How to make a cat

Neonatal feline care is a specialized area of veterinary medicine focused on the health and development of kittens of domestic cats (Felis catus) from birth through the early weeks of life.

Kittens are born after mothers gestate for 63–65 days in litters averaging 3–5. Parturition involves three stages: initial contractions (6–12 hours), active delivery (kittens expelled every 15–60 minutes with placental passage), and postpartum cleanup; mothers instinctively sever umbilical cords and stimulate breathing.

Post-birth, kittens are born unable to see or hear, relying on colostrum for immunity; eyes open at 7–10 days, weaning begins at 3–4 weeks. Routine care includes maintaining a warm, quiet environment (32–35°C initially), monitoring for fading kitten syndrome, and scheduling veterinary checks starting at 6–8 weeks to ensure survival rates above 90% in managed litters.