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Review
. 2022 Mar;24(3):232-242.
doi: 10.1177/1098612X221079709.

Feline neonatology: From birth to commencement of weaning - what to know for successful management

Maria Cristina Veronesi  1 , Jasmine Fusi  1
Affiliations
Review

Feline neonatology: From birth to commencement of weaning - what to know for successful management

Maria Cristina Veronesi et al. J Feline Med Surg. 2022 Mar.

Abstract

Practical relevance: Despite considerable interest in the field of companion animal reproduction, feline neonatology remains largely unstudied. This contrasts with the need for a more professional veterinary approach to newborn kittens and feline husbandry, across the pet, breeding cattery and rescue shelter settings, to reduce kitten mortality.

Global importance: Feline neonatology has relevance for veterinarians around the world as cats are continuing to become established as popular companion animals.

Clinical challenges: Perinatal mortality in cats is remarkably high. Therefore, adequate neonatal evaluation and assistance at birth, careful monitoring of kittens in the vulnerable period until weaning begins, assessment of maternal factors and well-informed management of orphans are crucial in helping to reduce kitten losses.

Aim: This review aims to deepen the basic knowledge of the veterinary clinical team regarding the characteristics of feline newborns under normal conditions at birth through to the commencement of weaning. Much of the information is also relevant to breeders and rescue/shelter caregivers.

Evidence base: In compiling the present review, the authors have drawn on specific feline research data, where available, complemented by data extrapolated from scientific publications on newborn dogs, and also their own and their colleagues' professional clinical experience.

Keywords: Neonatology; hand rearing; management; orphan.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Dry umbilical stump in a 1-day-old Norwegian Forest Cat kitten
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flexor tone in a 2-day-old Devon Rex kitten
Figure 3
Figure 3
Trauma and haemorrhage due to infanticide in a newborn Norwegian Forest Cat kitten
Figure 4
Figure 4
Feeding instruments for kittens. (a) Bottle for feeding of newborn kittens; above it are two types of nipple, adequate for the size and vigour of newborns. (b) Brush for cleaning the feeding bottles. (c) Graduated syringe, ideal for feeding kittens in the first days. (d) Disposable Pasteur pipette, very useful for administering milk formula slowly, drop by drop
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See this image and copyright information in PMC

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