How to care for a kitten that doesn’t open its eyes
In the past 10 days, among the hot topics on pet care on the Internet, "How to raise a kitten that has not opened its eyes" has become the focus of many novice cat owners. These kittens are usually abandoned orphan cats or kittens that the mother cat cannot care for and require artificial feeding to survive. This article will provide you with detailed feeding guidelines and precautions.
1. The basic situation of a kitten that does not open its eyes
| age stage | Features | survival rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-7 days | Eyes not open, ears folded, completely dependent on breast milk | The survival rate of artificial feeding is about 50% |
| 8-14 days | Eyes begin to open and ears gradually stand up | The survival rate of artificial feeding is about 70% |
2. Feeding Points
| Project | Specific requirements | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| temperature | Keep the ambient temperature at 30-32℃ | Use a hot water bottle or heating pad |
| Feeding frequency | Every 2-3 hours | Feeding needs to be done regularly, including at night |
| Milk powder selection | Special cat milk powder | Milk is strictly prohibited |
| Feeding amount | 5-7ml each time | Increases with age |
3. Detailed feeding steps
1.Preparation tools: It is necessary to prepare pet-specific feeding bottles or syringes (without needles), small towels, electronic scales, thermometers, etc.
2.brewing milk powder: According to the proportion of milk powder instructions, use warm water of about 38℃ to brew. Temperatures that are too high will destroy nutrients, and temperatures that are too low may cause diarrhea.
3.feeding posture: Keep the kitten in a prone position with its head slightly raised. Never feed on your back to prevent choking.
4.stimulate excretion: After each feeding, gently massage the kitten's anus and urethral opening with a moist cotton ball, imitating the licking action of the female cat.
4. Handling common problems
| question | Possible reasons | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Refusal to eat | Temperature discomfort/sickness | Check the temperature of the milk powder and seek medical advice if necessary |
| Diarrhea | Improper concentration of milk powder/catch a cold | Adjust the milk powder ratio and maintain the ambient temperature |
| No weight gain | Underfeeding/parasites | Increase feeding amount and deworm if necessary |
5. Growth Milestones
| Age in days | developmental characteristics | Maintenance focus |
|---|---|---|
| 0-7 days | The umbilical cord falls off and the weight increases by about 10g per day | Maintain a constant temperature and feed regularly |
| 8-14 days | Eyes begin to open and crawling begins | Gradually increase feeding amount |
| 15-21 days | Put your ears up and start exploring the environment | Prepare a shallow dish to teach kittens how to use cat litter |
6. Special precautions
1.health management: All feeding utensils must be thoroughly disinfected after each use to prevent bacterial infection.
2.weight monitoring: It is recommended to weigh yourself at the same time every day. Under normal circumstances, your weight should continue to increase.
3.avoid bathing: Do not bathe the kitten before it is completely weaned. Use a wet towel to wipe it gently.
4.socialization training: When the kitten starts to move, it can be stroked and interacted appropriately to cultivate the character of its relatives.
7. When can we wean?
Usually, you can start trying to add weaning food when the kitten is about 4 weeks old, but complete weaning requires 6-8 weeks of age. The weaning process should be gradual and should not be rushed.
Through the above systematic feeding methods, even newborn kittens without the care of their mother cats have a great chance of growing up healthily. Remember, patience and care are the keys to successfully raising a kitten that doesn't open its eyes. If you encounter a problem that cannot be solved, it is recommended to consult a professional veterinarian promptly.
check the details
check the details
en
