Pregnant cats and newborn kittens have specific welfare needs that require appropriate care from the owner, including suitable nesting environments, nutritional support and veterinary oversight.
Pregnant cats and newborn kittens represent a high-welfare-dependency period requiring attentive care. Kittens that are cold, hungry or infected can deteriorate rapidly. Birth weight monitoring, appropriate warmth provision, colostrum access and early detection of fading kitten syndrome enable interventions that save lives. The quality of care provided in this period also shapes adult cat behaviour through early socialisation.