Expert: Jessica - 8/23/2009

Question
Hi, my cat just had her 3rd litter yesterday and one the kittens seems cold to the touch. It is not really in the pile where all the kittens cuddle together. But her mouth is wet from feeding? I just dont understand the body temp. I dont want this kitten to die and help would be appreciated. Thank you

Answer
Hi Joe.  Any time you see the kitten left out, try to move her in close to mom to get her body temperature up.  If the kitten keeps getting separated, you may need to hand raise her to give her her best chance at survival.  She would need to be kept in a room of 85-90 degrees F for the first week, or kept on a heating pad that is wrapped in a towel and set on low heat.  She should have room to move off the heating pad when she wants to.  You would need to bottle feed her every two hours for the first week, or you could try placing her at mom's belly for meals.  However, you would need to try to time it so that it wasn't right after the other kittens ate, because mom may not have much for milk left after all the other kittens are finished feeding.

During the third week, meals can go down to every three hours, and when she's four weeks, she can eat every 4-5 hours.  After that, you will begin introducing canned food in addition to her formula.

Hand raised kittens need to be stimulated to go to the bathroom by having their genital area massaged with warm moistened cotton balls.  This should be performed after each meal.  Urine should be produced each time, and kittens usually move their bowels at least once a day, although some go up to 36-48 hours between bowel movements.

I hope she improves for you!

Jessica