Hold Newborn Kittens

Do you have newborn kittens and want to hold them? It can be scary at first because you need to be gentle to the kittens and carry them properly. This article will tell you how to hold newborn kittens.

Steps

 * 1) If your cat has just had kittens, then the best thing to do is to leave your cat on her own for a while. Don't touch her or try to move her. Just give her about an hour to relax.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) After an hour, come back to see her and the kittens. They should all be born and clean by now. If you have a strong bond with your cat, then she is more likely to let you handle the kittens. If you don't, then try to stroke the kittens. If she hisses at you, then leave the kittens alone, but let them get used to you. Do this for a few days and then try stroking them. Your cat will soon see that you mean no harm to the kittens and will soon let you pick them up. However, if when you try stroking them, your cat hisses at at you, then just have your hand near the kittens.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) When your cat lets you pick up the kittens, don't move your cat or take the kitten out of the room or away from its mother. Sit down to reduce the chances of the kitten getting injured if it falls. Make sure the kitten is still before picking it up to ensure you don't hurt it by trying to grab it.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Slowly slide your hand under the kitten's stomach. Keep your hand there to get your kitten used to the feeling. It shouldn't be that scared of you because it knows your scent.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Pinch the scruff of the kitten's neck with your other hand, but not too hard. Keep holding it like this for a while. If the kitten struggles, then let it go and try again.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 5.jpg|center]]
 * 6) Slowly lift your kitten up and take your hand from underneath it. Then quickly put your hand underneath its back legs.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 6.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Let go of the scruff of its neck and place the hand that was holding it underneath the kitten's front legs. Then, slowly bring the kitten towards your chest and keep it there.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 7.jpg|center]]
 * 8) Move your hand that the kitten's back legs are on sideways against your chest while removing the hand holding its front legs.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 8.jpg|center]]
 * 9) Your kitten should be standing on its back legs against your chest with its front paws against your chest. Don't let it stay in this position for long.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 9.jpg|center]]
 * 10) Put your free hand on its back and let it move onto the palm of the hand that is holding its back legs. Use your other hand to stroke it. Then put it back against your chest, pick it up by the scruff of the neck, place your other hand underneath its stomach, and slowly put it back down. Do this a few times a day and remember to play with it and get it used to its name.[[Image:Hold Newborn Kittens Step 10.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * Keep cat and kittens in an empty room with a few cat toys. (bathroom would be good) .Keep the door shut at all times..Make sure there are no hazards for the kittens eg: wires, gaps behind the sink Etc.Don't ignore the mother, give her treats and stroke her.Take them for regular check-ups with the vet .Make a comfortable bed for the cat and kittens..Don't let the cat or kittens out of the room until the kittens are big enough .Don't Move your cat until She is ready.

Related wikiHows

 * Care for Newborn Kittens
 * Care for Orphaned Kittens Less Than Three Weeks of Age