Bottle feeding kittens is a rewarding yet challenging task. Whether you’re an experienced cat owner or new to kitten rescue, this article will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to successfully bottle feed a newborn kitten.
Preparing to bottle feed kittens
Before you start bottle feeding your kittens, it’s essential to gather the right supplies and create a clean, comfortable environment.
You’ll need:
- Kitten-specific milk formula: Ensure you have a formula designed for kittens, as it contains the necessary nutrients they need.
- Baby bottles for kittens: Use bottles designed for kittens, with nipples that fit. You’ll need to cut a small hole in the nipple so that the formula can slowly drip out.
- Warming method: Have a way to warm the formula, such as a bottle warmer or a bowl of hot water, to ensure it is at the correct temperature for feeding.
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Ensure you sterilise all feeding equipment before and after each use, including bottles, nipples, and any utensils. Proper sterilisation is essential to prevent illnesses in kittens, as their immune systems are still developing.
You’ll need to purchase a kitten-specific formula. Avoid feeding cow’s milk, human baby formula, or other milk substitutes, as these can cause digestive issues and, in severe cases, can be fatal for kittens. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the formula, ensuring it’s lump-free and at the right temperature—slightly warm, similar to a mother’s milk. Once opened, refrigerate the formula to keep it fresh.
Choose a quiet, warm spot in your home for feeding your kittens. Ensure the area is free from drafts and distractions. A soft, clean blanket or towel can provide a comfortable and warm feeding surface. Creating a safe and nurturing environment ensures a positive feeding experience for your kittens.
Feeding the kitten
Place the kitten on its stomach, mimicking the natural position it would be in while nursing from its mother. This helps the kitten to feed safely. Never feed the kitten on its back, as this can cause choking or aspiration. Gently support the kitten’s head and neck with your hand, ensuring it can comfortably latch onto the bottle.
Ensure the formula is at the right temperature—slightly warm, similar to body temperature. Test the temperature by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist, just like you would for a baby. Also, keep the feeding area warm, around 25°C (77°F), but not too hot.
Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, letting the kitten suckle naturally. Gently squeeze the bottle to release a drop of formula on the nipple to encourage the kitten to latch on. Keep the kitten’s head slightly elevated to prevent aspiration and ensure they are comfortable during feeding.
Kittens may need a few attempts to adjust to bottle feeding. Remain calm and patient, offering gentle encouragement and letting them feed at their own pace. If a kitten seems hesitant, stimulate its natural rooting reflex by softly rubbing the nipple against its lips.
Kitten feeding schedule
Kittens need to be fed frequently, as their stomachs are small and they digest food quickly. During their first week, newborn kittens should be fed every 2-3 hours including overnight. As they grow, gradually extend the intervals between feedings. By the time they are 4-5 weeks old, feeding every 4-6 hours is sufficient. Always monitor your kitten’s weight and health and adjust the feeding schedule as required to ensure they are thriving.
Signs of proper feeding
A well-fed kitten will latch onto the nipple firmly and suckle steadily. Look for gentle swallowing motions and listen for soft sucking sounds. After feeding, the kitten’s tummy should be slightly rounded but not overly full. A content kitten will often fall asleep shortly after feeding, indicating they’ve had enough to eat. On the other hand, a kitten that is underfeeding is likely to cry frequently and fail to gain weight.
If a kitten is refusing to feed or having trouble latching onto the bottle, try stimulating its sucking reflex by gently rubbing the nipple on its lips or the roof of its mouth. You can also mimic a mother cat’s tongue by rubbing the kitten’s face with a cloth or soft toothbrush. This can help them feel more at ease and encourage feeding. If they’re still reluctant, check if the nipple hole is too small, making it difficult for them to suckle, or if there’s a lump in the formula causing a blockage.
After feeding care
After bottle feeding, gently wipe the kittens with a warm, damp cloth to remove any formula from their fur. This helps keep them clean and comfortable, and prevents skin irritation.
Just like human babies, kittens need to be burped after feeding to release any swallowed air that can cause discomfort. Gently hold the kitten upright against your shoulder or in a sitting position, and softly pat its back until it burps. This helps prevent bloating and gas, ensuring your kitten’s tiny tummy feels comfortable after feeding.
Kittens under three weeks old can’t eliminate waste on their own and need your assistance. After each feeding, use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently rub their genital and anal areas. This action mimics the mother cat’s tongue, encouraging them to urinate and defecate. Pay attention to the colour and consistency of their pee and poop as these are key indicators of their health.
Regularly monitor your kittens’ weight and overall condition. Healthy kittens should steadily gain weight and be active and alert between feedings. A lack of weight gain can indicate feeding issues or health problems. If a kitten isn’t gaining enough weight, try increasing the frequency of feedings rather than the volume per feeding. If you notice any sudden weight loss, failure to gain weight, or signs of illness such as diarrhoea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian for advice.
