How to Feed Kitten with Cat Milk After Birth

However, newborn kittens are delicate and fragile, making them particularly susceptible to early death. These little furballs require double the care and attention right after they're born.

Should the mother cat be present, she can take care of her kittens, but if she's not around, it falls to the pet owner to step in and act as the mother substitute.

This episode will delve into the art of feeding kittens with cat milk after they are born. Pet owners must tailor the food to the kitten's age. Newborn kittens can only consume milk, and the mother's milk is the ideal choice.

In cases where the mother's milk is insufficient or unavailable for other reasons, kittenspecific formula is necessary for artificial feeding.

Be cautious not to give kittens human milk, as it contains a high lactose content that can lead to diarrhea in cats.

When feeding milk to kittens, ensure it is warmed to around 38 degrees Celsius, neither too hot nor too cold.

Here are the feeding quantities and frequencies for kittens:

From birth to 7 days, feed every 2 hours, with each feeding consisting of 3 to 6 cc.

From 7 to 14 days old, feed every 2 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night, with each feeding of 6 to 8 cc.

From 14 to 21 days old, feed every 2 hours during the day and once between 11 PM and 8 AM, with each feeding of 8 to 10 cc.

Kittens will continue to nurse for about a month. Once they reach a month, you can start mixing milk with kitten food in a shallow dish, warming it to a lukewarm temperature, and gradually reduce the amount of milk in their diet.

Methods for feeding kittens:

Feeding can be done using a spoon, a syringe, or a kittenspecific bottle. Spoonfeeding requires a lot of patience.

The milk should be poured slowly to prevent it from entering the kitten's lungs. Many pet owners opt for a syringe or a kittenspecific bottle for feeding.

When feeding, hold the kitten in a comfortable position, supporting its chin with your left hand to slightly elevate its head. Squeeze a little milk and gently rub the nipple near the kitten's mouth and nose to encourage it to latch onto the nipple and feed.

When using a syringe, the milk should be administered in a slow, intermittent manner.

Some hygiene tips:

1. After feeding, wipe the kitten's mouth and chin clean with a warm, damp cloth.

2. Clean and disinfect feeding utensils with boiling water.

3. Do not leave cat milk at room temperature for more than an hour, as it should not be fed to the kitten after that.

4. Only reheat the amount of milk needed for one feeding session.