How to Care for Teacup Kittens

Teacup cats are just that: miniature cats that are small enough as kittens to fit into teacups. The most popular types of teacup cats are Persian and Himalayan. Because they are so small, these kittens sometimes require extra time and care.

Give your teacup kitten a box to call her own. Use a cardboard box or specially made crate. Put blankets in the box to make it comfortable and keep it warm. Wrap a heating pad in a blanket and keep it on low in the box at night and in cold weather. Teacup kittens are smaller and more frail than normal kittens, and need extra warmth.

Feed your teacup kitten high-quality kitten food. Read the label on your food to make sure it has plenty of protein and minerals for your growing teacup kitten. Feed kittens three to four times a day.

Provide water for your kitten at all times. Put water in a shallow bowl so that it's easy for the small cat to reach it.

Train your kitten to the litter box early. Fill the box with litter and set your kitten in the box five to six times every day. Praise her when she goes to the bathroom there. Cats are naturally inclined to go to the bathroom in litter boxes. Make sure the edges of the box are low enough that your teacup kitten can get in easily.

Monitor your teacup kitten's health closely. Watch her behavior, eating habits, bathroom habits and sleep habits. Because Persian and Himalayan cats have flat faces, they are naturally inclined to respiratory problems. Watch your kitten for runny eyes, nose, cough and wheezing.

Take your kitten for vaccination on a consistent schedule. Kitten vaccinations for feline distemper, rabies etc should start at six weeks to three months. Kittens should also receive dewormer at this time so that they don't get parasites.