Feline Neonatal Care Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Feline neonatal care encompasses the management of kittens from birth through weaning, typically the first 8 weeks of life. As an altricial species, kittens are completely dependent on the queen for thermoregulation, nutrition, and elimination during this critical period. Perinatal mortality in cats is remarkably high, with reported rates of 9-16% before weaning and up to 27% in the first week of life. Understanding normal neonatal physiology, recognizing signs of illness, and implementing appropriate interventions are essential skills for NAVLE success and clinical practice.

Normal Neonatal Physiology

Physical Parameters at Birth

Newborn kittens are characterized by closed eyes, folded ears, non-retractable claws, and absent gag reflex. They are unable to thermoregulate and rely entirely on the queen and littermates for warmth. The umbilical cord falls off naturally at 3-5 days of age and should never be manually removed.

Normal Physiological Parameters at Birth

Developmental Milestones

Neonatal Assessment at Birth

Modified Feline Apgar Score

The Apgar score is adapted for feline neonates to assess vitality at birth and guide resuscitation. Assessments should be performed at birth, 10 minutes, and 60 minutes. A positive correlation exists between Apgar score and survival.