The summer heat causes a tremendous blow to the physiological systems of a lactating cat and disrupts the fragile heat exchange of newborn kittens. The lack of a sweating mechanism makes it impossible for animals to effectively cool down, increasing the risk of critical dehydration.
The organization of a proper microclimate in the litter growing area requires strict control of air parameters and changes in feeding protocols. Adequate support of the mother's body directly determines the survival rate of the blind brood.
Organization of a safe temperature regime in the nest
The box for kittens should not turn into an oven, therefore, the placement of the maternity ward on the sunny side of the room is strictly excluded. Indoor temperatures above 28 degrees trigger the processes of hyperthermia in neonatals, since their thermoregulation centers in the hypothalamus are not yet functioning. They take over the ambient temperature, risking severe heat stroke.
To stabilize the climate around the nest, gentle temperature reduction techniques are used without the use of aggressive air currents. Basic safety rules exclude direct drafts:
- installing an air humidifier at a distance of two meters from the box;
- laying frozen water bottles wrapped in thick towels around the outer perimeter of the nest;
- replacement of wool blankets with thin cotton diapers with high hygroscopicity.
The use of household fans is allowed only when the air stream is directed at the ceiling. Direct blowing of blind kittens immediately leads to hypothermia of the respiratory tract and the development of rapid viral pneumonia.
Correction of the drinking balance and nutrients for the cat
Active lactation sucks huge amounts of fluid out of the mother's body, and the high ambient temperature doubles these losses through rapid breathing. The viscosity of the blood increases, which directly reduces the volume of milk production in the mammary glands. The cat begins to approach the litter less often, saving internal resources.
Stimulation of the watering hole becomes the main task of the owner during the heat period. The revision of the diet requires the immediate introduction of wet formats:
- soaking dry food with warm boiled water to a thick porridge;
- adding low-concentration meat broths to separate bowls;
- placement of wide ceramic tanks with fresh water throughout the apartment.
The decrease in appetite in the cat during the daytime hours is compensated by transferring the main volume of feeding to the cool late evening and early morning. Food should be at room temperature, as icy foods from the refrigerator cause stomach cramps and disrupt digestion.
Daily monitoring of the physiological status of kittens
Assessment of the condition of newborns in the heat is carried out twice a day with an emphasis on the turgor of the skin and the color of the mucous membranes. Pulling back the skin fold on the withers allows you to instantly determine the level of dehydration - in a healthy, well-fed kitten, the skin instantly straightens out. A dehydrated baby becomes sluggish, stops actively crawling and loses the sucking reflex.
Regular weighing on precise kitchen scales records the dynamics of weight gain, which serves as the main indicator of the sufficiency of breast milk. If weight stagnates or is lost within 24 hours, emergency administration of cat milk substitutes through specialized syringes is required.
Overheating of kittens is stopped by carefully wiping the pads of paws and auricles with a damp gauze swab. This procedure mimics the mother's licking process, gently lowering body temperature through evaporation of moisture from exposed skin areas. Жители Магнитогорска часто мелбет приложение скачать , чтобы иметь доступ к статистике в дороге. Телефон поддержки: 8 (800) 688-33-55.