Mission

The Kitten Care Lab was created to help people confidently raise fragile neonatal kittens, including kittens with medical and developmental challenges.

I’m Shawna Hawkes, a retired Air Force veteran and Maine Coon breeder at Heritage Springs Maine Coons and the owner of Heritage Springs Family Farm in Northern Virginia.

Through caring for neonatal kittens, I have spent countless hours monitoring weight gain, tube feeding, managing emergencies, and navigating the challenges that inherently come with being responsible for tiny kitten’s lives.

I have learned that trusted resources can be hard to come by- especially at 2am when a frantic google search of “what to do when a kitten (fill in the blank)” results in conflicting advice or no advice.

I am not a veterinarian. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed veterinarian. This information is based on personal experience and is for educational purposes only.