Once a kitten's eyes have opened, typically around 1-2 weeks old, they require careful attention and specific care, especially when it comes to feeding. The primary food source for these tiny felines is kitten-specific milk replacer, ideally goat's milk formula. This special formula is crucial for their healthy development. A feeding schedule of every 2 to 4 hours is generally necessary at this stage.
If possible, allowing the newborn kitten to nurse from its mother is the best option. However, when the mother cat doesn't have enough milk, it becomes essential to bottle-feed the kittens with a kitten milk formula. Ensuring a warm environment is crucial, so the kitten's bedding should be made up of clean clothes and other soft items and placed in a safe spot. It's incredibly important to keep the kitten warm, especially during colder periods. Avoid bathing these very young kittens, as it may put them at risk of hypothermia.
Kittens with open eyes should only consume kitten milk replacer, or goat's milk replacer, human milk is not a substitute! When preparing the formula, ensure it's lukewarm before feeding the kitten. The ideal temperature can be checked by dripping a small amount of the formula on your wrist; if it feels warm to the touch, it's suitable for feeding. Start by offering 2 to 5 ml of formula every 2 to 3 hours. Yes, that includes a middle of the night feeding schedule, so setting an alarm every three hours for feeding is necessary.
Newborn kittens can't control their bowel movements independently, so their mother would normally stimulate their anal and urinary area through licking. As a pet owner, you can simulate this process by gently massaging the kitten's perineal area with a warm, moist cloth or a cotton ball before and after each feeding. You’ll know the kitten’s bowel movements are healthy if they are similar to a thick paste or soft stool. If the kitten has watery stool it can be a sign of diarrhea. If this occurs, consult your veterinarian for advice, and ensure to keep the kitten warm. Providing a probiotic supplement is also recommended to aid digestion for these newborns. If you enjoyed this, try:Pet Naming
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