It is rare for a cat to be unable to nurse her kittens. But it can still happen. Likewise, if you find an abandoned kitten, you will have to feed it yourself. In this case, it may be interesting to know the little tips needed to bottle-feed one or more kittens. Not that it’s rocket science, but it’s still not as easy as it seems!
Step One: Buy Formula Milk
This is the first thing to do. And for good reason, formula milk is the only milk suitable for kittens (apart from their mother’s milk, of course). There is no question of giving them cow’s milk, or even goat’s milk or any other milk! Without formula milk, it will be difficult for them to survive the first weeks of life. In fact, it is only at the age of two, even three months that a kitten can permanently exclude milk from its diet, after the weaning period.
To get one, it’s very simple, go to a veterinary clinic, pet store, pharmacy, or even sometimes a supermarket.
Good to know : in case of emergency, and if you don’t have kitten formula nearby, you can prepare a homemade recipe: mix 100 ml of goat’s milk with 100 ml of crème fraîche with 12% fat and 1 egg yolk. Like that of the cat, the milk must be low in lactose, rich in protein and fat.
Second step: choosing the bottle
Generally, baby bottles are supplied with formula milk. So you won’t have to worry about it. On the other hand, don’t dare choose a bottle for a human baby, the teat would be too big for your little kitten. Be sure to only use bottles intended for kittens.
Third step: preparing the bottle
Do not hesitate to scrupulously follow the instructions on the box of kitten formula. For example, the water in the bottle must be lukewarm (37-38°C) before adding the milk powder. However, be careful that it is neither too hot nor too cold. In fact, this could cause diarrhea in your kitten. However, this can be fatal to him at this age.
Likewise, the bottle must be washed carefully after each meal to avoid the development of bacteria. And above all, don’t forget to wash your hands before handling the milk and the bottle!
Fourth step: taking the bottle itself
Sit comfortably, preferably in a quiet place. Take the kitten in your hand by positioning him in front of you, as seated as possible. Bring the bottle to his mouth and squeeze out a few drops of milk. Then, gently insert the pacifier into his mouth and let him drink quietly.
Pay attention to never feed a kitten on its back ! In fact, he could go the wrong way, which can be very dangerous at this age.
Fifth step: the dosages to respect
A kitten that has just been born will not have the same milk needs as a kitten that is several weeks old. You will therefore have to follow the instructions to the letter. dosages indicated on the box of milk or communicated by your veterinarian.
Generally, they are of this order:
- First week of life: 8 meals per day
- Second week: 6 meals per day
- Third week: 5 meals per day; the kitten is able to lap up milk.
- Fourth week: 4 meals per day; the kitten begins to eat solid food.
Good to know : a properly fed kitten generally gains 100 grams per week.
Last step: stimulating the kittens
A cat not only feeds her kittens, she also plays an essential hygienic role. In fact, it is she who must help them with their needs by licking their bellies and genital areas.
So don’t panic, you won’t have to use your tongue. On the other hand, you will need, after each bottle, massage the perineal area of your kittens using a damp glove. The objective? Help them pass their stools and urine. It’s not the most pleasant, we grant you, but it is indeed an essential step!
