Editing Kitten (section)

=== Pre-weaning nutrition ===

==== Establishing immunity ====
Part of the kitten's immune system is the mucosal immune system, which is within the gastrointestinal tract. The mucosal immune system is largely responsible for coordinating proper immune responses by tolerating innocuous antigens and attacking foreign pathogens.<ref>Kabat, A. M., Pott, J., & Maloy, K. J. (2016). The mucosal immune system and its regulation by autophagy. ''Frontiers in immunology'', ''7''.</ref> In order to optimize kitten health and increase chances of survival, it is important to optimize the link between the [[gut-associated lymphoid tissue]] and the [[microbiota]] of the [[gastrointestinal tract]]. Lasting health and longevity can be accomplished partly through proper nutrition<ref name=":1" /> and establishing a healthy gut from birth through utilizing colostrum.<ref name=":2">Chastant‐Maillard, S., Aggouni, C., Albaret, A., Fournier, A., & Mila, H. (2017). Canine and feline colostrum. ''Reproduction in Domestic Animals'', ''52''(S2), 148-152.</ref>[[File:Laitche-P013.jpg|thumb|A litter of kittens suckling their mother]]Within the first two days after [[birth]], kittens acquire [[Passive immune system|passive immunity]]  from their mother's milk.<ref name="petnutritiontext">{{cite book|last1=Case|first1=Linda|last2=Leighann|first2=Daristotle|last3=Hayek|first3=Michael|last4=Foess Raasch|first4=Melody|title=Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals|date=2011|publisher=Elsevier|page=210}}</ref> Milk within the first few days of parturition is called [[colostrum]], and contains high concentrations of [[immunoglobulin]]s.<ref name="petnutritiontext" /> These include [[immunoglobulin A]] and [[immunoglobulin G]] which cross the intestinal barrier of the [[Neonatal|neonate]].<ref name=":2" /> The immunoglobulins and [[growth factor]]s found in the colostrum begin to establish and strengthen the weak immune system of the offspring.<ref>Greco, D. S. (2014). Pediatric Nutrition. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 44(2), 265-273.</ref> Kittens are able to chew solid food around 5–6 weeks after birth, and it is recommended that 30% of their diet should consist of solid food at this time.<ref>Little, S. (2013) Successful management of orphaned kittens. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15, 201-210.</ref> The kitten remains on the mother's milk until around eight weeks of age when weaning is complete and a diet of solid food is the primary food source.<ref name=":0">Sheridan, L. (2014). Kitten Nutrition. Veterinary Nursing Journal, 27(6), 232-241.</ref>