You are here:

Cats/Litter of 9 kittens, born 2/05/10

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/7/2010


Question

Smoke and babies
Although we have had 2 adult cats in our home for many years, we have never been around a pregnant cat or newborn kittens.  My husband rescued a cat, we believe she was dropped off at his shop.  She is very friendly, loves to be petted and loves to give kisses, she is a sweetheart.  She delivered a litter of 9 kittens last evening and I'm nervous that all will survive.  They all seem to be thriving.  What signs should we be looking for if the momma kitty isn't tending to one of the kittens and how do we help the kitten to survive?

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Beth,

Congratulations! Pretty looking Mom cat. Kittens should be gorgeous. Nine kittens is a lot for her to take care of. Make sure the Mom is getting taken care of first. Feed her cans of kitten food. She needs the extra nutrition that she will get from that.

Your kitten box is good. You need to keep an eye out for any kitten that is a way from the others. This is because kittens don't really generate enough body heat to keep themselves warm. They need to be together till they get older. A kitten getting chilled is the number one killer of them. You can also put a heating pad on low under the towels on one side for them. Make sure there is an area where the heating pad doesn't cover. If they get too warm they need to be able to get to a cool spot.

You might want to help Mom with the feeding of her kits. You can get some KMR or use my Kitty Glop recipe. Feed the kits once or twice a day to help her. I'll attach my recipe for the Kitty Glop.

Keep an eye out that she is cleaning the kits. She might push the runt or runts of the litter away from her. If there are too many for her to take care of she might only focus on the ones she feels have the best chance of survival. Here is a link that will give you lots of really good info on raising kits. http://www.2ndchance.info/orphankitten.htm

Good luck and I hope all goes well. Remember, make sure Mom cat is fed really well. If she is taken care of all should fall into place.

Ciao, Karen

KITTY GLOP

INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox unflavored gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten,)
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.  

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.