HOW TO FEED A NEWBORN CAT: ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR NEW PET PARENTS

How to Feed a Newborn Cat: Essential Tips for New Pet Parents

How to Feed a Newborn Cat: Essential Tips for New Pet Parents

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Caring for a newborn kitten can be an overwhelming yet incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you’ve found an orphaned kitten or your cat has unexpectedly given birth, understanding how to properly feed a newborn kitten is vital for their survival and healthy development. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of feeding a newborn cat, from choosing the right food to establishing a feeding routine.

1. Why Feeding a Newborn Kitten is So Important


Newborn kittens are highly dependent on their mother’s milk, which provides all the necessary nutrients and antibodies to support their growth and immune system. In cases where the mother is unavailable, either due to abandonment, injury, or other circumstances, you’ll need to step in to ensure the kitten receives the nutrition it requires.

In the first few weeks of life, proper feeding is essential for their development, as malnourishment or improper nutrition can lead to serious health problems or even death.

2. Choosing the Right Milk Substitute


If the mother cat is not present, you’ll need to feed the kitten a special kitten milk replacement formula (KMR), which is designed to mimic the composition of mother’s milk. This formula is essential in providing the right balance of nutrients, unlike regular cow’s milk, which can cause digestive upset and isn’t nutritionally adequate for kittens.

  • Kitten Milk Replacement (KMR): Always choose a formula that is specifically made for kittens. Popular brands like KMR and Royal Canin offer high-quality options.

  • Liquid vs. Powdered: Both powdered and liquid formulas are available. Powdered formulas need to be mixed with water, while liquid formulas are ready to use. Both are effective, so choose whichever is easiest for you.

  • Never Use Cow’s Milk: Avoid giving kittens cow’s milk, as it can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, and other health issues. Cow's milk lacks the proper nutrients and is not suitable for kittens.


3. Gathering Your Feeding Supplies


Before you start feeding your newborn kitten, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand:

  • Kitten Bottles: Special kitten bottles with small, soft nipples are designed to mimic a mother cat’s teat. These bottles are widely available at pet stores or online.

  • Kitten Milk Replacement Formula: As mentioned, this is your kitten’s main source of nutrition in the first weeks.

  • Heating Pad or Warm Towel: Newborn kittens cannot regulate their body temperature effectively, so you’ll need a heat source to keep them warm while they feed.

  • Clean Towels or Cloths: These are necessary to clean up any spills or to help stimulate the kitten’s bathroom needs after feeding.


4. How to Feed a Newborn Kitten


Feeding a newborn kitten properly requires patience and attention. Follow these steps to ensure the feeding goes smoothly:

  1. Warm the Formula: Before feeding, warm the kitten milk replacement to body temperature (about 98–100°F or 37–38°C). You can do this by placing the bottle in warm water for a few minutes. Always test the milk temperature by putting a drop on your wrist—if it feels warm but not hot, it’s ready.

  2. Hold the Kitten Correctly: Position the kitten on its stomach, just like it would be positioned while nursing from its mother. Do not hold the kitten on its back, as this can lead to choking or aspiration of the milk.

  3. Offer the Bottle: Gently place the bottle’s nipple into the kitten’s mouth. The kitten should instinctively begin to suck. If it doesn’t suck, you can gently squeeze the bottle to encourage the milk to flow. Be careful not to force the milk into the kitten’s mouth, as this could lead to choking.

  4. Pace the Feeding: Allow the kitten to feed at its own pace. If the milk isn’t coming out, gently squeeze the bottle to encourage flow, but don’t rush the kitten. Force-feeding can cause aspiration, which can be dangerous.

  5. Monitor Milk Intake: A newborn kitten typically needs to consume about 2-3 mL of milk per feeding in the first few days. As it grows, this amount will gradually increase. By the third week, a kitten may consume up to 5-10 mL per feeding.

  6. Burp the Kitten: Just like human babies, kittens need to be burped to release gas after feeding. Hold the kitten upright and gently pat or rub its back. This will help prevent discomfort and bloating.


5. Stimulating Elimination


Newborn kittens cannot eliminate waste on their own, so you must assist them in going to the bathroom after each feeding. Here’s how to help:

  1. Use a Warm Cloth or Cotton Ball: After feeding, gently wipe the kitten’s genital area with a warm, damp cloth or a cotton ball. The stimulation encourages the kitten to urinate and defecate.

  2. Be Gentle: Do not be rough, as the kitten’s body is very delicate. This process mimics what the mother cat would do by licking the kitten’s bottom to stimulate elimination.


6. Feeding Schedule for Newborn Kittens


Newborn kittens need to feed frequently, typically every 2-3 hours, including overnight. Here is a general guide to feeding frequency:

  • 0-2 weeks: Every 2-3 hours, including during the night.

  • 2-4 weeks: Every 4-6 hours. By now, the kitten may start eating larger quantities.

  • 4-5 weeks: By this age, you can start transitioning the kitten to solid food, though kitten milk should still be a primary food source.


As kittens grow, they’ll need fewer feedings and will begin to explore solid food around 4 weeks of age.

7. Watch for Health Signs


While feeding, keep an eye on the kitten’s health to ensure it’s thriving. Some things to watch for include:

  • Weight Gain: Kittens should be steadily gaining weight. If you notice a lack of weight gain or weight loss, this could indicate a problem.

  • Signs of Dehydration: Check for signs like dry gums, sunken eyes, or lethargy. These could indicate that the kitten isn’t getting enough fluids.

  • Abnormal Behavior: A kitten that refuses to suckle, is overly lethargic, or has difficulty breathing could be showing signs of illness, and you should consult a veterinarian.


8. Transitioning to Solid Food


At around 4 weeks old, you can begin introducing soft, wet kitten food. Gradually mix the formula with the wet food to help your kitten adjust to the new texture. By 8 weeks old, your kitten should be eating solid food and drinking water on its own.

Conclusion


Feeding a newborn kitten is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can help ensure its survival and healthy development. Always remember to be patient and attentive during feedings, and keep a close eye on your kitten’s health. If at any point you’re concerned or unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to a veterinarian for guidance.

Caring for a newborn kitten is an incredibly rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can ensure that your kitten grows up to be a healthy and happy cat.

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