Handling Newborn Kittens with Care

Handling newborn kittens requires an easy and gentle approach. So, be sure to take care of newborn kittens during handling. Generally, kittens don’t like to be held up in the air. They like to feel physically supported. So keep your kitten held close to your body. Kittens will often bite or scratch if they feel as though they may be dropped.

Another thing to keep in mind is to never hold or pick up a kitten against its will. This can make a cat angry and cause it to attack. Cats also hate surprises. So, don’t sneak up on a cat if you are looking to pick them up. Approach them first. Get on their level before picking them up. Let them know you’re present. However, don’t hover over them.

Jill Allyn Stafford @ flickr.com

There are several methods used when picking up and handling kittens. The method used depends upon the situation. A calm, docile cat will require a different technique than an aggressive, angry kitten. Here are some strategies:

• Hand under Chest

  The most common method used when picking a kitten in the hand under chest technique. With this technique you place one hand under the kitten’s chest and lift them up. You then use your other hand to raise the kitten’s backside and legs up.

  The kitten’s front paws will tend to cross over each other while the kitten is held close to your chest to support the kitten’s body. This method is used with the receptive, calm cat. The kitten’s body should naturally relax when held the kitten may even purr in this position.

• Back of the neck

  Picking up or handling a kitten by the scruff or back of its neck is generally not recommended unless an kitten is aggressive or needs to be controlled in a situation (such as during a vet visit). Mom cats typically carry their offspring by the back of their necks, so most kittens are use to be transported this way.

  An adult cat over 1 year of age may not tolerate being carried by the scruff of its neck and may scratch or bite until it is released. When using this method, one has to be careful not to hurt the kitten’s neck or back and support the body as much as possible.

• Using a Towel

  Covering a kitten with a towel prior to transport is only used with extremely violently aggressive kittens. For example, older kittens that are engaged in a fight would be excellent candidates for this approach. With this method, you simply throw a towel over the kitten’s head and body and then scoop then up in a similar manner as the Hand under Chest or the Back of the Neck techniques.

  Covering a kitten with a towel causes them to become temporarily disoriented and distracted allowing you to come and scoop them up quickly and carry them to safety. Again, this is a method of last resort and not something to use on an everyday basis.

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