How to Feed Newborn Kittens

Every once in a while a mother cat will need assistance in feeding her newborn kittens or you may come across an abandoned or orphaned liter that needs your help to survive; follow the steps below to successfully feed a newborn kitten.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• baby bottle and nipple
• eye dropper
• kitten replacement formula
• towel
• wash cloth
• warm blanket

How to Feed Newborn Kittens

1. Sterilize your supplies. Soak all bottles, nipples and eye droppers in boiling water for at least five minutes. Be sure to allow enough time for cool down, prior to use.

2. Prepare the milk replacement formula as directed by the manufacturer on the directions. Heat the formula to body temperature; between ninety-five and a hundred degrees farenheight. You can test the temperature by squirting a small amount of the formula on your forearm. Feeding a kitten formula that is too cold can cause serious digestive problems.

3. Sit down with a towel in your lap and hold the kitten so its head is facing down. Without lifting the kittens head, place the nipple in the kittens mouth. If the kitten does not start to feed after a few minutes check to make sure the hole in the nipple is adequate. You should plan to feed the kitten every two hours without exceeding the daily intake as directed by the manufacturer on the replacement formula's label.

4. After the kitten is done nursing, he will need to be burped. Gently press one hand on the kittens abdomen and gently pat his upper back. If the kitten does does not burp you will have to assist him with the elimination process.

5. Stimulate the mothers cats elimination assistance by taking a damp wash cloth and gently rubbing the kittens anus and genital area. Be sure to do this on a towel as it will result in the kitten urinating or defecating.

6. Next place the kitten in a warm area and allow him to sleep.