Newborn Kitten Care Guide, First 24 Hours

Newborn Kitten Care, First 24 Hours Guide

Practical newborn kitten care guide for the first 24 hours, warmth, feeding, weight checks and when to see a vet.

The first 24 hours of a kitten’s life are critical. What happens during this short window can affect survival, immunity and long term health. Whether you run a small cattery or are supporting a much loved family queen or caring for an orphan, careful monitoring and calm preparation make all the difference.

Here is a clear, practical guide to caring for newborn kittens in their first day.

Immediately After Birth

Healthy newborn kittens should:

• Cry or vocalise shortly after delivery
• Begin breathing on their own
• Wiggle and attempt to crawl
• Seek warmth and the mother

Most queens will remove the membranes, chew the umbilical cord and lick each kitten vigorously. This licking stimulates breathing and circulation.

If a kitten is not breathing, gently clear fluid from the nose and mouth and rub firmly with a warm towel. The De-Lee Mucus extractor suction device or a bulb aspirator are great tools to have and can be found in our Heating & Critical Care Cat collection. If breathing does not begin quickly a One Puff Puppy & Kitten Aspirator & Resuscitator can be utilised.

A One Puff Puppy and Kitten Aspirator and Resuscitator is a small, handheld device used to gently clear fluid from a newborn puppy or kitten’s airways and help stimulate breathing if they are slow to start. 

Warmth Comes First

Newborn kittens cannot regulate their own body temperature. A cold kitten cannot digest milk properly and can decline very quickly. 

The nesting area should sit around 29 to 32 degrees Celsius during the first week. We have a range of pet safe heating sources to ensure correct temperature in our Heating & Critical Care Cat Collection.

Make sure:

• Heat sources are safe and pet specific
• Kittens can crawl away from the warmth
• Bedding stays dry and clean

If a kitten feels cool to touch, warm them slowly before offering any milk. Never feed a chilled kitten. 

Colostrum, The First Milk

Colostrum is the first milk produced by the queen. It is rich in antibodies that help protect kittens against infection.

Kittens should begin nursing within one to two hours of birth. Watch closely to ensure:

• Each kitten finds a teat
• Suckling is strong and rhythmic
• No kitten is being pushed aside

If a kitten is an orphan or is weak or not latching, you may need to assist with supplementary feeds using appropriate Syringe, Bottle and Tube Feeding equipment. Early intake of colostrum is vital for immune protection. Orphaned kittens need colostrum as soon as possible after birth. Most rescue carers and breeders use Impact Colostrum with a Miracle Nipple, or if the kitten is too weak to suck, carefully administer it via a feeding tube.

Check the Umbilical Cord

A normal umbilical stump should be short, clean and dry. A small amount of spotting can be normal, but ongoing bleeding is not.

Keep the nesting area hygienic. Using F10 Veterinary Disinfectants in the surrounding area, not directly on the kitten unless advised by a vet, helps reduce bacterial risk.

Swelling, discharge or a bad smell around the cord warrants veterinary advice.

Weigh and Record

Weigh each kitten within a few hours of birth and record the weight, as this becomes your baseline for monitoring healthy growth. We have a range of accurate 1 gram Scales designed to help you track even the smallest daily changes.

In the first 24 hours, kittens may maintain or gain slightly. From day two onward, steady daily weight gain is expected.

Daily weighing is one of the most important tools in newborn kitten care. It often detects problems before they are visible.

Monitor the Queen

The mother’s health is just as important.

In the first 24 hours:

• Check she is relaxed and attentive
• Ensure she is eating and drinking
• Watch for excessive bleeding
• Gently check mammary glands for heat, swelling or pain

Signs such as lethargy, fever, foul discharge or refusal to care for kittens require immediate veterinary attention.

When to See a Vet

Seek urgent veterinary care if you notice:

• Weak, floppy or constantly crying kittens
• Poor or absent suckling
• Cold body temperature
• Breathing difficulty
• Continuous bleeding
• An unwell or distressed queen

Newborn kittens can deteriorate rapidly. Early treatment can be lifesaving.

Final Thoughts

The first 24 hours are about four key things, warmth, colostrum, hygiene and close monitoring. Calm observation and accurate record keeping give kittens the best possible start. 

With proper preparation, suitable Neonatal Kitten supplies and prompt veterinary care when needed, most orphaned kittens and litters settle well and begin the steady growth that leads to healthy, confident kittens ready for the weeks ahead.