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396 results for “how to care for kittens”
My nursing cat’s nipples are hot and she won’t let the kittens nurse—is it mastitis?
Likely mastitis—hot, painful, swollen mammary glands, discharge, excessive licking. Severity guides treatment, so a vet exam is needed; usually antibiotics plus glucocorticoids, with drain-and-flush if abscessed.
How to Choose a Cat and Care for It Properly
Getting a cat means treating her as a family member and raising her kindly for a happy life. Before deciding which cat suits you, learn about cat types and costs to avoid abandonment caused by a poor match or unaffordable expenses.
Why Your Kitten Has Diarrhea: Common Causes and Care
Kitten diarrhea has several common triggers — chills, an immature or stressed gut, or parasites. Finding the cause before treating it is the fastest way to get a young cat's digestion back on track.
Pet Skin Diseases (Part 1): Parasitic and Fungal Infections
Skin disease is common in dogs and cats and tends to flare up and recur, usually because their skin defenses are weak and their surroundings are full of triggers. The two hardest types to clear are external-parasite infestations (fleas, lice, mites, ticks) and fungal infections (ringworm); both cause intense itching, hair loss, and skin damage and need treatment of both pet and environment. Since they are contagious and slow to resolve, early veterinary care and consistent parasite control are the keys to recovery.
What to Do When a Kitten Sneezes with a Clear Runny Nose
Clear, watery nasal discharge in a kitten usually means a mild common cold rather than rhinotracheitis — observe first if there's no fever or eye redness. Keep the environment clean and warm, add nutrition, and never give human cold medicine, which can harm the kidneys or liver.
How to Raise a Gentle, Friendly Cat
A cat's temperament is shaped by several factors: its mother's example, the owner's daily handling, its health, and how safely it settles into a new home. Earn trust with gentle interaction, regular play, and a calm approach — even a naturally aloof cat can become a happy companion.
A Guide to Vaccinating Your Cat
Vaccines shield cats from deadly contagious disease, even indoor ones, since owners carry viruses home on shoes and hands. Follow the core schedule, two or three FVRCP shots plus rabies, and use antibody tests to avoid wasteful or failed dosing.
What to Feed Your Cat at Each Life Stage
A cat's nutritional needs change at every stage, from colostrum and mother's milk in the first weeks to softened kibble and formula through the kitten months, then balanced adult food with toppers. Seniors and pregnant or nursing queens need easy-to-digest, calorie-dense meals — matching food to age protects digestion and supports steady growth.
What to Do If You Find a Stray Kitten
Finding a stray kitten does not always mean you should take it. If it looks healthy and the mother may still return, watch from a distance for 30 minutes to 3 hours first. Once you commit, the priorities are warmth, a vet check, and round-the-clock feeding with kitten formula — never bathe it or drop it at a crowded shelter. Kittens under three weeks cannot regulate their own temperature and need feeding every 2 to 3 hours.
Can a Cat Have a C-Section?
A cesarean (hysterotomy) is an emergency surgery to deliver kittens when labor stalls — call the vet if strong straining lasts 20 minutes with no kitten, pregnancy passes 65 days, there is persistent red discharge, or fever. After surgery, give all meds, keep the mother quiet, protect the incision with an e-collar, and watch both mother and kittens closely.