The homemade kitten milk replacer, also known as formula, is a vital resource for kittens that are unable to nurse or when no lactating mother cat can be found. Cat milk substitute Cat milk replacer known colloquially to breeders as “kitty glop” is a common way to feed orphaned kittens. It is also good for starving newborns and said to be ideal for kitties that are a little hungrier or need the nutrition.
In an ideal world, kittens are born and raised by their mothers. A mother’s milk also contained all the essential nutrients required to support healthy growth and development during the first weeks of a baby’s life. But sometimes a mother’s milk is not available, either because the mother cat won’t nurse or can’t and the kitten is too weak to nurse. In those cases, a kitten milk replacer is needed to provide the kitten with the essential elements it needs to survive.
It’s essential to learn how to make and give a kitten milk replacer for anyone who faces such situations. This guide provides advice on how the formula can be prepared, as well as how safe it is for kittens to feed properly at this important time in their lives.
What Is Kitten Formula and When Should It Be Used
Kitten formula, often called kitten milk replacer, is what you would feed a baby cat if his mother were not around. Mother cats only provide these nutrients if they are allowed to nurse from the mother cat. If a kitten is orphaned or separated from its mother before weaning is complete, you will need to purchase a milk replacer for bottle-feeding. Similarly, this is a good formula that can be given to reject by mother kittens. At about three to four weeks of age, you will start switching the kitten from formula towards more solid foods like wet kitten food.Kitten Formula Buying Guide
There are a few critical factors to consider when choosing the perfect milk replacer for your unweaned kitten.Powder versus Liquid
First, decide if you want a powdered formula that you can mix with water or liquid right out of the bottle. Both options require warming up before feeding. Liquid preparations should be well-shaken before being warmed and administered.
Opened powdered formula can be kept up to three months before the expiration date or for six months if you freeze it. On the other hand, liquid formula once opened is only good for 14 days so that must also be taken into consideration while making your purchase.
Feeding Equipment
Furthermore, you will want to be sure you have the right equipment for feeding the formula (syringe or baby bottle) in appropriate amounts for your kitten. However, she may respond to a syringe with a nipple rather than a traditional bottle if she is very young; Consequently, a single pack of feeding bottles may help you unless you get the bottle starter kit then you have three options of bottles with measuring marks for your kitten.Kitten Formula Options- Homemade vs. Commercial
If you have not already consulted with your veterinarian regarding the preparation of homemade kitten formula, it is strongly advised that you choose a commercially available product. These formulas are formulated to be as much like mom’s milk and provide all the necessary nutrients essential for a kitten proper and healthy growth. Veterinarians do not recommend trying to make your own kitten formula. Growing kittens need minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, protein and fats in just the right ratios to become healthy adult cats. Young kittens are not able to withstand any nutritional deficiencies that can even have fatal consequences and hence if they are fed a well-balanced, commercially prepared diet it is best. The commercial kitten diets provide complete nutrition developed for growth and have a good shelf stability, palatability, and convenience at relatively low costs. However, if you are interested in creating a homemade kitten milk replacer, we would highly suggest consulting with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. These sources are available to create a balance, such as the specific diet for kittens that is safe.
Kitten Formula Recipe #1
- 1 quart of whole goat’s milk
- 1 tsp light Karo syrup
- 1 tablespoon of goat yogurt(recommended to be non fat and plain)
- 1 egg yolk
- Unflavored gelatin (measurements need to be adjusted based on age)
- Newborn to 1 week: 1 package
- 2nd week: 1.5 to 2 packages
- 3rd week: 2.5 to 3 packages
- 4th week: 4 packages
Emergency Kitten Conformity Formula #2:
- 1/2 lb homogenized whole milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of salad oil
- Optional: 1 drop liquid pediatric vitamin
- Combine all ingredients well and store in a container, refrigerate.
Emergency Kitten Conformity Formula # 3:
- 1/5th boiled water, 4/5ths evaporated milk
- 1/ 2 tsp. bone meal per 16 oz. liquid
- Mix well and refrigerate.
Emergency Kitten Conformity Formula # 4:
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
- Liquid pediatric vitamins 1 drop (optional)
How to Feed a Newborn Kitten
If you bottle-feed a kitten, it is important to have special baby bottles intended for this. Online retailers and pet supply stores sell these tiny baby bottles, which come outfitted with appropriately-sized kitten’s nipples. They are made with a small design to facilitate their use in handling and also, can fit into low-formula powders.
If you can’t find a special baby bottle, try to use a needleless syringe instead and especially when the kitten does not like the bottle. These oral syringes for this purpose can usually be obtained from pharmacies.
Either way, warm up your formula (homemade or commercial kitten milk replacer) before feeding. Check for temperature by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist, where it should feel lukewarm or even cool, never hot. Heat in a microwave is not recommended.
A lot of people heat it up by putting the full bottle or syringe in a pot with hot water. After the formula is known to be in a safe temperature range then you can feed the kitten.
Feed the kitten warmed formula every three to four hours as before, but instead of opening its mouth let it suckle as they would naturally be placed on their belly.
Kittens need about 8 mL of formula per ounce of bodyweight per day. For example, a 4-ounce kitten should receive 32 mL of formula per day, which can be fed as 8 mL every 4 hours.
Kitten milk replacement formula is a specially formulated liquid designed to provide essential nutrients to orphaned or nursing kittens that are unable to receive their mother’s milk. It mimics the nutritional profile of a mother cat’s milk, ensuring that the kittens receive the proper balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals crucial for their growth and development.
Regular cow’s milk is not suitable for kittens as it lacks the necessary nutrients and can lead to digestive issues. Kitten formula should be used exclusively for kittens under 4 weeks old or those who are unable to nurse from their mother due to illness, rejection, or other circumstances.
When purchasing commercial kitten formula, check for the following:
- AAAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) approval.
- A protein content that meets the needs of growing kittens.
- Specific ingredients like DHA for brain development.
- Absence of harmful additives or fillers.
Homemade kitten formula can be a temporary solution in emergency situations, but it may not provide all the essential nutrients a kitten needs for proper growth. It’s best to switch to commercial kitten milk replacement formulas as soon as possible to ensure your kitten receives balanced nutrition.
You’ll need a kitten-specific bottle or a syringe for feeding, along with small, soft nipples that are appropriate for their size. It’s essential to sterilize all feeding equipment before each use to avoid infections.
Newborn kittens need to be fed every 2–3 hours, including overnight. As they grow, the frequency of feedings decreases, and the quantity of formula increases. Kittens typically eat around 5-10 mL of formula per feeding, depending on their size and age.
If your kitten is refusing to eat, try warming the formula slightly, as kittens prefer their milk warm. Ensure the feeding bottle’s nipple isn’t clogged, and try gently massaging the kitten’s throat to encourage swallowing. If refusal continues, consult a veterinarian immediately.