How to Help a Harelipped Kitten Thrive

Some kittens may be born with a harelip or cleft lip, which is a birth defect that causes the upper lip to be deformed. Often, part of the lip is missing or connected to one nostril. This condition usually occurs with a cleft palate, which is when the roof of the mouth doesn’t form properly and has a hole. This condition leads to difficulty eating and thriving, and can even result in death. To help a kitten thrive with this condition, take them to the vet as soon as possible, feed them with a feeding tube or special bottle, and get them surgery to fix the condition.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Cleft Palate

1
Check for face irregularities. If your kitten has a harelip, the teeth and gums may be showing on the upper part of the mouth. One of the kitten’s nostrils may be misshapen, especially if it is connected to a deformed upper lip.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Veterinary SurgeonsTrade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care.Go to source}
- This should be apparent at birth.
2
Look for a split in the roof of the mouth. Harelips often occur with cleft palates. A cleft palate can be easily seen. Look inside the kitten’s mouth. The kitten has a cleft palate if there is a split in the roof of the mouth.^{[2]XResearch source}
- The hole may be small or large. Look for a circular opening in the middle of the roof of the mouth.
3
Monitor for any respiratory problems. Harelips and cleft palates may cause respiratory problems. The kitten may sneeze, cough, gag, or make snuffling sounds often. You may need to watch the kitten closely for a while to see if they exhibit any respiratory problems.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Veterinary SurgeonsTrade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care.Go to source}
- They may also cough, gag, snort or sneeze when they eat or drink.
4
Notice any problems eating. Harelips cause kittens to have trouble eating or drinking water. They may not be able to feed properly because the harelip makes it so they can't attach to the nipple and get any suction. This causes them to not get the food they need to grow. This can lead to stunted growth and lower weights.^{[4]XResearch source}
- They may also end up with fluid in their nose while feeding. This may present as a runny nose. This can lead to pneumonia or death.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Helping the Kitten After Birth

1
Take the kitten to the vet. If you suspect the kitten has a harelip or cleft palate, you should take them to the vet. The vet will do a physical exam to determine if the kitten has an oral defect.^{[5]XResearch source}
- The problems it causes with eating can make the kitten have poor health, and it also can cause death if the cat gets pneumonia or has other problems from food getting into the nose and lungs. Getting this condition fixed may help the kitten survive, but there are risks involved when giving anesthetic and performing surgery on a kitten.
2
Feed the kitten with a feeding tube. To help the kitten thrive, you should alter the way you feed them. The defect makes it difficult to swallow normally, so a feeding tube can help them eat more safely. Your vet may place a feeding tube into the kitten’s neck or stomach so they can be fed. The vet may explain to you how to use a feeding tube yourself.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Veterinary SurgeonsTrade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care.Go to source}
- To use a feeding tube, you will lubricate it and carefully slide it into the kitten's mouth and down into the esophagus. There should be a line letting you know how deep to go into the kitten's throat. Then, you will use a syringe to feed the kitten.^{[7]XResearch source}
- The feeding tube will probably be used for three to four months.
- This allows the kitten to receive the nutrients they need to grow and gain weight.
3
Feed the kitten with a long nipple. Kittens with harelips that can suckle may be fed using a bottle with an elongated long nipple. This special nipple deposits the formula farther into the mouth, past the palate.^{[8]XResearch source}
- This special feeding bottle can be obtained from your vet, who can also show you the proper way to use it.
- Even when using a bottle with a long nipple, there's still a chance that the kitten could inhale the milk into its lungs and become seriously injured.
4
Give the kitten water with an overhead dispenser. To make sure your kitten gets water, use an overhead dispenser. This will help the kitten swallow the water instead of getting it pushed up through the hole in their palate.^{[9]XResearch source}
- An overhead dispenser can be purchased online and at pet stores.
5
Keep the kitten with the litter. Though your kitten may have a harelip, they should remain with their litter most of the time. This ensures they are properly socialized. You may want to keep a close eye on them to begin with and around feeding time to make sure they are not trying to nurse from the mother cat, since that can lead to problems. Feed the kitten from the nipple or feeding tube around the same time the kittens are nursing.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If your kitten has a feeding tube, you should talk to your vet about strategies to keep the tube safe from the other kittens.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Fixing the Oral Defect

1
Have the vet perform surgery. The most common way to fix a harelip or cleft palate is to undergo surgery. The vet will repair the defects and fix the soft palate. This surgery should happen as soon as possible to ensure that your kitten thrives. Surgery on the soft palate occurs after your kitten is three months old, and surgery on the hard palate is usually after six months.^{[11]XResearch source}
- The vet will close the hard and soft palate, which may take two different surgeries.
- Keep in mind there are risks of complication when giving an anesthetic to a kitten and performing surgery. Before you decide to go with surgery, think carefully about what's best for the kitten.
- If the defect is too bad, the vet may suggest euthanasia.
2
Treat any infections with antibiotics. If the kitten has developed pneumonia, sinusitis, or another secondary infection, the vet will prescribe antibiotics. These antibiotics will clear up the infection. You must monitor the kitten during this time to make sure they don’t have any complications from the infection.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican College of Veterinary SurgeonsTrade organization responsible for setting standards of surgical excellence for the field of veterinary medicine and promoting safe practices for equine care.Go to source}
- For example, you want to make sure the cat can breathe and doesn’t develop any additional breathing problems.
3
Monitor the kitten after the surgery. The kitten will need to be monitored closely after the surgery to ensure they heal and thrive. The kitten may have to eat through a feeding tube at first, but then will have to eat soft food for a few weeks.^{[13]XResearch source}
- The kitten will need to wear an e-collar for a few days to keep them from touching their face.
- No hard toys or food should be given to the kitten for weeks after the surgery. Wait until the vet gives the okay for the kitten to put hard objects in their mouth.
- If the kitten rubs its tongue against the stitches, it could cause the wound to break apart and require more surgery.
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