Premature Kittens

How do I care for a premature kitten?

As well as following the advice about caring for newborn kittens, there are several things you must do when caring for a premature kitten. Remember, for every day that a kitten is premature, it is equivalent to one week in a premature human infant. For example, a kitten that is ten days premature is equivalent to a human baby being born at 30 weeks - 10 weeks premature.

Warmth

Premature kittens need to be kept warmer than full term kittens:

Birth to 3 weeks: 95 degrees (35C)

3-4 weeks: 85 degrees (30C)

Over 4 weeks: 80 degrees (27C)

Because these kittens need to be kept very warm, it is important that they stay well hydrated. Give 1ml of boiled, cooled water after every feed using a syringe (without the needle), feeding slowly. Increase this to 1½ml at 10 days.

Feeding

A premature kitten requires feeding as often as every 1-2 hours in his first week to ten days of life. This can be very tiring but it is the only way to ensure that the kitten receives the nutrition he needs. His formula needs to be diluted, as his immature digestive system cannot yet handle full-strength formula. Make up the formula as directed and then add another ¼ of the amount of boiled, cooled water to dilute the formula. The kitten will take only 1-2ml per feed, as his stomach is very small. As he grows, he will take a little more formula at each feed.

Often, premature kittens are too weak to feed or haven’t learnt how to swallow yet. Please go to this link and scroll to the bottom of the page to find out what to do in this situation.

Elimination

Premature kittens sometimes experience problems having bowel motions, as their bowels are often underdeveloped and uncoordinated. Just as with full-term kittens, premature kittens should have a bowel motion at least once every two days. Sometimes, even a cotton ball can be too rough for the delicate skin around his bottom. Instead, get a small stream of warm water going at the sink, place his bottom in the stream and using your other hand, stimulate him with the index finger. Make sure your nails are short. Sometimes kittens will not produce a bowel motion if they feel that the cotton ball or tissue you are using is too harsh on their bottom. Your finger is the softest thing you can use to stimulate him. Dry him well and make sure he doesn’t become chilled.