Bottle-feeding a kitten

Bottle-feeding a kitten is an essential skill, especially for very young kittens who cannot nurse from their mother. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your kitten receives the necessary nutrition safely:

1. Gather Supplies

• Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR): Use a commercial KMR, available at pet stores or from your veterinarian. Never use cow’s milk as it can cause digestive issues.

• Nursing Bottle Kit: Get a kitten-specific nursing bottle or syringe. Make sure the nipple has a small hole (you may need to make it yourself) that allows milk to drip out slowly when the bottle is inverted.

• Warm Water: To warm the KMR to the appropriate temperature.

2. Prepare the Formula

• Mix Correctly: Follow the instructions on the KMR package to mix the formula. Ensure the correct ratio of water to powder for proper nutrition.

• Warm the Formula: Warm the mixed formula to about body temperature (around 100°F or 37.8°C). You can do this by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water. Test the temperature by dropping a bit of formula on your wrist—it should feel warm, not hot.

3. Get Comfortable

• Clean Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the kitten or preparing the formula.

• Find a Quiet Spot: Choose a quiet, warm place free from distractions to feed the kitten.

4. Position the Kitten

• Natural Position: Place the kitten on its stomach, mimicking a natural nursing position. Never feed a kitten on its back as this can cause aspiration (inhaling formula into the lungs).

• Support the Head: Gently support the kitten's head with one hand while holding the bottle with the other.

5. Feeding Technique

• Introduce the Bottle: Touch the kitten's mouth with the nipple to encourage latching. Be patient, as it may take a few tries for the kitten to latch properly.

• Allow Natural Sucking: Once latched, the kitten will suckle naturally. Hold the bottle at a slight angle to prevent air intake.

• Monitor Feeding: Keep an eye on the kitten while feeding. If the kitten stops suckling, seems distressed, or milk is coming out of the nose, stop feeding immediately.

6. Burping the Kitten

• Burping Process: After feeding, gently hold the kitten against your shoulder and pat its back to release any swallowed air. This helps prevent discomfort and bloating.

7. Frequency and Amount

• Feeding Schedule: Newborn kittens need to be fed every 2-3 hours, including overnight. As they grow, the time between feedings can gradually increase.

• Quantity: Follow the feeding guidelines provided with the KMR based on the kitten's age and weight. Monitor the kitten's weight to ensure they are growing appropriately.

8. After Feeding Care

• Clean Up: Wipe the kitten's face with a damp cloth to clean off any formula.

• Stimulate Elimination: Use a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently rub the kitten’s genital area to stimulate urination and defecation. This mimics the mother’s cleaning process.

9. Hygiene and Safety

• Clean Equipment: Wash and sterilize the bottle, nipple, and any mixing utensils after each use to prevent bacterial growth.

• Storage: Store prepared formula in the refrigerator and warm it before each feeding. Discard any unused formula after 24 hours.

Additional Tips

• Monitor Health: Keep an eye on the kitten’s health. If you notice any signs of illness such as diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Transition to Solid Food: Around 4-5 weeks of age, begin introducing wet kitten food mixed with KMR to transition the kitten to solid food.

Conclusion

Bottle-feeding a kitten requires patience, care, and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can ensure your kitten receives the proper nutrition and care to grow healthy and strong. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to a veterinarian, us or a knowledgeable rescue organization for guidance.