Can you hold newborn kittens

Pet Education explains how kittens that are rejected or otherwise orphaned when the mother dies need to be hand reared. In these circumstances, it is fine to handle the kittens as the main risk the mother rejecting them is no longer relevant. Be sure to wash your hands first, and keep the kittens warm at all times, fed regularly, and toileted.

Orphaned kittens need special attention, so always discuss their care with your veterinarian. If you spot a litter of newborn kittens that appear to be feral, the Mayor's Alliance advocates leaving them alone and observing them from a distance of at least 35 feet.

Newborn kittens are deaf and blind, and instinct tells them to stay in the nest. If the mother is not present, she may have slipped away to relieve herself or find food. On her return, she will check for danger before approaching the nest. If she senses the kittens have been disturbed or you are too close, this increases the risk of her running off and abandoning them. A feral mother cat who feels threatened will opt to relocate her kittens to a new nest. Since she can only carry one at a time, there will be occasions when her young appear abandoned but aren't really.

Again, stay some distance away to monitor the situation. As the Feral Cat Coalition explains, feral kittens are best off with their mother until at least five to six weeks of age. International Cat Care suggests when you need to check the kittens, keep them as close to the mother as possible. Let her see the kitten at all times, or even be within touching distance.

Wash your hands first, to ensure they are clean. Sit on the floor near the mother, and hold the kitten so she can see it. Keep the kitten upright that is belly-down and supported in your hands. Newborn kittens are vulnerable to chilling and heat loss, so be sure to keep her warm. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and, if required, rest the kitten on this to keep warm. Handle the kitten for the shortest time possible, and put her straight back with the mother.

It can be helpful to stroke the mother first and transfer her scent onto the kitten. Then, either show the kitten to the mother or place the kitten beside a nipple. When the mother licks the kitten or allows her to suckle, these are good signs. It's crucial to handle the kitten gently but with confidence. Ideally, let the kitten rest on her belly in a natural position in your palm or cupped hands. She may move her head from side to side as if seeking a nipple and mew quietly.

This is normal. If you need to check the umbilicus then gently grip the kitten with the forefinger and thumb of one hand forming a girdle around the kitten's chest. Support the kitten's rear end in the palm of the opposite hand while you gently lift and roll the kitten over. The kitten may cry, which is a warning to the mother she is upside down. Return the kitten to a natural resting position as soon as possible.

Small children should not be allowed to handle newborn kittens , and older children should only handle them with supervision. Remember, kittens are vulnerable and unable to defend themselves, and they should always be protected from other pets. It's a good idea not to heat the whole nest, so there's a temperature gradient which can help prevent overheating. Yes No. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Keep your cat and kittens in an empty room with a few cat toys a bathroom would be good. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Make sure there are no hazards for the kitten, such as wires or gaps behind the sink. Don't move the mother until she is ready. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0. Don't let the cat or kittens out of the room until you see that the kittens are comfortable walking around and jumping on their own. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1. If the kittens run from you, let them go. Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1.

Related wikiHows How to. How to. More References 6. About this article. Co-authored by:. Brian Bourquin, DVM. Co-authors: Updated: September 16, Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 30, times. I've been using paper towels, and the idea to use cotton balls seems gentler. Thanks for the pics!

More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Marge Bower Apr 13, Naile Sanchez Mar 28, And yes, I did a good job with the help of wikiHow. Rated this article:. Maryam Wharnsby Jul 5, Letitia Brandon Jun 14, Excellent article, clear and easy to read! Michelle Orr Mar 21, More success stories Hide success stories. Petting them too soon can be dangerous for their health and might make your mama kitty upset.

Mama cat licks her babies to put her own signature scent on them, according to Animal Planet. When you touch a newborn kitten, you make it smell different to its mother. Some cats aren't phased by humans touching their young, but other felines become agitated. Mama kitty might feel threatened by the unfamiliar scent and feel that she needs to move her offspring to a safe location.

If you come back to the nesting box in a few hours and notice that the whole family is missing, don't worry.

Your precious queen was simply trying to protect her litter and moved them to a safe location. As difficult as it may be, you'll need to avoid touching newborn kittens during their first week of life, the ASPCA reports.

Since socializing kittens with humans is an important part of their early growth, carefully start to handle your new fluffy babies starting during their second week of life. Before you pick them up, make sure you allow mama cat to sniff your hand.

Pet her head and show her affection, ensuring her that you are not a threat.