Six kitten health essentials to monitor in first weeks

Caring for a litter of newborn kittens is a wonderful but significant responsibility. Whether you’re helping a pregnant queen or raising orphaned kittens, paying close attention to their wellbeing is essential for a strong start in life.

While mother cats usually nurture their kittens perfectly, it’s wise to monitor specific health essentials during those critical first weeks. This ensures early identification of any issues so you can provide timely support.

In this guide, we will explore six vital health aspects to watch in your kittens’ earliest days and weeks, from feeding to developmental milestones.

1. Recognising and Managing Rejection

Occasionally, a mother cat (queen) may reject one or more kittens, often the weaker or ill ones. This rare behaviour is a natural prioritisation but means human intervention is needed.

Persian and other flat-faced breeds sometimes experience feeding difficulties, so they need close attention. If rejection occurs, you must be prepared to separate the kitten and hand-rear it using kitten-safe formula. Always consult a vet for guidance on best feeding practices and care.

2. Monitoring Eye Development

Kittens are born with closed eyes; they typically open around two weeks old. The mother’s grooming helps remove the membrane over their eyelids gradually, starting one eye at a time. Observe this process to ensure their eyes open normally without swelling or discharge.

If an eye remains closed beyond three weeks or shows signs of irritation, seek veterinary advice promptly to prevent lasting damage.

3. Ensuring Adequate Nutrition and Feeding

For the first 3 to 4 weeks, kittens rely exclusively on their mother’s milk for essential nutrients and immune protection via colostrum. If you’re hand-rearing, use a specialised kitten milk formula—not cow’s milk—and feed every 2 to 4 hours to meet their tiny but high energy needs.

Watch closely to ensure all kittens can latch on and suckle properly. Smaller or weaker kittens might get pushed aside, so assist them as needed to guarantee equal access to feeding. Balanced nutrition at this stage supports robust growth and immune health.

4. Consistent Weight Monitoring

Regularly weighing each kitten is one of the best ways to keep track of their health. Record their weight at birth and daily thereafter if possible. Healthy kittens should gain weight steadily, ideally doubling their birth weight by around two weeks.

Weight loss or stalled growth can signal underlying health issues like infections or inadequate feeding, so contact your vet if you notice concerning trends. Minimising stress during weighing also helps maintain their wellbeing.

5. Supporting Proper Toileting

Newborn kittens cannot eliminate waste on their own. Mother cats stimulate urination and defecation by licking their rear ends. If the queen is absent, gently mimic this action using a warm, damp face cloth to massage the kitten’s bottom after feeding.

Observe the kittens’ toileting habits regularly to catch constipation or other problems early. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the nesting area is vital to prevent infections and promote comfort.

6. Overall Health and Vigilant Observation

Beyond these specific checks, daily observation of each kitten’s behaviour and condition is key. Watch for signs such as decreased activity, sneezing, coughing, changes in coat quality, or failure to keep up with siblings.

Understand that the "runt" of the litter may naturally be smaller or more delicate, but they still require special attention to ensure they thrive alongside their siblings. Consult your vet for wellness checks, vaccinations, and parasite control to support lasting health.

Through careful monitoring of rejection, eye development, nutrition, weight gain, toileting, and general wellbeing, you give your kittens the best chance at a healthy, happy life from day one.

Whether you are an experienced breeder or a caring fosterer, understanding and responding to these six kitten health essentials makes all the difference. Remember, early intervention and responsible care are the foundation of lifelong feline health and happiness.