Can You Give Baby Formula to Kittens?

Kittens are indeed sweet little babies, but that in no way means that formula made for human infants is appropriate for their dietary demands. Kittens and human babies are totally different creatures. If you're caring for a litter of kittens, commercial kitten formula from a pet supplies store is the only way to go.

  1. Feeding Kittens

    • Kittens with healthy, nursing mother cats don't need formula of any kind, as their mama's milk can cater to all of their nutritional requirements. If the mother cannot nurse them or is inaccessible, commercial kitten formula makes a nutritious substitute. Make sure the formula you purchase specifies on the packaging that it's made only for kittens. If you have any questions or want some recommendations, call your veterinarian for advice. Kitten formula copies the nutritional value of a mother cat's milk, along with its ease in digestion. It aims to provide growing kittens with all the right amounts of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and proteins. Once kittens are weaned fully, they no longer need milk or formula for basic sustenance -- just commercial food tailored to feline youngsters.

    No Baby Formula

    • Baby formula made for humans is a definite no-no for growing kittens. It is made with the nutritional needs of human babies in mind, not those of kittens. Human baby formula can bring upon uncomfortable tummy woes such as diarrhea in your cat. Human baby formula doesn't offer even half of the necessary fats and proteins for successful and strong kitten development.

    No Cow's Milk

    • Baby formula is an inappropriate replacement for a mother cat's milk, and so is cow's milk. Like baby formula, milk from a cow can also trigger unpleasant diarrhea episodes in kittens. Cow's milk lacks sufficient fats and proteins necessary for little kittens. At the same time, cow's milk has way too much lactose for the fluffy felines.

    Water Needs

    • Kittens are usually totally weaned by the time they're between 8 and 10 weeks in age. Once these little guys are weaned, they don't need kitten formula anymore. The only beverage they need at this point is water. Clean water must be a dietary staple for felines of all age groups. Start giving wee kittens water once they begin weaning at roughly 4 weeks in age.