What should I do if my cat has left her kittens? - briefly
If your cat has left her kittens, it's important not to intervene immediately unless the kittens are in immediate danger or distress. Cats often leave their kittens briefly to hunt for food or relocate them to a safer location.
What should I do if my cat has left her kittens? - in detail
If you find that your cat has left her kittens, it's crucial to act promptly and responsibly to ensure their well-being. Here are some steps you can take:
First, assess the situation. Check if the kittens are in immediate danger or distress. Look for signs such as lethargy, lack of movement, or difficulty breathing. If any of these signs are present, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Next, try to determine why the mother cat has left her kittens. It's not uncommon for a mother cat to leave her kittens temporarily to hunt or find a more suitable nesting area. Observe from a distance to see if she returns. If she does, it's best to let nature take its course and allow the mother to care for her kittens.
However, if the mother cat does not return within a few hours, you will need to intervene. Kittens are highly dependent on their mother for warmth, nutrition, and stimulation to urinate and defecate. Without this care, they can quickly become dehydrated, hypothermic, or develop other health issues.
To provide the necessary care:
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Keep them warm: Kittens are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively. Place them in a box lined with soft towels or blankets. You can also use a heating pad set on low under half of the box to provide a warm area where they can move if needed. Ensure that the kittens cannot directly touch the heating pad to prevent burns.
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Feed them: If the mother cat does not return, you will need to feed the kittens. Kitten milk replacer is available at pet stores and should be mixed according to the instructions provided. Feed the kittens using a small syringe or a bottle designed for feeding kittens. Hold each kitten in a natural nursing position (on their belly) and allow them to suckle from the syringe or bottle. Be cautious not to overfeed, as this can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
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Stimulate elimination: Since newborn kittens cannot urinate or defecate on their own, you will need to stimulate their genital area with a damp, warm cloth after each feeding. This helps to mimic the natural process that the mother cat would provide through licking.
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Monitor hydration: Dehydration is a significant risk for newborn kittens. Ensure they are drinking enough by checking the color of their urine and monitoring their skin turgor. If you suspect dehydration, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
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Maintain cleanliness: Keep the area where the kittens are housed clean to prevent infections. Change bedding frequently and ensure that the feeding syringe or bottle is cleaned thoroughly after each use.
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Seek professional help: Caring for newborn kittens can be challenging, and it's essential to seek guidance from a veterinarian. They can provide advice tailored to the specific needs of the kittens and monitor their health as they grow.
In summary, if your cat has left her kittens, assess the situation promptly, try to determine why the mother cat has left, and be prepared to intervene if necessary. Providing warmth, nutrition, and stimulation are crucial for the well-being of the kittens until they can be cared for by a veterinarian or a foster parent with experience in hand-rearing neonatal kittens.