Feeding 7-Day-Old Kittens Without a Mother or Access to Kitten Milk

Introduction

If a seven-day-old kitten is without its mother or access to kitten milk, it is crucial to ensure proper nutrition and health through proper feeding methods. This guide provides detailed instructions on feeding home-made kitten formula and alternative methods until more permanent solutions like kitten milk replacers (KMR) are available.

Feeding Method and Schedule

Feeding Method: For feeding a seven-day-old kitten, it is advisable to use either a syringe or a specialized kitten feeding bottle. Ensure that the formula flows slowly to prevent aspiration.

Feeding Schedule: Depending on the age of the kitten, the feeding frequency will vary as follows:

0-1 week old: Every 2-3 hours, including nighttime. 1-2 weeks old: Every 3-4 hours. 2-3 weeks old: Every 4-6 hours. 3-4 weeks old: Every 5-6 hours, starting to introduce soft wet food.

Home-Made Kitten Formula

Until you can acquire commercial kitten milk replacers, the following home-made formula is an effective alternative:

Ingredients:

1 quart of whole goat's milk or whole lactose-free cow milk if goat is unavailable 1 teaspoon of light Karo syrup 1 tablespoon of nonfat plain yogurt (preferably goat's milk type) 1 or 2 egg yolks, depending on egg size Knox unflavored gelatin – the quantity varies by kitten age: Newborn to 1 week – 1 pkg 2nd week – 1 ? – 2 pkgs 3rd week – 2 ? – 3 pkgs 4th week – 4 pkgs

Preparation:

Place the goat’s milk or cow milk in a saucepan and add the appropriate quantity of Knox gelatin. Heat the mixture until the gelatin completely dissolves, then remove it from heat. Gently mix in the remaining ingredients and refrigerate the mixture for up to one week. Reheat the formula to near-warm temperature, testing a few drops on your wrist to ensure it is neither too hot nor too cold. Avoid using a microwave to heat the formula.

This homemade formula ensures that the kitten receives essential nutrients and sustenance until KMR can be procured.

Commercial Kitten Milk Replacers (KMR)

Once possible, a kitten milk replacer (KMR) is highly recommended for easier preparation and healthier nutrition. KMR can be purchased from local pet stores or online retail sites.

Feeding Directly Using KMR:

For feeding a kitten with KMR, use a plastic eyedropper, plastic syringe, or a commercially sold dedicated kitten-nursing bottle from your local pet store or online retailer.

Feeding Schedule for KMR:

You will need to feed the kittens every 2-3 hours during the day and night until they are about one month old. At this point, start training them to lap the formula from a dish to gradually transition to eating solid food.

Allowing the Kittens to Eat as Much as They Desire:

Once the kitten can successfully eat from a dish, it can eat as much as it desires per day until at least six to seven months old. At this time, you can begin rationing meals to twice per day, with the quantity depending on the adult cat's breed, gender, and frame size.

Feeding Guidelines for Adult Cats:

I feed my common-breed female moggies as follows:

BREAKFAST – 1/2 oz or 1 heaping tablespoon of high-quality grain-free dry kibbles DINNER – 2 ounces of canned or a tad more than 1/3rd of a standard 51/2 oz can

Proper feeding and nutrition are vital for the growth and development of any kitten. Whether using home-made formula or commercial kitten milk replacers, regular feeding schedules and proper portion control are key to ensuring the health and happiness of your feline companion.