Am I Supposed to Clean Off Newborn Kittens?

Newborn kittens are different from adult cats. They are extremely delicate and fragile, and they require a tremendous amount of care. The first few weeks of their lives revolve around feeding, being warm, developing skills, and learning how to urinate and have bowel movements. The mother cat will help complete all these duties and teach her kittens everything they need to know. If the mother cat dies or rejects her kittens, it is up to you to take care of the them. You might be wondering how to clean newborn kittens since the mother cat usually gently licks them. Cleaning is important, but it must be done correctly to maintain the kittens' health.

  1. Kitten Care

    • Newborns kittens are unable to urinate and defecate during the first few weeks of life. With the right help from the mother cat, they will begin completing these tasks on their own at about 2.5 weeks old. Usually a mother cat will lick and clean the kitten's bottom. This stimulates the kitten and helps their bodies adjust and understand the process. If the mother cat isn't doing it or she isn't around, then you must help the kitten. Get a soft clean cloth and barely dampen it with warm water. Gently rub the cloth on the kitten's tummy, genitals and anus, which mimics a mother cat's tongue, to stimulate them so kittens can urinate and defecate.

    Cleaning Kittens

    • Keep the kitten area clean. Change out their blankets and sleeping quarters twice a day, especially when kittens begin to learn how to urinate and defecate. You can introduce the litter box at about four weeks old. Their waste will be everywhere, including on the kittens, if you don't clean everything up. As soon as you put the blankets into the wash, grab a clean dampened cloth, and gently wipe down the kittens. Ensure that their bodies are clean and free of waste and dirt. Do not soak the kittens in water; use a barely dampened cloth.

    Warmth

    • Kittens are fragile creatures that need to be kept warm. That is why you should not immerse a kitten in water or give it baths immediately. They are susceptible to hypothermia and can die if they are not kept properly heated. It helps them if there is a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in their sleeping area. They will snuggle up to it when they get cold. You also could use a heating pad, but you must monitor the heat and make sure it isn't too hot.

    Warnings

    • If the mother cat is present and performing her motherly duties, there is absolutely no need to step in and clean the newborn kittens. The mother will take care of them. It's what instinct tells her to do. If the mother cat is available, it is best to not handle the kittens during the first few weeks. Wait two weeks before handling them so the mother cat has time for her babies.