What Do You Feed Baby Kittens In Emergency
You can feed baby kittens with baby formula in an emergency.
Since a kitten is reliant on its mother for food and warmth, it cannot survive on its own.
If you come across a kitten that has been abandoned or separated from the litter, you can give it homemade formula.
While a kitten cannot survive solely on homemade formula, it can be used as a temporary solution until you can purchase a kitten milk replacement .
You can combine evaporated milk and an egg yolk to make a quick and easy formula.
Use a combination of goat milk, yogurt, and gelatin to make something more nutritious.
To keep the kitten healthy, prepare the emergency food and administer it to it via a bottle or syringe.
Ingredients
- 8 fluid ounces of evaporated milk
- 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
For a simple recipe, combine evaporated milk, egg yolk, and corn syrup. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 egg yolk with a wire whisk until it reaches a runny consistency.
Continue mixing the formula with 8 fluid ounces of evaporated milk and 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup in the basin. Stir the ingredients together until they are completely blended.
Sweetened condensed milk is not recommended since it is too sweet for the kittens.
Using A Heating Pad To Warm The Nest
Weaning Litter Box Training And Well Growing Up
At 4-5 weeks, introduce a small box or pan with kitty litter to your kittens enclosure. To teach your kitten to use it, put them in the box and use their front paws to make a scraping motion in the sand. Whats especially helpful is if you catch your kitten eliminating somewhere they shouldnt, you can pick the kitten up and put them in the litter box. Also, begin offering semi-solid foods at this age. Wet kitten food and moistened kitten chow can be left in the enclosure at all times so your kitten can begin to experiment with it. Change it out frequently as it will spoil quickly, or your kitten may eliminate in it.
Once your kitten is interested in eating independently, continue to offer bottle feedings 4-5 times a day. You will probably notice your kitten becoming decreasingly interested in the bottle as they begin to eat more on their own.
Your kitten should be weaned at 6-8 weeks, litter box trained, and ready to start their kitten vaccinations! Hooray! Call us to set a time to have these done and enjoy your successful journey into the world of orphan kitten raising!
Recommended Reading: How To Change Diaper Newborn Girl
What Are Some Special Handling Techniques To Keep Them Healthy And Safe
In the first four weeks of their life, minimize the number of people who handle the kitten. During that time, they have not yet built up their immune systems, and they are prone to illnesses and infections. Be sure to wash your hands before and after each time you handle them.
Avoid allowing the kitten to interact with other animals even other cats. You never know how another animal will treat a small kitten, and neonatal cats are fragile in this stage of life.
If you have more than one kitten from the same litter, you can definitely keep them in the same box. They can help keep each other warm. If they are from different litters, you can still keep them in the same box, unless they are radically different ages or sizes. Also, dont mix sick and healthy kittens.
How To Litter Train A Baby Kitten
Most kittens will be taught basic litter box training by their mother. However, if the mother cat isnt around, it will be up to you to teach your kitten how to use the litter box, as well as care for them in general. You can do this by popping your kitten in their box after every meal and rewarding them after every use.
Dont forget to only ever use clay litter, as this is completely non-toxic to kittens. Any other type can get caught between their pads, which kittens will lick off and ingest, potentially causing harm. Take a look at our review of the best cat litter for more info.
Don’t Miss: Can A Newborn Sleep In A Swing
Warm Bedding For Newborn Kittens
Newborn kittens are born blind & deaf and must always be kept warm. Normally, they will curl up together with other kittens in their litter and with their mother cat, but you can use soft Pet Parents® Pawtect® Blankets as bedding to keep them comfortable and cozy 24/7. These cozy blankets are made with Sherpup® Proprietary Multi-layered Fabric that generates an interior barrier that does not allow liquid or moisture to pass through. This type of fabric is also what gives Pawtect® Blankets the ideal softness and comfiness appropriate for newborn kitten supplies.
To make sure the heat inside the whelping box is enough to keep them all warm, you can also add heating pads under the blanket. Be sure that it does not get too hot if you add a heating pad. A comfortable, warm place to lay is essential in newborn kitten care, so make sure you have bedding on your list of newborn kitten supplies.
Create A Blanket Fort
Does your cat love jumping into a basket of freshly dried laundry? Try warming a few blankets in the dryer and creating a cozy nook for her. The blankets wont stay warm for long, but shell be able to burrow down in her blanket fort for warmth. For extra heat, place the blankets near a sunny window, where shell be able to use the suns rays for an added boost of warmth.
Also Check: How To Deal With A Fussy Newborn
What Sort Of Care Do Kittens Need Between 3
The kitten is getting bigger. Now he can regulate his body temperature, explore, and youll see his first teeth appearing! This is the time for new challenges and ongoing learning.
- Help him to start to do things for himself. Put a litter tray in a convenient position and encourage him to urinate when you put him in it. Or prepare to be surprised. Did you know that most kittens learn to use it all by themselves?
- Change his food. At 3-4 weeks, kittens start to eat solid food. Although they still need milk, they drink less of it. Offer him semi moist or dry food for cats suitable for his age, such as Ultima Junior, wetting it with warm water or kitten formula milk.
- Invite him to explore. You could prepare a specific space such as a babys playpen, or a room where theres nothing dangerous.
- Start to wean him. Your kitten will drink less milk and eat more solid food up to the age of 8 weeks. At this point hell have his full set of teeth, and can be fully weaned. He can now eat dry food himself, and doesnt need you to wet it for him.
- Start on the vaccination and deworming processes. Now is the time for a visit to the vet.
The first few weeks of a newborn kittens life are the most difficult. But they are essential if your kittens are to grow up healthy. Were delighted to be here for you, and help you to keep your kitten well and happy!
Are You Supposed To Touch Newborn Kittens
Kittens are beyond adorable, but if the mother cat has just given birth to her kittens, its generally advised to try not to intervene. So, only touch newborns if theyre in distress, not moving or breathing, or not suckling milk within the first two hours after birth. These are all signs that something could be wrong, and wed always recommend a call to your local veterinarian if youre worried about your kittens.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Enfamil For Newborn
What Should You Expect When Caring For Newborn Kittens
Caring for orphaned neonatal kittens takes round the clock effort, but it can be done if you are willing to put in the time and dedication. You have to be prepared to get up throughout the night for the feedings. Its very much like caring for a human baby in that regard. However, they grow up much faster, so you are not doing it for months at a time. But it still takes a similar dedication. You definitely have sleepless nights and periods of worry. Are they getting enough to eat? Are they growing the way they are supposed to?
It can also be really sad sometimes, because they dont all make it. Some studies say that the mortality rate for kittens can be up to 40 percent. But you definitely create a real bond caring for them through that period.
Safe Temperature Range For Kittens
The ideal temperature range for kittens is between 85- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit although normal temperature of a kitten is 100 degrees F to 102.5 degrees F. Thats according to Cindy McKenney, who runs Kitty World, a website dedicated to raising orphaned kittens.
The higher temperatures simulate what the kitten would experience if it were still with its mother. If your home doesnt maintain such high indoor temperatures.
Youll need to use a heating device to keep your kittens warm enough. You can use a heating pad set on low or medium under half of the bottom of the box where your kittens sleep.
You can also use an infrared heat lamp over the area where they sleep. In both cases, watch the temperature carefully to make sure it stays in the safe range and adjust as needed.
Don’t Miss: What Do You Really Need For A Newborn
How To Take Care Of A Newborn Kitten Without A Mother
If you have found a newborn kitten without its mother, then youre probably wondering how to care for it. Well walk you through the steps to ensure it gets the proper nutrition and care during its first few weeks of life.
First, make sure the kitten is warm. If its cold out, place it in a box or carrier with a heating pad set on low in the back corner. Make sure that theres plenty of room for the kitten to move around comfortably, but not so much room that it falls off of something and gets hurt. You can also use a heating pad under half an inch of straw or hay in a cardboard box as well as place another cardboard box over top of this one.
Next, feed your newborn kitten every few hours with milk replacement formula made specifically for kittens . You should also offer small amounts of soft food every day because this will help them learn how to eat solid foods when theyre older. After each feeding session, gently rub their little bellies from front to back with a warm cloth until they fall asleep, this will help them digest their food and prevent gas buildup.
What To Feed A Neonatal Kitten
Stick to kitten formula, such as kitten milk replacer , which can be purchased at most pet supply stores.If you find yourself with a kitten and pet stores are closed, this emergency kitten formula can be made at home. Only use it in emergencies.
- 8 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1 beaten egg yolk
- Mix all ingredients well and strain. Warm before serving. Keep refrigerated.From Feline Neonatal Care DVD from the Loudoun SPCA.
Should you feed newborn kittens goat milk?
Never feed kittens cows or goats milkthis causes diarrhea.
Feeding Frequency
10 days or younger every two hours around the clock
11 days to 2½ weeks every three to four hours
2½ to 4 weeks every five to six hours
4 weeks and older two to three times a day. Weaning occurs around this age.
Mix formula with wet food so kittens can begin to lap it up, or put the mixture in a bottle. Then mix with dry food and begin providing water. If you are having trouble getting a kitten to latch onto the bottle, try pulling on the nipple when they start to suck, this will encourage her to suck harder and latch on.
You can also try moving the nipple back and forth in the kittens mouth. If your kitten is too ill to suck on a bottle, you may have to resort to other methods like tube feeding. In this case, consult a veterinarian.
Read Also: How Much Are Newborn Diapers At Walmart
What To Feed A Newborn Kitten
Like any newborn child, the primary food of the newborn kitten is the milk of his mother for the first four weeks. If you are to take care of the newborn by yourself, the best course of action is to find a good foster care or shelter home or any veterinarian doctor who will be able to find another cat who will be able to feed and nurse the kitten along with her own kittens.
However, if you are unable to find any such option, consult a veterinarian to get to know the proper way to feed a newborn kittens using a feeding bottle. There are commercially available milk replacers which you can feed the little one. Remember, you should never give cows milk to any cat of any age. Cow milk is difficult for the cats to digest and results in diarrhea.
Pet Ag has come out with perfect kits and milk replacers for those who have to take care of newborn kitten. Easily available on Amazon or other online stores, PetAg Kitten Milk Replacer Emergency Feeding Kit is extremely helpful if you do not own a feeding kit and have to take care of the kitten. The KMR Liquid Milk Replacer for Kittens and Cats can be used easily whenever you need to. Also, safety sealing ensures hygiene.
If you have trouble storing the liquid milk or have to carry it over long distance, the KMR Powder for Kittens and Cats will be a better replacement.
How Long Can Newborn Kittens Go Without Nursing
A kitten can only survive for a day or two without its mothers milk. A small kitten can live up to four days without food. If there is a case, keep the alternate of milk which contains most of the vitamins and minerals. Milk replacement formula is an option that can be used.
Don’t Miss: Why Does My Newborn Have Dry Skin
Limit Outdoor Time For Pets With Respiratory Issues
When the weather is below freezing , keep your pet indoors, especially if they have respiratory issues, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
Pets with respiratory conditions may experience increased breathing difficulties if left outdoors for prolonged periods of time due to constriction of the airways in response to inspiration of frigid air, Dr. Gillette explains.
Let them ride out the cold weather indoors with a plush heated bed, like the K& H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Bolster Bed. This electric heated bed has soft foam walls thatll cradle your petas well as a removable cover and pillow for easy cleaning.
Where Should I Keep The Kittens
If the kittens are being fed by their mother, even partially, then they should be kept with her. If no mother is around then for the first three weeks of life it is useful to use a small catcarrying basket with lots of cosy Vetbed plus a soft toy to snuggle up to. As they grow and become mobile, use a kitten pen or convert a babys travel cot/playpen. Use a velcro safety net to stop young kittens climbing and falling out.
Also Check: Is Infant Formula Safe For Newborns
What Makes A Good Nest For The Kittens
The easiest way to provide a clean, safe and warm nest is to take a cardboard box, line it with Vetbed, use either hot water bottles or a heating pad for warmth, and placing it away from draughts. Vetbed can be easily cleaned, is warm and comfortable. If this is not available terry nappies or old towels can be used. Some people use plastic plant propagators as incubators however, care should be taken to ensure the temperature within them is adequate.
How To Teach Your Kitten To Go To The Bathroom
Young kittens can’t go to the bathroom by themselves. Usually, a mother cat will clean her kittens to stimulate urination and a bowel movement. If the mother isn’t present, the kitten will rely on you.
Once your kitten is 3 to 4 weeks old, you can introduce them to their litter box. Add a cotton ball to the process in a similar way that you used one on them when they were younger. This will help them to understand what to do.
Gently place your kitten in their litter box and let them get used to it. Keep practicing with them. Ensure that their bathroom is in a safe area away from other people and pets so that they feel comfortable.
Show Sources
You May Like: How Many Ounces Should A Newborn Baby Drink