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What can I feed my baby kitten if I dont have formula?

Feeding a Baby Kitten Without Formula
When you find yourself in a situation where you need to feed a baby kitten but don’t have access to commercial kitten formula, it’s crucial to provide a suitable alternative that meets their nutritional needs. Kittens, especially those under four weeks old, require specific nutrients for healthy growth and development. Here’s a detailed look at what you can do.
Goat Milk as an Alternative
One of the most recommended substitutes for kitten formula is goat milk. It is often easier for kittens to digest compared to cow’s milk, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues. To enhance its nutritional value, you can mix goat milk with gelatin. This combination helps to thicken the milk, making it more similar to the consistency of mother cat’s milk. However, it’s important to adjust the amount of gelatin based on the kitten’s age; younger kittens should have less gelatin, while older ones can handle more.
Homemade Kitten Formula
If goat milk isn’t available, you can create a homemade kitten formula using common ingredients. A simple recipe involves mixing:
– 1 cup of goat milk
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tablespoon of corn syrup
This mixture can provide essential nutrients that kittens need. However, it’s vital to ensure that the mixture is warmed to body temperature before feeding, as kittens are more likely to consume it when it’s warm.
Canned Cat Food for Older Kittens
For kittens that are a bit older (around four weeks and up), you can start introducing canned cat food. Look for high-quality, wet food that is specifically formulated for kittens. This food is richer in the necessary proteins and fats that growing kittens require. You can mix it with a little water to create a softer texture, making it easier for them to eat.
Important Considerations
While these alternatives can help in a pinch, it’s essential to remember that they are not perfect substitutes for commercial kitten formula. Kittens thrive best on specially formulated milk replacers, which are designed to meet their specific dietary needs. If you can, try to obtain a proper kitten formula as soon as possible. Additionally, avoid feeding kittens human baby formula or anything containing lactose, as these can be harmful and potentially fatal.
Conclusion
In summary, if you find yourself without kitten formula, goat milk mixed with gelatin or a homemade formula can serve as temporary solutions. For older kittens, transitioning to canned cat food is a viable option. Always prioritize getting a proper kitten formula to ensure the best health and development for your new furry friend.

How long can a kitten go without formula?

Bottle-fed kittens need to be fed around-the-clock (every two hours for kittens 0 – 1 week old, every 3 hours for kittens 1 – 2.5 weeks old, every 4 hours for kittens 2.5 – 3 weeks old and every 6 hours for kittens over three weeks that are learning to eat solids).

What milk substitute is best for kittens?

In addition to PetAg KMR powder, products like PetAg KMR liquid, Hartz KMR powdered formula and GNC Pets ultra mega premium kitten milk replacer powder are good options to feed kittens who are too young to eat solid food and still need to drink milk.

What can I give a kitten if I don’t have formula?

  • Wet Cat Food or Dog Food: If you have any wet cat food or even dog food, this is a good option.
  • Canned Tuna or Salmon: Plain canned tuna or salmon (in water, not oil) can be an enticing option for a kitten.
  • Cooked Chicken or Turkey: Shredded, cooked chicken or turkey (without seasoning, bones, or skin) can be

What do I feed a newborn kitten that doesn’t have a mom?

You can feed your newborn kitten a nutritional substitute that’s called kitten milk replacer. It’s essential that you avoid feeding a kitten the same milk that humans consume. Typical cow’s milk can make cats very sick. If you’re unsure of which kitten milk replacer to choose, talk to a veterinarian.

What else can you feed baby kittens?

Your best bet is to feed the kitten cooked meat in very small pieces if it is old enough to chew it. Ideally I would say boiled meat or cooked another way but with NO added marinates, sauces, spices, etc. Cats can also eat some vegetables (cucumbers, broccoli, carrots (cooked), chopped greens, squash, pumpkin, etc.).

Can you give a kitten cow milk in an emergency?

Never feed a kitten cow’s milk or other dairy products, dairy alternatives, or human baby formula, as this can be dangerous or even fatal to the kitten. Instead, purchase a kitten formula from a pet supply store, feed store, or online. Once opened, keep the formula refrigerated.

What milk can I give a stray kitten?

Do not feed kittens cows’ milk it will cause diarrhea which can lead to dehydration. You will need to purchase KMR which is a milk replacement sold at local pet stores along with a special bottle for feeding. Milk replacement will need to be slightly warmed; test on your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot or too cold.

What to feed newborn kittens without a mother?

These kittens should be bottle-fed using kitten milk replacer (or KMR), which comes in either liquid or powder form. It’s the equivalent to formula that you would use for a bottle-fed baby, except it’s formulated for cats. The formula, bottles and nipples are all available over the counter at most pet supply stores.

How long can a newborn kitten survive without milk?

Newborn Kittens Without Milk Will Die Within Hours.

What milk can you give a newborn kitten?

Newborn kittens drink their mother’s milk, which is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. If the mother cat is not available, a suitable alternative is a commercial kitten milk replacer, such as KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer).

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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