What happens when kittens becom orphans?

1. Struggles with Survival: Orphan kittens face immediate life-threatening challenges. Without their mother's care, they might struggle to acquire adequate food and nourishment, leading to starvation and malnutrition. They might also lack essential fluids, warmth, and protection from the elements.

2. Health Risks: Kittens are susceptible to various diseases, infections, and health issues. In the absence of maternal care, they lack colostrum, which contains vital antibodies that boost their immune system. This leaves them vulnerable to fatal illnesses that could have been prevented with proper maternal care.

3. Social and Emotional Development: Mothers not only provide physical care but also play a crucial role in the social and emotional development of their kittens. Without adequate socialization, orphaned kittens may develop behavioural issues, such as excessive fear or aggression, or struggle with forming healthy social bonds with humans and other cats.

4. Higher Risks: Orphaned kittens face a higher risk of mortality than kittens raised with their mothers. The combination of health challenges, lack of nourishment, and vulnerability to predators and diseases makes their chances of survival much lower than their counterparts raised by mothers.

5. Dependency on Human Intervention: Orphan kittens require round-the-clock care and intervention from humans. They need specialized diets, temperature regulation, and help with toileting and hygiene. However, even with human intervention, orphaned kittens may not receive the optimal level of care that could have been provided by their mothers.