How to Tube Feed a Kitten

If you’re reading this, the odds are that you’re someone who’s considering tube-feeding a newborn or abandoned kitten, but you’ve heard it can be very dangerous to the kitten. Well, it certainly is scary to think about inserting a tube into a tiny kitten’s stomach, but in fact, this feeding method can be far more effective than bottle or syringe feeding. Less frequent feedings are needed (and you might get some sleep!). What’s more, bottle and syringe feeding are not exactly risk-free; with both, the kitten can easily aspirate formula and end up with pneumonia. So before you dismiss the idea of tube-feeding, read on. It may not be as frightening as you think!

Things You'll Need

  • (Source for most supplies listed under Resources)
  • French rubber feeding tube, #3.5 for newborns or #5 for kittens 1 week or over 5 oz.
  • Plastic syringes in several sizes (3 cc./ml. and 12 cc/ml recommended)
  • Small-capacity (6 lbs. or less) digital scale that can displays both grams and ounces
  • Kitten formula
  • Measuring cup and small bowl or teacup for heating formula
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and mark the feeding tube. Holding the small end of the tube just under the kitten’s ribcage, follow along the length of the tube to the kitten’s nose and mark that spot with a permanent marker. Make sure the mark is prominent enough to be seen from a foot away.

    • 2

      Determine how much formula you’ll be feeding. This is where the scale comes in. It is best to weigh the kittens in grams so that you can better monitor their gain. However, it is easier to figure the feeding amount in ounces. Once you have the weight in grams, convert it to ounces and figure 1 cc./ml. per ounce of body weight per feeding. If it is a newborn kitten and not nursing at all, you will need to feed every two to three hours for the first 48 hours, and then you can go to every four hours as long as the kitten is still gaining weight. If you are feeding more than one kitten, weigh them all, then figure out approximately how much formula you need and measure it out. Always pour out a little more than you need to be safe.

    • 3

      Warm the formula. Microwaving formula is not recommended, it can make it much too hot. Instead, microwave approximately 1 cup of water in the bowl. While the water is heating, pour a small portion of formula into the measuring cup. Then place or hold the measuring cup into the hot water so that the water comes about half-way up the side. This will warm up the formula in a minute or two. It should feel just slightly warm to the touch when you dip in a finger.

    • 4

      Fill the syringe with the recommended amount of formula. (If you are feeding more than one kitten, you will need to use a different tube for each kitten but you can keep the same syringe.) Press in the plunger slightly until a few drops of formula come out of the end of the tube. You don’t want any air in that tube.

    • 5

      Gently press a finger against the side of the kitten’s jaw to open its mouth and tilt its head back. Guide the feeding tube gently but firmly down the kitten’s throat. You will see the kitten trying to swallow the tube and it will probably meow. This is a very good sign, because what most people are afraid of is getting the tube into the windpipe or lungs, and if the kitten is meowing at you, it sure doesn’t have anything in its windpipe. (Incidentally, it is really, really hard to get a tube into the windpipe, even if you are trying, so don’t worry about this too much.)

    • 6

      Keep pushing the tube in until you feel some resistance. Stop and check to see if the mark you put on the tube is visible. If so, how visible is it? If it is more than half an inch away from the kitten’s mouth, push again, gently, until it is within that range or closer. Now you know the tube is in deep enough so that it will be difficult for the kitten to wiggle it out.

    • 7

      Gently and slowly, depress the plunger to deliver the appropriate amount of formula into the kitten’s stomach. Keep your eye on the mark so you’ll know the tube is still in deep enough. Release the plunger and slowly pull the tube out.

    • 8

      It is not necessary to burp tube-fed kittens (as it is with bottle or syringe-fed kittens) because they are not taking in any air with their milk. However, you will want to weigh them again after feeding and record this weight as well. You can expect the kitten to be slightly under its most recent post-feeding weight at the subsequent feeding, but if it is under its previous PRE-feeding weight, you may have a problem. In this case, you will want to feed more frequently, and you should probably touch base with your vet for any additional recommendations he or she may have.