The Importance of Gentle Handling
Felines of all ages should be handled gently, carefully and respectfully, and kittenhood is the ideal time to introduce gentle handling. Fosters play an important role in preparing kittens to be comfortable being handled by different people, including staff and volunteers in animal shelters and rescue organizations, adoptive families, veterinary […]
The Importance of Providing a Consistent Diet to Kittens and Cats
While feeding a consistent diet is important for all cats, it is especially important to feed kittens a consistent diet due to their developing gastrointestinal system. Diarrhea is a very common occurrence in kittens and can often be attributed to an inconsistent diet or […]
What Is Tube Feeding for Kittens?
Tube feeding is a method of delivering nutrition to kittens who cannot or will not eat on their own. Tube feeding involves passing a flexible tube into the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach.
This method of feeding is most commonly used for neonatal kittens, whether orphaned or […]
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus, commonly referred to as “water on the brain,” is a rare feline neurologic disorder. It involves the abnormal accumulation of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricular system of the brain. Consisting of electrolytes, enzymes and glucose, CSF surrounds and protects the spinal cord and brain from injury as well as […]
Kittens are born blind, deaf, unable to regulate their body temperature and dependent on their mother. Orphaned neonates require intensive caregiver attention, which increases immensely if they are born prematurely.
Premature Birth in Kittens
Most veterinarians consider a birth premature if it occurs before 61 days of gestation. Chances for survival decrease rapidly for kittens born more […]
The Anatomy of Feline Eyes
To better understand the development and function of kittens’ eyes, it helps to be familiar with the eye’s anatomy.
Constipation is defined as the infrequent, incomplete or difficult defecation with passage of small, hard or dry feces. It is important to address constipation immediately in order to avoid complications. Depending on the age of the kitten, constipation will require a slightly different approach.
Constipation in Neonatal Kittens
Neonatal kittens must be stimulated to urinate and […]
Eye problems in kittens can be acquired through infection or injury in the first weeks and months of life or be congenital and caused by being born with an abnormality.
To properly function, eyes must be kept moist. Because it can take several weeks for tear production to begin, the kitten’s upper and lower eyelids […]
What Causes Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasma?
Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasma (FHM), previously known as Haemobartonellosis and Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA), is a disease caused by the parasitic bacterium Mycoplasma. This small bacterium attaches to the external surface of red blood cells (RBCs) and causes an immune reaction in the host cat, which results in red blood cell […]
Congenital heart defects are heart defects that are present at the time of birth.
These defects can be caused by one or a combination of the following: an abnormality in the cat’s genes; environmental conditions; infection; exposure to poisonous material; medications taken during pregnancy; and poor maternal nutrition. If a kitten has more than one congenital […]
