Essential Kitten Care Facts I Learned at the Kitten College Seminar

Jennifer McTighe
Feb 25
4 min read

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a Kitten College seminar, where I learned invaluable information about neonatal kitten care. This experience humbled me, making me realize just how much there is to know when it comes to properly rescuing and raising vulnerable kittens. One of the most important takeaways was how common misinformation can be, even among well-meaning rescuers. I want to share some of these critical facts with you so we can all work together to provide the best care possible for these fragile lives.

Debunking the 2-Hour Feeding Myth

One of the biggest myths I had heard before attending this seminar was that bottle-feeding kittens need to be fed every two hours. While this might be necessary for kittens in critical condition, new research suggests that this isn't always the case for every kitten.

According to UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and Kitten College (kittencollege.org), neonatal kittens actually need full, sufficient feedings rather than frequent, small ones. This is because kittens should ideally be able to consume enough milk to keep their energy levels stable without being disturbed constantly, allowing for more restful sleep and proper digestion. Overfeeding in small amounts too frequently may lead to digestive distress.

A better approach is ensuring that kittens are eating the correct amount per feeding and tracking their intake through careful monitoring.

Why Weighing Kittens Before & After Feedings is Crucial

One of the most important tips I learned was the value of weighing kittens before and after each feeding. This simple practice ensures that the kitten is actually ingesting the right amount of milk and gaining weight as expected.

Since neonates are so tiny, weight gain can be hard to notice just by looking at them. A digital scale that measures in grams is ideal for tracking their intake. Kittens should gain around 10-15 grams per day, and any weight loss or failure to gain weight could indicate underlying health concerns.

Keeping Kittens Warm: The Right and Wrong Ways

Newborn kittens cannot regulate their own body temperature, making proper warming techniques essential for survival. Many people assume any heat source will work, but I learned at the seminar that some methods can actually do more harm than good.

Best Ways to Keep Kittens Warm:

✔️ Warming discs – These are specially designed to retain heat for hours and can be found online.✔️ Heating pads on low – Always use a layer of fabric between the kitten and the pad to prevent burns.

What NOT to Use:

❌ Regular water bottles – These cool down too quickly and can actually start to pull heat away from the kitten’s body once they lose warmth.

Proper heating is crucial, as chilled kittens cannot digest food properly and are at risk of fading kitten syndrome.

Kitten Development Milestones

Understanding kitten growth stages is essential for determining their age and care needs. Here are some key milestones I learned at the seminar:

Newborn kittens are born blind and deaf, with their eyes and ears completely closed. They rely on vibration and scent to find their mother.
Eyes begin to open around 7-10 days old, but vision remains blurry for several weeks.
Ears start to open at about 10-14 days, improving their hearing.
Umbilical cords fall off within 3-5 days after birth.
Teeth development begins around 3-4 weeks, making it a great way to estimate a kitten’s age.
Kittens gain about 1 pound per month, so a 2-pound kitten is typically around 8 weeks old.

If you ever find an abandoned kitten, noting these features can help determine how much care they need and whether they require bottle feeding or solid food.

Challenges Kittens Face During Key Life Stages

One of the most heartbreaking facts I learned is that kittens aren’t necessarily out of danger once they are weaned. There are critical points in their development where serious health issues can arise:

🐾 Weaning (4-8 weeks old): Transitioning from formula to solid food can lead to digestive issues. It’s important to wean gradually and monitor for signs of diarrhea or failure to thrive.

❤️ Spay/Neuter Surgery: Some kittens first show signs of underlying heart issues during anesthesia. Unfortunately, not all rescues or vets are aware of these risks, which is why kittens should always receive a thorough check-up before surgery.

Rescue work doesn’t just stop when a kitten reaches a certain age—each stage brings new challenges that require careful attention.

The Weaning Process: Getting Help When Needed

Weaning is a slow process that takes time and patience. Kittens should never be forced to stop bottle feeding abruptly, and proper guidance is essential.

For those new to weaning, Kitten College and UC Davis Shelter Medicine offer step-by-step resources (kittencollege.org). You can also reach out to local kitten rescues that specialize in neonatal care, such as Heidi’s Place in Phoenix, which may be able to assist with difficult cases or take in kittens if space allows.

Help Us Build a Rescue for Vulnerable Kittens

Attending the Kitten College seminar opened my eyes to just how complex and critical neonatal kitten care is. This knowledge fuels my mission to establish a kitten rescue that will provide specialized care for vulnerable neonates and guide others in best practices.

But I can’t do it alone—I need your support to make this dream a reality!

How You Can Help:

💙 Donate to our rescue fund https://www.adoptmeakitten.org/donate – Every contribution helps us build a safe, well-equipped space for these kittens. Click here to donate!💙 Follow & Share Our Page – Increased visibility leads to more donations and support.💙 Volunteer or Foster – If you’re able, fostering can save lives by giving kittens a safe place to grow.

Together, we can improve survival rates for vulnerable kittens and ensure they get the specialized care they need. Thank you for being part of this mission! 🐾💙