I volunteer for a cat rescue. I have many young kittens without mothers at the moment. Would anyone know of a formula I could make myself that is safe. I am buying kitten milk replacer at but it is very expensive. The kittens are 3 weeks old now.

-- debbie mulder (mulder.family@sympatico.ca), April 20, 2001

Answers

Response to kitten formula

Here is information I have been saving for the occasion. I am sorry it doesn't have a kitten formula. I thought it did, but perhaps the other info will be helpful.

Hand-rearing a newborn puppy or kitten takes patience By GEORGE HUEBNER

Officials at animal clinics, shelters and pounds know that the beginning of spring brings an increase in puppy and kitten litters, some of which enter the world only to be abandoned by their mothers, neglected or orphaned -- products of failure to spay or neuter.

When any of these circumstances occur before the kitten or pup is old enough for weaning, caring human intervention is necessary. Hand- rearing a newborn requires time, attention, patience, a healthy dose of tender, loving care and the proper diet.

The obvious circumstances -- the death of the mother, her inability to provide sufficient milk, a rejection of one or more of her brood, newborns too weak to suckle, or birth by Caesarian section -- call for immediate caution by the foster parent. By following these guidelines, chances are good you’ll raise a happy and healthy animal.

An environment that is either chilly or overheated poses the greatest threat to a newborn kitten or puppy. To help maintain a consistent and warm environment, make an incubator from a cardboard box or similar container with high sides. Divide it into separate, small compartments for each newborn.

Use a heat pad, set on “low,” or hot-water bottle, covered with protective rubber or plastic over which absorbent bedding such as cloth diapers, folded newspapers or paper towels, have been placed.

Place the incubator away from drafts and make sure the air has some humidity to prevent dehydration. Apply is light coat of baby oil to the skin. During the first week, keep the temperature at 85 degrees Fahrenheit and lower it 5 degrees each week until it is 70 F.

Using a formula that’s as close to mother’s milk as possible is critical to the newborn’s healthy development. For kittens, use KMR which is a balanced blend of vegetable fats, milk and egg solids fortified with minerals and vitamins. Available in ready-to-use liquid form, KMR can be fed using a small animal nurser, a doll’s bottle, eye dropper or syringe (with needle removed). Warm the formula to the kitten’s body temperature-approximately 100F. Clean all utensils thoroughly and rinse with scalding water. partially consumed formula should not be saved. Newborn, weak or small kittens should be fed every three to four hours. Older kittens can be fed by spoon. By 4 weeks of age, most kittens will lap milk from a saucer or small bowl and can be started on supplementary feedings of dry or canned cat food.

For newborn pups, Esbilac is a near-perfect substitute for mother’s milk. Feed the puppy as you would a kitten, using the nurser or eye dropper, but feed only three times a day at eight-hour intervals. Both KMR and Esbilac are also available in easy-to-mix powder forms.

The caretaker will know a newborn has had enough after each feeding as soon as the stomach is rounded and filled out (never bloated). Follow instructions carefully to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to diarrhea in both kittens and puppies.

Within a week or so, a kitten or puppy should be on a regular schedule of eating, sleeping and growing. Weekly “weigh-ins” will help track weight gain. But don’t be tempted to play with the newborn during these early weeks: puppies and kittens require lots of sleep between meals.

The puppies and kittens will need to have their bowels stimulated by gently massaging their lower abdomen. Do this after each feeding.

After the infants have reached six weeks of age, they should be started on a vaccination series and deworming program by a veterinarian.

The next step is to take them to a humane shelter if you are prepared to provide for their care the remainder of their lives. And have all of them spayed or neutered before they are of breeding age. To receive a copy of The Guide to the Care and Feeding of Orphan and Rejected Kittens (or Pups), send your address to: Pet-Ag Division, R.R. 1, Box 127 Elgin, Illinois 60120.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), April 20, 2001.

Response to kitten formula

I found one in The New Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier.

2 cups whole milk 2 raw organic egg yolks 2 tablespoons protein powder 6 drops liquid viatmins for children

Beat with a for or whisk. Warm the formula first to bath temperature (101 degrees F) by standing feeder in a bowl of hot water. Feed kittens in a doll bottle or pet nursers.

to determine a feeding schedule: Kitten's weight How much How often

under 4 ounces about 1 teaspoon every 2 hours for 2 weeks

4 to 8 ounces 2 to 4 tablespoons per day every 3 hours for the 3rd week

8 to 24 ounces 6 to 10 tablespoons per day every 4 hours for 4th and 5 the weeks.

-- R. (thor610@yahoo.com), April 20, 2001.

H There is nothing better than bottle feeding little kittens, they are the cutest things in the world. We've done lots of rescue and the formula that I use is 1/2 can evaporated ( NOT sweetened) milk, one cup water, 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon karo. Mix it good, and cook it in the microwave until it has just barely come to a boil ( You can cook it on top of the stove too, I use the microwave because it's faster.) Let the mix cool dowon, add a couple of drops of pediavite vitamins, and give to the kiTs. I use this in place of the KMR stuff which inevitably caused the kittens to have diahrhea (sp). Feed the kids about every 2 hours, and then lenthen it to three and four hours as they grow.

We always put the babies in a plastic cat carrier with a fake sheepskin blanket. We kept them on the bed or right next to the bed so we could hear them when they cried. Also, you Do know about making them urinate and defecate by rubbing their little behinds with a nice soft wash cloth that is warmed with water?

If the babies start to get cold, because they do chill easily, if you are a woman you can take care of it easily by putting the babies down your bra. They'll sleep happily there until they need food.

Good luck and have fun with your babies!

-- Ann Zavala (anncats2@aol.com), April 21, 2001.

Hi i've only heard never done so correct me if I'm wrong. Feed them raw goat milk not cow. It is said to have every thing they need. Is this right?

-- lindsey shamhart (l_shamhart@hotmail.com), April 25, 2001.