hours. Kittens between 2 and 4 weeks old should be fed every 3 hours. Kittens at 4 weeks old should be fed every 4 hours and be starting to eat solid food.

Hygiene is vitally important as orphaned kittens are prone to infections. Feeding utensils and personal hygiene when feeding and stimulating to urinate and defecate is vital.

Kittens hand reared in isolation from other cats is at risk of developing psychological abnormalities, including nervousness, aggression and a reduced ability to cope with strange surroundings, people or animals. Kittens hand reared in the presence of other cats are less likely to be affected, since they can develop by watching the other cats.

Socialisation is extremely important for well adjusted kittens. Introduce the kittens to other animals as soon as possible.

Kitten Development

0-2 weeks

Kittens’ responses are limited and revolve around thermal stimuli, tactile stimuli and sense of smell. They are relatively immobile but can use a slow paddling movement to travel very short distances. During this time and up until three weeks of age the kitten is totally dependent on the mother’s milk for nutrition, nursing is initiated entirely by the mother. Eyes will open at any time between two and sixteen days but usually between seven and ten days. Teeth start to erupt at about two weeks of age.

3-4 weeks

Vision starts to play a role in guiding the kitten towards its mother. Basic walking appears during the third week and by four weeks of age kittens can move a reasonable distance. The body-righting reaction is fully developed by four weeks. Kittens normally start to eat solid food at four weeks old.

5-6 weeks

By the five week kittens show brief episodes of running. By five weeks of age kittens may start to kill mice. Kittens are no longer dependent on their mother to stimulate urination.

7-8 weeks

Kittens have begun to show adult-like responses to threatening social stimuli, both visual and smell. Weaning is usually complete by seven weeks after birth. By this time a kitten’s ability to maintain body temperature is the same as an adult.
Complex movement, such as walking along and turning around on a narrow fence may not develop fully until ten to eleven weeks after birth. Sexual maturity can occur from six months of age (occasionally earlier) and social maturity (adulthood) at any time between eighteen months and four years of age.