The experience of having a cat with its young at home can be very rewarding for human caregivers, due to the tenderness of these small animals, thanks to which it is very easy to create a close emotional bond with they.
If your cat has just given birth, at Experto Animal we know that you will be surprised to discover what a good mother she is, because in most In most cases, cats are very jealous of their young and spend a large part of the day with them, especially before the little ones start to walk.
Despite this, the people who are around the animal also have to take care of the new members of the family, so in this article we give you several tips on how to care for a cat and her kittens.
Feline care
The first thing to keep in mind is that your cat instinctively is fully trainedto attend to the needs of her litter of she. She will know how and when to feed them, how to bathe them and how to give them the warmth they require. On that side, you can be calm, your job is to make these tasks easier for the cat and provide comfort at this time of her life.
In a sense, you should give him the necessary space to attend to his young, you don't have to be on them constantly, at least that you notice some strange behavior, such as one of the kittens not feeding.
The space that you set up to have the cat family must be easily accessible to the mother, so she can go in and out without anything getting between her and her kittens. Remember that the cat is the one who knows best when she should feed them and when she should help them with the excretion, for example
Avoid picking up the kittens as much as possible and even caressing them, as this irritates the cat and makes her jealous. In addition, you can contaminate them with germs, so if you are going to take them, wash your hands very well before doing so. If you have children at home, do not let them catch the kittens until after about 12 weeks have passed, as the kittens are very fragile and children could accidentally hurt them.
This does not mean, of course, that you disregard kittens. Daily check that they are all there, because sometimes the cats want to hide them, that they look he althy and that they eat.
Shelter
What is up to you, even before the kittens are born, is to prepare a suitable space for them and also for the mother.
In a quiet and safe place in the house, place a box or basketBig enough to fit the cat and her kittens, but not too big as they will feel unprotected. You must do this before she gives birth, so that she has a quiet place to give birth. After giving birth, she and her calves will have their own space in that same box or basket
You must place blankets and blankets inside the basket to make it fluffy and warm, which you will change frequently to keep them clean. Right after delivery you may need to remove the bloody blanket, but do this tactfully so the cat doesn't feel stressed or attacked.
Cats, especially first-time cats, have a hard time getting away from their kittens, so you'll have to place the food, water and litter trays near the crate where she is with her puppies. This way you will feel calmer.
Feeding
As with humans, the feeding of the cat during gestation is extremely important to give birth to a litter fury. That is why about three weeks before delivery, it is recommended that you start serving cat food for puppies, as it has many more nutrients than adult food. She will need more food, probably 2 or 3 times a day. You can supplement with pieces of fish and chicken a few times a week. Continue this feeding for several weeks after the pups have hatched.
Remember to always keep a container of fresh water near the animal.
When the kittens are born, the best thing for them is to be breastfed, because the lactationprovides you with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Colostrum is a substance that contains the mother's milk of the cat, and that provides the offspring with immune protection so that they do not get sick. Of course, the quality of the milk will depend on the mother's good nutrition.
It is very common for the cat to be reluctant to eat right after giving birth, but offer her the food so that she regains her appetite. At this stage it is extremely important that she has plenty of water to drink
The lactation period lasts about two months, and during it you should not worry about the kittens' food but about the mother's. After these two months, the weaning stage begins, in which the kittens abandon their mother's milk to start eating solids.
The cat needs to be helped to wean the kittens, so you should buy them kitten food Otherwise, it's very difficult for the cat to get them to eat more than breast milk. Never under any circumstances offer them cow's milk or any other, because the fat contained in these types of milk causes diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Weaning is a good time to deworm pups and pups. Consult your veterinarian.
He alth
The he alth of the mother and the kittens is one of the most important aspects. During pregnancy, it's good to take your cat for veterinary checkups to check for any problems. Some breeds, such as the Siamese, often have difficulty giving birth, so you should discuss this with your doctor.
Right after delivery, check the number of placentas, there should be one for each kitten. Cats often ingest them, but make sure none of them have been left inside the cat, as it could cause an infection. If she is having trouble giving birth, such as stuck kittens, or if you notice her fussing after delivery, contact your vet immediately.
During the puppies' first week of life, it is recommended that you check the mother's temperature every day, which should be at 40 Celsius degrees. That way you can find out if she has a fever or any other symptoms of illness.
During lactation, check the condition of the cat's teats, in case she develops mastitis. This manifests as red and swollen nipples, the product of an infection. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it should be checked by a professional.
The first ten days after childbirth, a some dark vaginal discharge is normal, but after this time it could indicate an illness.
Before the first vaccination and deworming of the kittens, make sure they all eat, defecate and behave normally. There is usually a weaker cat in every litter, so watch out for any signs of illness.
With these simple tips raising a litter of kittens will be very easy. When they are old enough and if you are thinking of giving them up for adoption, find loving and responsible homes for them.
