What to do if a cat has abandoned newborn kittens, what to feed the kittens with? - briefly
If you find newborn kittens that have been abandoned by their mother, it is crucial to act quickly and carefully. The kittens are most likely to need immediate warmth, as well as proper nutrition to survive. For feeding, a kitten milk replacement formula is recommended. This formula can be purchased at pet stores or veterinary clinics. It should be warmed to the appropriate temperature before feeding to mimic the mother's body heat. Additionally, it is important to feed the kittens every two to three hours using a small bottle and a slow-flow nipple to prevent them from aspirating milk into their lungs. Always consult with a veterinarian for specific guidance tailored to the kittens' age and health condition.
What to do if a cat has abandoned newborn kittens, what to feed the kittens with? - in detail
If you find yourself in the situation where a mother cat has abandoned her newborn kittens, it's crucial to act promptly and responsibly to ensure their survival. Newborn kittens are highly vulnerable and require specialized care. Here is a comprehensive guide on what to do and how to feed them:
Immediate Care
- Keep the Kittens Warm: Newborn kittens cannot regulate their body temperature, so it's essential to keep them warm. Place them in a box lined with soft towels or blankets. You can also use a heating pad set on low, placed under half of the box to create a warm area where they can move if they get too cold.
- Check for Signs of Life: Gently stimulate each kitten by rubbing them with a warm, damp cloth. If a kitten is not responsive, it may be too weak or have already passed away.
- Monitor Hydration: Dehydration can set in quickly, so offer the kittens small amounts of warm water using an eyedropper or a small syringe (without the needle). Place a few drops on their lips and let them lap it up if they are strong enough.
Feeding Newborn Kittens
Newborn kittens require specialized nutrition to thrive. Here are some options:
- Kitten Milk Replacer: This is the best option for feeding newborn kittens. It's available at pet stores and online retailers. Follow the instructions on the package to mix the correct ratio of milk replacer to water. Feed the kittens using a small syringe or an eyedropper, ensuring they swallow rather than inhale the liquid.
- Goat's Milk: If you cannot find kitten milk replacer immediately, goat's milk can be used as a temporary substitute. It is closer to cat milk in composition compared to cow's milk but should still be diluted with water (1:1 ratio) before feeding.
- Cow's Milk: As a last resort, you can use cow's milk, but it must be heavily diluted with water (2 parts water to 1 part milk) to avoid causing diarrhea, which can be life-threatening for newborn kittens.
- Frequency and Amount: Newborn kittens need to be fed every two to three hours around the clock. The amount varies depending on their size and age, but as a general rule, they should consume about 8% of their body weight in milk replacer per day. For example, if a kitten weighs 100 grams, it needs approximately 8 milliliters (mL) of milk replacer every three hours.
Long-Term Care
- Stimulate Elimination: After each feeding, gently rub the kittens' genital and anal areas with a warm, damp cloth to stimulate urination and defecation. This is crucial because newborns cannot eliminate on their own.
- Monitor Weight Gain: Weigh the kittens daily to ensure they are gaining weight. A steady increase in weight is a sign that they are thriving.
- Veterinary Care: As soon as possible, take the kittens to a veterinarian for a check-up. The vet can provide further guidance and ensure the kittens are healthy.
- Socialization: While caring for the kittens, handle them gently but frequently. This helps with their socialization and prevents them from becoming fearful of humans.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve the chances of survival for abandoned newborn kittens.