How Do You Take Care Of Premature Newborn Kittens?
The gestation period for cats normally lasts for about 9 weeks. If the kittens are born before this point, or have an abnormally low birth weight, they are considered premature. Premature newborn kittens, like humans, require an enormous amount of care and attention. Survival for a premature newborn kitten can be problematic, but with the proper measures taken, the kittens can thrive. Prepare a box lined with towels or blanket for the mother cat and premature kittens to rest in. Place the box in a semi-darkened area that is away from bright light and other forms of stimulation. Weigh the newborn preemie kittens, if possible. Full-term kittens usually weigh between 3 and 3 1/2 oz. at birth. Premature kittens may weigh as little as 2 oz. Encourage the mother cat to keep her babies very close so that they will stay warm. If she does not cooperate or there is a draft, add a heating pad to the box. According to Kitten-Rescue.com, premature kittens require temperatures in the mid-90 degree F
