What to feed a kitten if the mother cat has rejected it? - briefly
If a mother cat rejects her kitten, you should immediately provide it with a specialized kitten milk replacement formula. This formula is designed to mimic the nutritional content of natural cat milk and can be fed to the kitten using a small syringe or bottle, ensuring the kitten receives adequate nutrition until it can transition to solid food.
What to feed a kitten if the mother cat has rejected it? - in detail
When a kitten is rejected by its mother, it's crucial to provide immediate and appropriate nutrition to ensure its health and survival. The primary goal is to mimic the mother cat's milk as closely as possible in both composition and feeding method. Here are some detailed steps and considerations:
Firstly, it's important to understand that a kitten's diet should be rich in protein and fat, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates. The ideal food for an orphaned kitten is a commercial kitten milk replacer, which is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of newborn kittens. These products are available at pet stores and veterinary clinics.
To feed the kitten, you will need a small bottle with a nipple designed for feeding newborns or kittens. The nipple should be small enough to allow the kitten to suckle comfortably but not so large that it causes discomfort or aspiration of milk into the lungs. Some bottles come with different size nipples, allowing you to adjust as the kitten grows.
Before each feeding, warm the milk replacer to body temperature (around 98-100°F or 36-38°C). You can do this by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Be sure to test the temperature on your wrist before feeding the kitten to ensure it's not too hot.
Hold the kitten in a semi-upright position, supporting its head and neck with one hand while using the other hand to feed the bottle. The kitten should be positioned so that its head is slightly elevated, allowing milk to flow into its stomach rather than its lungs.
Feed the kitten slowly, allowing it to suckle at its own pace. If the kitten seems to be swallowing too quickly or gulping air, you may need to adjust the flow of the milk by tilting the bottle slightly or using a slower-flow nipple.
After feeding, gently pat the kitten's back and sides to help it burp and release any swallowed air. You can also use a warm, damp cloth to stimulate urination and defecation, as newborn kittens rely on their mother to do this for them.
The frequency of feedings will depend on the kitten's age and weight. As a general guideline:
- Newborn kittens (0-3 days) should be fed every 2-3 hours.
- Kittens aged 4-10 days should be fed every 3-4 hours.
- Kittens aged 11-17 days should be fed every 4-5 hours.
- Kittens aged 18-21 days should be fed every 5-6 hours.
As the kitten grows, you can gradually introduce solid food, starting with a high-quality, commercially available kitten food that is soft and easily digestible. Mix the food with a small amount of warm water to create a gruel-like consistency, which will make it easier for the kitten to eat and digest. Gradually decrease the amount of water as the kitten becomes more accustomed to solid food.
It's essential to monitor the kitten's weight gain and overall health during this critical period. A healthy kitten should gain approximately 10-15 grams per day. If the kitten is not gaining weight or appears lethargic, dehydrated, or has diarrhea, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian for additional support and guidance.
In addition to proper nutrition, providing warmth, comfort, and socialization are crucial for an orphaned kitten's well-being. Keep the kitten in a warm, draft-free environment using a heating pad set on low or a heated blanket designed specifically for pets. Place the kitten in a cozy box or basket with soft bedding to mimic the safety and security of its mother's nest.
Handling the kitten gently and frequently will also help it become accustomed to human contact, which is beneficial for its socialization and future adoption prospects. However, be cautious not to overstimulate or stress the kitten, as this can have a negative impact on its health.
By following these guidelines and providing attentive care, you can help an orphaned kitten thrive and develop into a healthy, happy cat.