How to Feed an Orphaned Puppy or Kitten

Raising newborn kittens or puppies who are abandoned by their mother will require bottle or hand feeding them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Milk formula for puppies or kittens
• Nursing bottle or syringe
• Bowl of warm water

1. 
   KMR, one of many milk replacers for kittens

   Raising newborn kittens or puppies abandoned by their mother will require a milk formula that will approximate the milk their mother would normally provide for them. There are a number of different possibilities available which can be purchased from your local pet store or from your veterinarian. They are available in both liquid and powder formulas. Both work well and you should choose whatever is most convenient for you. Examples of milk replacers available are KMR for kittens and Esbilac for puppies

2. Once you have acquired a proper milk replacement formula, follow the label directions to prepare it for feeding. This usually involves dissolving with a specified amount of water and mixing thoroughly for powder formulations. Many of the liquid formulations are ready to feed directly out of the container.

3. 
   Pet nursing bottle

   You can use a pet nursing bottle or a syringe (without a needle on it) to feed your newborn puppies or kittens. If using a pet nursing bottle, use a hot needle to place a hole in the tip of the nipple. The hole should be large enough to allow the milk to drip out slowly when the bottle is held upside down and gently squeezed.

4. Use a bowl of hot water to warm the milk replacer to body temperature (approximately 100 degrees F). Simply set the nursing bottle or syringe inside of the bowl of water for a few moments. Test the milk on your arm before feeding. It should be warm but not hot enough to burn your skin.

5. To nurse the baby kitten or puppy, place him on his stomach and place the nipple in his mouth. Move the bottle so the head is slightly elevated and extended. Tip the bottle so that the kitten or puppy will not swallow air from the bottle.

6. Most kittens and puppies will stop nursing when they are full. A general rule of thumb is to feed 2 tablespoons per 4 oz. of body weight every day, divided into 6-8 meals.

7. Newborn puppies and kittens need to be fed every three to four hours round the clock. This means through the night also.

8. When finished feeding, "burp" your baby kitten or puppy by playing with him and rubbing his belly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you see small amounts of milk coming from your puppy or kitten's nose while nursing, it may mean he is feeding too quickly. The hole in the nursing bottle may be too large.
• Keeping a daily log will allow you to track your puppy or kitten's progress. You should keep track of how much your puppy or kitten drank, the daily weight of your puppy or kitten, any bowel movements seen, any other behavior (vomiting, etc.)
• Make sure you follow label directions carefully for mixing and keeping milk replacement formulas. The milk will likely need to refrigerated after opening.
• Regular cow's milk and/or human milk formula is not adequate to feed baby kittens or puppies. Use a formula designed for kittens or puppies.
• Warming the milk replacer in the microwave can produce hot spots within the milk that may burn your puppy or kitten's mouth.