Homemade Kitten Replacement Milk
Kittens that are orphaned or rejected by their mothers, or don’t receive the vital colostrum milk in the first 24 hours of life, need a replacement milk formula to ensure good health and growth. With the right ingredients it’s easy to make a homemade formula, as long as it is tailored to the specific nutritional needs of the kittens.
Nutritional Needs for Kittens
Kittens are particularly vulnerable and require all the nutrients they need for the first four weeks of life, as they cannot survive on their own yet. Protein, fats, and minerals, particularly calcium, are especially important. Another vital ingredient is taurine, an amino acid found in fish and often added to pet food.
Ingredients for Homemade Formula
The primary source of protein for kittens should be high-quality powder milk, preferably from goat’s milk because it is more easily digested. The milk should be organic and from grass-fed animals. The fats should be from animal sources and can be obtained from eggs and cream, which are also better for the kittens’ digestive systems. Calcium is important and can be added in the form of bone meal, eggshell powder, lactose powder, or goat whey powder.
Preparing The Formula
Mix one part powder milk, one part cream, and two parts warm water together, and make sure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Then add taurine, bone meal, egg powder, or any other desired calcium source. As a final step, add some healthy vegetable oil, such as corn or olive oil, for additional vitamins and minerals.
Serving the Milk
The milk should be served at room temperature or slightly warmed, as kittens cannot regulate their own body temperature. If the kitten is thirsty, its mouth will be in an “O” shape and it will meow. They should be fed as they prefer, either in a shallow bowl or with a clean dropper or syringe.
Cleaning Routine
It is important to keep all the kittens and their food utensils clean to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria or parasites. Clean the kittens’ bowls with soap and boiling water after every feeding session, as well as before the first use. It is also important to discard any leftover milk in case the kittens become sick, the formula loses its freshness or the milk curdles.
Instinctive Behaviors
Kittens should be encouraged to nurse from a bottle or by hand as soon as possible to promote their instinctive nursing and grooming behaviors. Nursing can encourage the kittens’ growth, digestion, and the formation of good relationships among them. To achieve this they should be kept warm and monitored closely as a family.
Measuring Nutrients
Kittens should always be monitored for their health and growth, as a sick kitten will need more nutrients than a healthy one. For this reason, it is important to measure the ingredients accurately and adjust them according to the kittens’ needs. This can be done by taking weight measurements and keeping the kittens’ logs, as each kitten can require different ingredients and dosages.
Including Supplements
To create a balanced diet, some supplements can be included in the formula. These include vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, biotin, iron, zinc, and selenium. These can be purchased in powder form or capsules. However, it is important to check with a veterinarian before giving any supplements to kittens.
Knowing When To Stop Feeding
Kittens can begin to eat solid food at about four weeks of age, but should still receive their replacement milk until they are eight weeks old. By this point, they should be able to survive on their own. The kittens should always be weighed to ensure that their growth is on track and not delayed by the formula.
Monitoring Stools and Hydration
Regularly check the kittens’ stools and hydration levels to make sure that they are receiving the right amount of nutrients and are not dehydrating. Kittens’ stools should be a soft, formed consistency and a yellow to brown color. If the stools become watery or blood is present, the kittens should be taken to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Ensuring Safety
It is essential to make sure that the environment in which kittens are kept is always safe. This means making sure there are no exposed wires or small pieces of plastic that could be a choking hazard. The environment should also be kept clean and warm to reduce the risk of disease.
Preventing Disease
Kittens should always be checked for any contagious diseases, such as upper respiratory infections or parasites. An annual vaccination and regular deworming should be given to ensure the kittens stay healthy. It is also a good idea to ensure that the kittens are regularly examined by a professional veterinarian.
