Raising a Young Snowshoe Cat: Pros and Cons

Today, we're delighted to present a comprehensive guide on raising young Snowshoe kittens, offering relief to all our fellow cat parents.

Feeding the Young Snowshoe Kittens

Infancy (Weeks 13 after birth):

During this crucial period, young Snowshoe kittens rely on their mother's milk for essential nutrients and antibodies found in colostrum, which fortifies their immune system to combat diseases for the next forty days or so.

When the mother's milk is sufficient, there's no need for intervention from the cat parent. However, if the milk is insufficient, one or more kittens may require formula milk, such as kittenspecific奶粉, to be fed every four hours, five to seven times a day. Caution must be exercised to prevent choking, as this can be a laborintensive task. Kittens without the benefit of mother's milk often have weaker immune systems as they grow up.

Weaning (Weeks 46 after birth):

As the mother's milk diminishes and eventually dries up, kittens need to transition to weaning food. Their kitten kibble is too large and hard for them to eat at this stage, so it should be softened with water or milk. It's best to stop breastfeeding around the 40th day after birth, as the foundation of their little bodies is crucial for future growth.

Juvenile Period (212 months after birth):

By this time, the kittens have grown rapidly and can be fed regular kitten or adult food. Alongside this, they should be given some meat and broth to enhance their taste and nutrition. The Snowshoe kittens will have a voracious appetite during this period, so it's important to feed them on a schedule to avoid overeating and digestive issues.

Health Concerns for Young Snowshoe Kittens

Spring: Calicivirus

Spring, with its gentle rain and comfortable warmth, is a season that delights humans. However, for young Snowshoe kittens, it's a peak time for calicivirus outbreaks.

Symptoms: Kittens younger than 12 weeks are most susceptible. Affected kittens may exhibit frequent sneezing, fever, oral ulcers, excessive drooling, and in severe cases, loss of appetite, depression, conjunctivitis, and keratitis.

Treatment: Symptomatic care, antibiotic therapy, and supportive treatments like hydration and nutrition.

Prevention: Vaccination, avoiding contact with unfamiliar cats, regular disinfection of the living environment, and maintaining a balanced diet to boost immunity.

Summer: Acute Gastritis

With summer's tendency for food to spoil quickly, young Snowshoe kittens are at risk of acute gastritis if they consume spoiled food. Cat parents must be vigilant.

Symptoms: Depression, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, thirst, vomiting after drinking, and in cases of corrosive gastritis, the vomit may contain blood and stomach lining fragments. Cats may be restless, dehydrated, and may resist touch or cry in pain.

Treatment: 12 hours of fasting and drinking, symptomatic treatment, antiemetics, and fluid therapy with broths like milk, meat, or fish soup, gradually transitioning to normal feeding.

Prevention: Ensure fresh and healthy food, proper disposal of garbage, and avoid feeding cats leftovers from the trash.

Autumn: Feline Distemper

In autumn, young Snowshoe kittens may have weakened immune systems, and the distemper virus is most active in this climate. Unvaccinated cats, even those staying indoors, can contract the disease.

Symptoms: Severe vomiting, followed by diarrhea, high fever, loss of appetite, and depression. Later stages may include bloody diarrhea. The illness typically lasts about a week.

Treatment: Supportive therapy and symptomatic treatment to boost the cat's immune system, including antiviral drugs like feline distemper monoclonal antibodies, immune globulins, and interferons. Symptomatic treatment may include intravenous therapy with antibiotics to control secondary bacterial infections and correct dehydration and electrolyte balance.

Prevention: Vaccination, maintaining a clean home, and ensuring the cat's warmth.

Winter: Feline Panleukopenia

In the cold winter, Snowshoe kittens are prone to feline panleukopenia, also known as feline enteritis. This disease is most common in kittens aged 3 to 9 months.

Symptoms: Initial symptoms are subtle, but may include loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, persistent fever, and in later stages, dry and wet forms of symptoms.

Treatment: Immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory therapy, prevention of secondary bacterial infections with broadspectrum antibiotics and antiviral drugs, and supportive therapy such as forced feeding, intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration, and thoracentesis to relieve respiratory symptoms.

Prevention: Vaccination, proper management of the living environment, and regular serum antibody testing. Vaccinate cats over 16 weeks old with nasal administration, giving two doses with an interval of 3 to 4 weeks. Keep the number of cats in a group to no more than 8 to 10, with each group containing no more than 3 to 4 cats. Keep cats indoors and clean litter boxes and environments daily.

Caring for Young Snowshoe Kittens

Even with the mother's care, it's important to check the kittens' weight, feeding times and amounts, feces, and overall health daily.

In the infancy stage, kittens rely on the mother's tongue or wiping their anal area before and after feeding to stimulate defecation.

By 4 to 5 weeks of age, start training the kittens to use the litter box.

At 8 weeks, administer the first vaccine, followed by the second and third doses every 3 to 4 weeks.

One month after birth, conduct the first health check, especially a fecal examination, to detect parasites that could lead to developmental issues or early death.

Two to three months after birth, begin basic care such as bathing, brushing, combing, and getting used to being petted, along with the first deworming.

Immediate medical attention is required if the kittens exhibit the following conditions:

Body temperature is too cold or too hot

Extreme fatigue, lack of vitality

No weight gain or excessive thinness

Abdomen frequently swells

Continuous vomiting or diarrhea

Not defecating for 3 days or more

Conclusion

Snowshoe kittens are lively, intelligent, affectionate, and not shy around strangers. They are gentle, clean, and friendly. With this guide on raising young Snowshoe kittens, you might just be tempted to bring one of these adorable companions into your home!