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

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.

Neonatology: Topics on Puppies and Kittens Neonatal Management to Improve Neonatal Outcome

“…The number of factors that can affect the mother’s condition during this period is countless [ 12 ]. Age, genetics, nutrition, vaccination status, and the presence of infectious diseases, among other maternal conditions, can directly interfere with litter survival [ 13 , 19 , 20 ]. A study has shown that these maternal factors can affect more than 30% of kennels [ 5 ] and can lead to a 9% mortality rate in newborn dogs [ 2 ].…”

“…Metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus in the bitch have been associated with fetal loss due to persistent hyperglycemia and the development of large puppies with a higher risk of fetal dystocia. Other metabolic abnormalities, such as hypothyroidism, puerperal hypocalcemia, and pregnancy toxemia, can result in fetal or neonatal loss [ 13 , 35 ]. In addition, prenatal and postnatal nutrition contribute to the metabolic programming of the puppies and kittens.…”

“…The failure of maternal instinct is a risk factor for mortality in neonates. Primiparous or stressed females are more predisposed to develop this behavior of rejection or aggression toward neonates [ 13 , 36 , 37 , 38 ], as well as females submitted to cesarean section without triggering signs of labor, in recovery from anesthesia or sickness [ 19 , 39 ].…”

“…There are a wide variety of factors that can potentially affect the health of a litter during pregnancy, birth, and the first few weeks of life, which require adequate attention from both the breeder and the veterinarian. Maternal, neonatal, environmental, and birth-related factors can directly influence litter viability [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Furthermore, lack of knowledge, management errors, lack of neonatal care, and neglect also influence neonatal mortality.…”

Reproductive Management in Catteries: Optimising health and wellbeing through veterinarian-breeder collaboration

“…Further details on the veterinary approach in the case of suspected illness are given in an accompanying review on feline neonatology. 185…”