In part 1 of this 2-part series, we discuss what weaning is and when it occurs. In part 2, we discuss different weaning methods.
Weaning, transitioning from the queen’s milk or milk replacement formula to solid food, is a significant, and often stressful, process for kittens. Prior to weaning, neonates require frequent access to the […]
This is part 2 of a 2-article series on refeeding syndrome. It focuses on prevention and treatment. Part 1 focused on understanding the causes.
To prevent a kitten from having further complications from malnutrition or starvation, it’s critical to slowly reintroduce nutrition in order to avoid refeeding syndrome. Providing nutrition should only be done after […]
This is part 1 of a 2-article series. It focuses on understanding the causes of refeeding syndrome. Part 2 focuses on prevention and treatment.
Refeeding syndrome refers to metabolic abnormalities that can be a devastating and often fatal consequence of rapid reintroduction of nutrition after a period of starvation or malnutrition. Refeeding syndrome is most […]
Even as a recent graduate from an accelerated veterinary technician school, I didn’t learn much about neonates or pediatrics. Since then, I have gained so much knowledge about kittens from the National Kitten Coalition, which has helped me as a foster and licensed veterinary technician (LVT).
Working as a LVT, I often triage animals over the […]
LOL! We’re not referring to cats who talk, although there are plenty of them. We’re referring to how people talk about cats on social media. Are you ready to test your knowledge of these descriptive words?
A floof is a cat with lots of fur, especially fluffy fur. Pedigreed breeds, such as Maine Coons and […]
Congenital hypothyroidism (lack of sufficient thyroid hormone in the body, which is important for the development of the nervous and skeletal systems) has been considered a rare feline disorder. However, it may be underreported and not diagnosed since kittens appear normal but die at birth or die as juveniles before symptoms ever become evident.
The […]
Feline neonatal isoerythrolysis (FNI) is a serious, life-threatening condition in which a blood type B queen’s (mother cat’s) antibodies attack the red blood cells of her nursing blood type A or AB kittens. In the case of FNI, neonatal refers to newborn, and isoerythrolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells of the […]
Feline Calicivirus (FCV) is a major cause of Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs). It’s highly contagious and spreads through: direct contact with saliva and nasal and ocular discharges of an infected cat; aerosolized particles from sneezing; sharing bowls and bedding; and contact with people who handled an infected cat.
FCV is very common in animal shelters […]
Swimmer syndrome is a rare disorder in very young kittens, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Suggested causes for swimmer syndrome include hereditary factors, environmental issues, excessive protein in the queen’s diet, maternal metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal development problems, obesity and neurological disorders.
Here’s what you can expect in a normal kitten’s development:
Have you ever heard an animal shelter or rescue organization state, “Two kittens are better than one?” You might initially think this is just a way to get more kittens adopted, but adopters as well as kittens benefit from welcoming pairs as family members.
Many shelters and rescue organizations encourage or require pair adoptions of […]
