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A three-day-old kitten has a large mass attached behind its bottom; after the mother cat licked it, the big part came off but a band-like bit remains
What a newborn kitten passes from its bottom is usually feces, milk curds, intestinal lining, or parasites. Kittens usually need the mother to stimulate the anus to defecate, so licking can leave feces on the fur. An immature digestive system may pass undigested milk curds that look like sticky bands; intestinal lining shedding is also possible. If the mother has parasites, the kitten may be infected. With limited info, keep observing.
Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold's ears fold neatly forward over the head, earning it a place among the 'elf' cats. It is said that in 1961, a farm cat in Scotland gave birth to a litter containing a strange kitten with white fur, folded ears, and an owl-like face. Named after its birthplace near Coupar Angus, Scotland, and its folded ears, the breed became known as the 'Scottish Fold'.
How soon after birth does a kitten start meowing?
The timing varies; some kittens meow at birth, others days later, and newborns usually only cry when hungry. Quiet or soft-voiced kittens are normal, but a kitten opening its mouth without sound needs a throat check.
How long after birth can a kitten use a litter box?
Most kittens use litter by one month. Newborns can't eliminate on their own and need the mother to stimulate them; by a month they do so and learn from her. Without a mother, place the kitten's feces in the box to guide it.
How long after birth can a kitten be touched?
Generally kittens can be freely touched after 2 weeks, but check the mother's mood first; if she resists, stop. Newborns should not be touched, as foreign scent may make the mother reject or harm them. If must touch, use sterile scentless gloves.
When do a cat’s eyes change color?
A cat's eyes usually change color at 30-45 days. Newborns have a blue membrane that fades then, revealing the true color, which fixes at about 2 months. Kittens are born with eyes closed, opening at 7-10 days, seeing clearly 2-3 days later.
When does a kitten’s blue eye film fade?
A kitten's blue eye film fades at 2-3 months, revealing true eye color. The film shields newborn eyes from light; avoid strong light until then.
Is Feline Leukemia Contagious? What Every Cat Owner Should Know
Feline leukemia (FeLV) is contagious — but only between cats and other pets, never to people. It's a retrovirus spread through saliva, nasal fluid, urine, and milk that weakens the immune system. There's no cure, so prevention matters: vaccinate kittens, keep cats away from strays, and test and isolate any new cat for two weeks.
How to Tell If Your Cat Has Finished Giving Birth
You can tell a cat is done giving birth when she stops straining, relaxes, and begins cleaning and nursing the kittens—and when no hard lumps remain in her belly or thighs. Track the due date (temperature drops ~24h before labor), watch for restlessness, more bathroom trips, and contractions, and an X-ray before birth reveals the kitten count.
Can You Deworm a Pregnant Cat?
External (topical) deworming is generally safe during cat pregnancy, but internal deworming needs caution—avoid it in early pregnancy and, if truly needed later, use a vet-recommended pregnancy-safe product. Keeping the home clean with a cat-safe disinfectant lowers parasite risk in the first place.