How to Feed Baby Cats

Baby cats, also known as kittens, are defenseless animals that will die if orphaned. They need their mother for nourishment and protection. In the event that your kitten is orphaned, you can increase his chances of survival by feeding him from a baby bottle. Baby kittens are much like human babies in that they require constant care. It is a rewarding task, as you get to watch the kitten grow due to your care and efforts.

Things You'll Need

  • Sterile feeding bottles and nipples
  • Milk replacement formula
  • Bowl of hot water
  • Warm towel or blanket
  • Warm, wet cloth
  • Kitten bed
  • Food scale
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sterilize the feeding bottles and nipples for five minutes in boiling water. Allow them to cool before filling them with formula.

    • 2

      Fill a 1.1-oz baby bottle with kitten formula. Purchase milk replacement formula at any pet supply store, or at your veterinarian's office. You can also add a dash of plain yogurt to the formula, which will help the kitten's digestive system.

    • 3

      Warm the formula by placing the bottle in a bowl or pot of hot water. Its temperature should reach approximately 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the nipple to ensure it has good flow; formula should drip when pressure is applied to the bottle.

    • 4

      Sit in a chair and place a warm towel or blanket around the kitten to warm her; feeding a cold kitten can cause an upset stomach. Allow the kitten to sit comfortably in a facedown position to avoid choking.

    • 5

      Gently hold the kitten's head in your hand without lifting it and place the bottle against his mouth. The kitten should begin nursing. Let him finish the bottle, but do not overfeed him.

    • 6

      Check the nipple if the kitten does not begin to nurse or appears to have trouble getting any milk. The nipple should not excessively leak milk when the bottle is turned upside down, but should drip if you apply a small amount of pressure to the bottle.

    • 7

      Trigger the nursing reflexes by petting the kitten's head or by stroking his back. The kitten should begin to nurse.

    • 8

      Hold the kitten under his stomach with one hand and gently pat his back to stimulate the kitten to burp with the other. Be sure to pat his back lightly to avoid vomiting. The kitten may or may not burp, but you should try burping him after each feeding.

    • 9

      Stimulate the kitten to eliminate by rubbing a warm, wet cloth on her anus and genitalia.

    • 10

      Put the kitten in a comfortable bed for an undisturbed nap after each feeding process.

    • 11

      Weigh the kitten every day with a food scale. He should gain approximately 1/2 oz. every day for the first two weeks. If you notice that the kitten is not gaining weight, check the nipples to ensure that the hole is large enough---the kitten may not be able to suck milk from the bottle.