Care for Your Queen Postpartum

 

After your cat has delivered her litter, it is essential to closely observe both the mother and her kittens to ensure their health and proper development. A strong start is crucial for the kittens to grow into robust, healthy cats. While the mother cat will instinctively care for her young, it is advisable to minimise interference and allow her to fulfil her maternal duties.

 

Postpartum Care Instructions for Your Queen and Her Kittens

 

Please follow these key guidelines after your cat has given birth:

• Maintain a Warm Environment: Keep the room where your cat and her kittens reside comfortably warm.
• Ensure Clean Bedding: Regularly check and replace bedding to keep it dry and comfortable.
• Provide a Quiet Space: Minimise noise and disturbances; limit access to family members as necessary to protect the mother and her kittens.
• Monitor Nursing: Observe the kittens to confirm they are nursing sufficiently, while maintaining a respectful distance to avoid stressing the mother.
• Isolate from Other Pets: Prevent other household animals from approaching the queen and her litter.
• Assist Feeding if Necessary: Kittens should begin nursing shortly after birth; if they have not started within 30 minutes, gently guide them to their mother.

 

If you have any concerns about their care, please consult your veterinarian promptly.

 

When to Seek Veterinary Assistance

 

Although most feline births proceed without complications, certain conditions require immediate veterinary attention. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

• Vaginal bleeding or abnormal discharge.
• Uterine prolapse (protrusion of the womb).
• Mastitis, indicated by swollen, painful, and warm mammary glands.
• Loss of appetite, excessive thirst, or vomiting.
• Uncoordinated movements, twitching, or collapse.

 

Common Maternal Behaviours Following Birth

 

Many queens instinctively display maternal behaviours such as:

• Grooming: Licking and nuzzling her newborns, often accompanied by purring.
• Relocating Kittens: If the environment feels unsafe or too cold, she may move her kittens to a new location. It is important not to interfere; instead, provide a warm, quiet, and comfortable space.
• Protectiveness: The mother may exhibit increased protectiveness and altered behaviour towards humans. Respect her boundaries until she becomes more comfortable.

 

Understanding Your Cat’s Meowing: Seeking Reassurance and Security
A new mother cat is vulnerable and seeks to ensure her kittens’ safety. Meowing directed at you signifies trust; she desires your presence as her trusted human to help protect her "colony" (herself and her kittens). Your presence can help her feel secure enough to relax and nurse effectively.
Requesting Assistance or Attention: She may be communicating needs such as:
Food and Water: Nursing demands significant energy and hydration; she may be hungry or thirsty but reluctant to leave her kittens.
A Break: She might be asking you to temporarily care for the kittens so she can rest, use the litter box, or eat undisturbed.
Showing Off Her Litter: Some mothers are proud and wish for you to admire their new kittens.
When to Be Concerned: While most meowing is normal, consult a veterinarian if you observe:
• Excessive, continuous meowing accompanied by distress signs such as panting, unusual lethargy, or restlessness.
• Neglect of kittens, including consistently leaving them or a lack of nursing and grooming.
• Changes in physical health, such as refusal to eat or drink, significant weight loss, abnormal discharge, or signs of pain, which may indicate infection or retained placenta.
How You Can Support Her:
• Spend time nearby, speaking softly to provide reassurance.
• Ensure easy access to fresh food, water, and a clean litter box close to her nesting area.
• Maintain a safe, quiet, warm, and secure environment away from household traffic and other pets.
• Acknowledge her presence with gentle petting and attention when she seeks interaction.
Minor behavioural changes are typical and usually resolve within weeks; however, seek veterinary advice if you notice:
• Severe distress or pain potentially leading to harm towards her kittens. A calm, familiar environment helps reduce stress.
• Rejection or neglect of any kitten; applying birthing fluids to the kitten may encourage maternal acceptance.

 

Nutritional Needs of Your Cat Postpartum

 

During lactation, your cat requires enhanced nutrition to support both herself and her kittens. A diet rich in calories, fats, and proteins that is easily digestible is essential. Providing high-quality kitten food during this period ensures adequate nutrient intake for optimal growth and facilitates the weaning process.

 

Handling Newborn Kittens

 

It is advisable to avoid handling newborn kittens initially, as the mother may be highly protective. Respect her space until you are confident that all is well. After approximately two weeks, if the mother appears comfortable, gentle handling and socialisation may commence.

 

Neutering Your Cat Post-Lactation

 

Neutering your female cat is a responsible step to prevent unwanted pregnancies and certain health issues. This procedure is generally recommended about eight weeks after birth, once the kittens are fully weaned, allowing the mother sufficient recovery time. Consult your veterinarian for personalised advice. Note that cats can be neutered from four months of age to prevent early litters.

 

Resumption of Outdoor Activities

 

Since kittens require feeding every two to three hours, your cat will likely remain close to them during the first postpartum week. As the kittens grow and become more independent, the mother will gradually resume outdoor activities.

 

Comprehensive Guide to Kitten Development

Newborn kittens depend entirely on their mother for nourishment, warmth, and comfort during their initial weeks. If you have rescued an orphaned kitten, it is crucial to obtain detailed information regarding their sleeping and feeding requirements to support them during this vulnerable period. Although caring for a kitten may seem challenging, it becomes manageable with experience. Untamed provides essential insights on:

• Developmental milestones during the first eight weeks of life
• Your cat’s nutritional, sleeping, and elimination requirements
• Early detection of illness and allergies
• Customised cat food tailored to your kitten’s specific needs

 

Week-by-Week Kitten Growth Overview

Kitten care demands full-time attention. Determining their age, often by weight, is a crucial first step to provide appropriate care and nutrition.

Refer to the table below for an age-appropriate weight chart to estimate your kitten’s age:

Kitten Age | Weight (grams)

Newborn | 50–150

Week 1 | 150–250

Week 2 | 250–350

Week 3 | 350–450

Week 4 | 450–550

Week 5 | 550–650

Week 6 | 650–750

Week 7 | 750–850

Week 8 | 850–1,000

 

This chart serves as a general guideline; variations may occur based on breed, sex, lifestyle, and health. If you suspect your kitten is over- or underweight, assess additional developmental and behavioural indicators for accuracy.

 

First Week Developmental Highlights

Newborn kittens have closed eyes and folded ears, relying primarily on their sense of smell. They exhibit bright pink gums and paws, are unable to stand, and depend exclusively on their mother’s milk or kitten milk replacement formula for nutrition and warmth.

During the first week, kittens sleep 20 to 22 hours daily, facilitating:

• Organ development
• Bone strengthening
• Muscle growth

 

Developmental milestones during the first week include:

Age | Developmental Changes

Day 1 | Closed eyes, folded ears, inability to stand, attached umbilical cord

Day 3 | Closed eyes, partially unfolded ears, emerging senses of smell and taste

Day 6 | Slight movements, partially open eyes, umbilical cord detachment

Day 7 | Open eyes, gradually unfolding ears, environmental awareness

 

If mother’s milk is unavailable, administer kitten milk replacement (KMR), which closely mimics feline milk composition. Feed slowly to prevent choking or vomiting, as newborns lack a gag reflex.

Maintain ambient temperature between 35–36°C to ensure warmth. Stimulate elimination by gently rubbing the kitten’s abdomen with a baby wipe until defecation occurs.

 

Developmental Expectations at Two Weeks

At two weeks, kittens remain close to their mother or caregiver for warmth and security. Key developmental and behavioural milestones include:

• Eyes gradually open fully, though vision remains limited; initial blue eye colour will transition to the adult shade by approximately two months.
• The ear canals fully open; the ears are small and rounded.
• Exploration begins with uncoordinated movements.
• Birth weight should have doubled.
• Increased interaction with siblings and caregivers.
• Heightened sensory development; kittens may hiss at unfamiliar stimuli.

 

Three-Week-Old Kitten Development

By three weeks, sex differentiation is possible: females exhibit a straight genital slit, males a circular opening. Teething commences with the eruption of incisors. Ears become erect, and claws begin retracting. Activity levels increase with improved motor skills, including walking and standing. Kittens consume more milk and begin to defecate independently, marking an ideal time to initiate litter training.

 

Four-Week-Old Kitten Milestones

At four weeks, kittens transition out of the neonatal phase, exhibiting confident walking, environmental awareness, and playfulness. Developmental changes include:

• Fully extended ears and the ability to sit upright.
• Emergence of canine teeth.
• Transition from milk to solid food begins; introduction of wet food is recommended.

 

Post-First Month Growth

By one month, kittens display increased energy, engaging in play and social interaction. Their senses are well-developed, enabling running, chasing toys, and sibling interaction. They sleep wherever they become tired.

 

Five-Week-Old Kitten Development

Socialisation and exploration are prominent at this stage. Milestones include:

• Fully retractable claws.
• Emergence of premolars.
• Increased independence.

By five weeks, kittens’ digestive systems are typically mature enough to consume exclusively wet kitten food. Ensure ample water availability to prevent dehydration, indigestion, and constipation.

 

Six-Week-Old Kitten Development

Molars begin to appear, signalling the nearing completion of teething. Hearing and vision are fully developed, fostering curiosity. Kittens should be capable of stable jumping and landing. The FVRCP vaccination is recommended around this age to protect against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

 

Seven-Week-Old Kitten Milestones

At seven weeks, kittens typically eat four to five times daily and are fully weaned. Semi-moist or dry kitten food may be introduced as treats; however, dry food should not constitute the sole diet due to its lack of moisture, which can lead to dehydration, urinary tract infections, and kidney issues. Excessive consumption of dry food, which is calorie-dense, may contribute to obesity and related health problems. Eye colour begins to shift to the adult hue, and energy levels increase with a slight reduction in sleep. Training and introduction of scratching posts and interactive toys are advisable.

 

Eight-Week-Old Kitten Expectations

At eight weeks, kittens weigh approximately 850 to 1,000 grams and should consume wet food regularly. Deworming and veterinary checks for internal parasites are recommended. If more than 14 days have elapsed since the initial FVRCP vaccine, a booster is advised.

Sterilisation should be considered from four months of age to prevent:

1. Unplanned pregnancies
2. Spontaneous catfights
3. Undesirable hormonal behaviours

 

Optimal Nutrition for Developmental Success

Proper feline nutrition is critical for healthy growth. Inadequate feeding can result in diarrhoea, vomiting, and food poisoning, leading to dehydration and severe weight loss, which jeopardises development.

 

Appropriate Diet for Your Kitten

Upon introduction of solid foods, provide diets free from grains, sugars, fruits, vegetables, and other carbohydrate-rich ingredients. Cats are obligate carnivores; their digestive systems are optimised for meat and fish, not carbohydrates.

Avoid artificial colourants and flavour enhancers, which may cause digestive disturbances and allergic reactions.

Feline diets should be rich in animal proteins, containing less than 20% animal fat. Animal proteins supply essential amino acids such as arginine and taurine, crucial for healthy development. Plant-based proteins provide empty calories and may hinder growth.

 

Foods to Avoid for Kittens

Certain human foods are toxic to cats. Exercise caution to prevent poisoning, allergies, and malnutrition. The following table outlines problematic ingredients:

Difficult-to-Digest Ingredients | Toxic Foods

Vegetables such as carrots and potatoes | Onions and garlic

Grains including corn | Chocolate

Grass | Citrus fruits such as oranges

Apples and strawberries | Raisins and grapes

Caffeinated products and beverages | Raw egg (risk of bacterial infection)

 

Kittens may succumb to a variety of causes, some unavoidable such as congenital defects, while others can be prevented through responsible breeding and diligent care. Common factors include fading kitten syndrome, infections, inadequate nutrition, unsuitable environmental conditions, and complications arising from inbreeding. Responsible breeders endeavour to reduce losses by maintaining strict hygiene, providing optimal nutrition, and closely monitoring the kittens. Nevertheless, despite best efforts, some kitten fatalities remain statistically inevitable.

Common Causes of Kitten Mortality
Fading Kitten Syndrome: This term describes kittens that are born healthy but subsequently weaken, cease nursing, and die, predominantly within the first two weeks of life.
Infections: Kittens are vulnerable to various infections that can prove fatal.
Low Birth Weight: Underweight kittens tend to be weaker and have a lower survival rate.
Congenital Abnormalities: Some kittens are born with significant physical defects.
Inappropriate Environment: Exposure to extreme temperatures, poor sanitation, and overcrowding can elevate mortality rates.
Poor Nutrition: Insufficient or improper nutrition of the mother cat (queen) can adversely affect milk quality, thereby impacting kitten health.
Inbreeding: Pedigree cats may experience higher mortality rates due to inbreeding, which can compromise immune function or cause genetic disorders.
Dystocia: Birth complications, such as inadequate uterine contractions, can result in stillbirths or neonatal death.

Practices of Responsible Breeders
Providing an Appropriate Environment: Ensuring the birthing area is warm, well-ventilated, and sanitary.
Ensuring Proper Nutrition: Feeding the queen a diet that supports optimal milk production and offspring health.
Close Monitoring of Kittens: Observing for signs of distress including failure to nurse, lethargy, or weight loss.
Maintaining Hygiene: Keeping the environment clean to reduce infection risk.
Managing Inbreeding: Conducting genetic testing and avoiding breeding closely related cats to minimise inherited disease risks.

When to Be Concerned
High Mortality Rates: Elevated kitten deaths may indicate genetic health problems, inadequate care, or disease outbreaks.
Unscrupulous Breeders: Some breeders prioritise profit over animal welfare, resulting in unhealthy or dying kittens.
If you have concerns regarding the welfare of kittens from a breeder, please contact a local animal welfare organisation for assistance.