Formula #2 Kitten Replacement
- 8 ounces of homogenized whole milk
- 1 drop of liquid pediatric multivitamin
Recipe
To feed the kittens, warm this formula in a hot water glass bath. Test with your palm to see if warm. If the formula passes the palm test, feed to the kittens as necessary.
This formula should only be refrigerated for 1 2 days.
When Would You Need Kitten Formula Or Its Substitute
There are several reasons why you may need kitten formula or its substitute including when
In addition to feeding kittens, you can use this kitten formula substitute to feed nursing queens, sick cats that need special supplementation or old cats.
How Frequent Should I Feed Kitten Formula
Feed the kitten every 3 hours for the first 2 weeks. This is because kittens need constant care when they are young.
Gradually switch to every 4 hours on the third week then every 5 or 6 hours past 4 weeks.
You can then start weaning the kitten after 4 weeks by introducing kitten weaning foods.
Kindly note that as you feed the kitten formula, you also need to help the kittens get rid of waste. You can do this by gently rubbing their behind using a wet cloth after a meal. Rub gently until they either urinate or poo. You will need to do this until they are old enough to use a litter box.
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Thomas Pet Goat Milk Replacer For Kittens
Mentioning the best milk replacers for kittens, from the beginning this formula is flavorless, which can help those who avoid goat milk, but still can use it in this alternative. Contains digestive enzymes and immunoglobulins to help break down essential nutrients and ease digestion and help establish a healthy immune system. Also has small fat globules, a high concentration of small and medium-chain fatty acids, and a loose curd formation, which allows it to be digested more quickly and with less effort.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein min. 24%, Crude Fat min. 24%, Fiber max. 0.5%, Moisture max. 5%
PROS:
Petag Kmr 2nd Step Kitten Weaning Food
If your kitten is able to properly stand on his or her feet and they managed to get able to eat out of a bowl, then it might be time to introduce them to this incredible nutritional goodness. The 2nd Step from PetAg is being targeted to those kittens who entered the weaning phase.
It is represented by transitional cereal in a creamy mixture, ideal for kittens between 4 and 8 weeks old. This product will provide a wholesome diet which will help you introduce your previously nursing kitten to solid food. You will be happy to find out that the recipe has been carefully thought of to follow KMR or mothers milk.
Among its ingredients, you will find natural milk protein and beef which will more than help in growing your kitten into a strong cat. It also packs in easy-to-use convenience and it is really easy to digest. Also, since it is a powder, you wont have to occupy your fridge with it.
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Choosing The Best Kitten Milk Replacer: A Buyer’s Guide
Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors to think about before selecting your next cat meal replacement.
Liquid vs. Powdered
Liquid
One of the first questions you should ask yourself when shopping for a milk substitute is whether to buy a powder or a liquid. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.
The liquid substitute is simple to use. There is no need to be concerned about ratios or mixing the appropriate amount of water. The only thing you need to do after opening is keep it refrigerated.
The disadvantage of these brands is that they are typically more expensive because you must pay for the water you would have added, resulting in bulkier packaging and higher transportation costs.
These additional costs are also detrimental to the environment. Another issue with ready-made milk replacers is that they have a shorter shelf life than powders, especially once opened, which means you’ll be throwing away some that you could have saved for another cat.
Pros
- Limited shelf life
Powder
When using a powdered milk replacer, you must mix the product with water, so the packaging is much lighter, and you get a lot more milk from the same size container.
It also has a much longer shelf life, so you can save the unused portion for a cat who might need it in the future, and it takes up no refrigerator space.
Pros
- Mixing is required.
Lactose
Fat
Minerals and vitamins
Taurine
How Long Should I Give My Kitten a Milk Replacement?
Week 1
Weeks two and three
8 Weeks Later
Thomas Labs Goatalac Goat Milk Replacer Powder Puppy & Kitten
Thomas Labs Goatalac milk replacer is formulated for both kittens and puppies. Made from dried goats milk it wont cause upset tummies.
This is because unlike cows milk, goats milk contains less lactose. In addition, Goatalac contains essential nutrients to support newborn development.
These include probiotics for digestive health as well as vitamin D and E. Also Goatalac milk contains whey protein concentrate.
This helps build lean muscle and encourage healthy weight. It may even help overweight pets.
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Beaphar Lactol Pet Feeding Set
Last but not least, lets end this list with the Lactol Pet Feeding Set from Beaphar. This product comes with a feeding bottle, a cleaning brush and four teats which will prove to be a huge help in feeding your kitten.
What does this pet feeding set bring you? First and foremost, it will guarantee a mess-free environment while also reducing wastage that comes as a result of spillages. Then, you will benefit from its ability to provide an essential nutritional supplement to your newborn or growing kitten.
Thats because the bottle is specially designed for properly feeding newborn kittens. Also, if you have other small animals in your home, like puppies or guinea rabbits, you can use this product for them as well.
Or, if you have a sick or recuperating cat on your hands, help her get proper feeding through the use of Beaphars Lactol Pet Feeding Set.
Best Kitten Milk Replacer For Weaning: Petag Kmr 2nd Step
Once your kittens are four to six weeks old, you can start the weaning process. Not all kittens will be immediately ready for this, whether they are bottle fed or feeding from their mother. Depending on your kittens, you can use a weaning formula, like PetAg KMR 2nd Step.
PetAg KMR 2nd Step contains all the nutrients that kittens from four to eight weeks old need to grow and develop further into cats. The texture is a bit more grainy than the regular KMR, which gets the kittens used to eating more solid foods.
Because of the extra nutrients, this formula is also perfect for older, underweight cats that suffer from illness or allergies. PetAg KMR 2nd Step is an easily digestible way to give your cat the calories they need to keep up their health.
Like the regular KMR, 2nd Step KMR contains cows milk. Again, if you notice your kittens getting diarrhea after switching to this formula, try a different one as they are likely lactose intolerant. A great alternative for kittens older than four weeks is goats milk.
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Nursing Bottles And Alternatives
As nursing bottles can be used bottles with rubber teats. Most of the time, these bottles are not suitable because it is difficult to pierce a rubber opening. The opening should not be too large, as there is a risk that kittens drown. Ideally, you should buy a bottle with an appropriate teat opening. When the nipple becomes porous, it must be changed immediately, as kittens can bite rubber into pieces and cause intestinal blockage.
Alternatively, the milk may be given dropwise using a pipette or syringe disposable . The syringes should have a smooth slide to ensure a low dosage. Keep in mind that not all kittens have a sucking reflex. Therefore, a 2ml syringe, which slides easily its ideal for feeding because this way the amount of food can be optimally dosed and administered to kittens.
Gnc Pets Premium Milk Replacer For Kittens
Trying to find the best milk replacer for kittens can get you to this option from GNC when you search for accurate labeling and manufacturing for consumer safety. The milk is a powder formula, approved by NASC , and proudly made in the US, with safe, secure, and high-quality products. Protein formula with necessary quantities of protein, fat, and fiber, has added vitamins and minerals for strong bones and healthy teeth.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 42%, Crude Fat 25%, Fiber 0%, Moisture 5%
PROS:
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Making Kitten Formula At Home
Although using commercially formulated kitten milk replacement is recommended, you may not have any available in an emergency. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and kittens lack the enzymes to properly digest lactose, so cow’s milk is not considered an acceptable substitute as it can cause stomach upset. If kitten milk replacement is unavailable, in an emergency you can make your own using a mixture of karo syrup, goat’s milk, egg yolks, and gelatin.
Goatalac Cat Milk Replacer By Thomas Laboratories
Thomas laboratories have been making such supplements for pets since 1978 in the United States. The reason they have lasted so long is simply the fact that they provide an amazing quality product for the amount they charge. Packed with tons of minerals and other nutrients, the goatalac cat milk is at your service. Simply add the powder into Lukewarm water and shake well, the solution can now be given to the kitten.
The added probiotics make it easy on your kittens stomach and get digested easily. All the minerals and vitamins ensure a healthy growth along with a good coat. The fibers and oils soothe the intestine and strengthen the immune system along with the digestive tract.
Pros:
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Royal Canin Baby Cat Milk
Royal Canin baby cat milk is formulated to be as close to mothers milk as possible. In fact lactose content is almost identical.
In addition, the milk contains DHA which helps develop cognitive function. This is naturally present in maternal milk and vital for healthy development.
Also, Baby Cat milk contains FOS for healthy digestive flora. These are prebiotics which help feed probiotics in the gut.
As the milk dissolves instantly, you wont get sediment. This makes it easy to blend evenly.
Youll be pleased to hear Royal Canin Baby Cat Milk comes complete with feeding kit. This makes it very easy to use and saves buying separate bottles and teats.
Key Features
The Recommended Amount Differs Depending On The Kittens Age As Follows:
- 1st week- 2-4 ml of 7 x / day
- 2nd week- 5-10 ml of 6x / day
- 3rd week- 10-15 ml of 5x / day
- 4th week- 10-15 ml of 5x / day. All this time kitten should gain weight. If even after you change the milk, the kitten does not gain weight, it is best to go to a veterinary office.
To be able to eat quietly the kitten needs the mothers warmth. TIPS in case the mom is missing for reasons that we mentioned at the beginning of the article:
It is not enough to just use a banal box as a shelter for such small kittens, veterinarians say. It must be arranged precisely to try to replace the absence of the mother. Thus, in a fluffy blanket, wrap a bottle in which put hot water and put in the basket. Instinctively, the kittens will approach the heat zone they need so much. A tip also recommended by the veterinarian is to place a mechanical watch next to the hot water bottle, one that ticks and somehow mimics the heartbeat. We can cover the clock with the same blanket we covered the bottle with. The box does not need to be placed next to another heat source, but we need to ensure that the bottled water stays at a temperature of about 40 degrees. If this is not possible, try to help him feel good and safe when you feed him.
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Best Homemade Food For 6 Week Old Kitten
In all honesty, you shouldnt feed a 6-week old kitten any human food or homemade food. This is because you may not know how to prepare a balanced diet for the kitten, and this may cause nutritional imbalances.
Making proper homemade meals for adult cats is very difficult as it is, how much more a tender and sensitive 6-week old kitten, whose dietary needs are still unknown. Even things like meat should not be given to them at this age. You may whip up some delicious turkey, and feel youre giving your cat a fantastic meal, but you may have unknowingly put one or two ingredients that your kitten is allergic to.
A homemade meal like this is certainly high in protein but may be lacking in calcium or other essentials. This may cause a mineral imbalance in your kitten, and may even lead to a disease called hyperthyroidism.
The best way to make a home diet is to do so following the guide of a nutritionist.
So the best homemade food for your 6-week old kitten would be one formulated by a nutritionist.
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Is It Time To Get A New Best Kitten Replacement Milk
Youre looking for a new best kitten replacement milk. Think about it. It’s impossible to foresee pricing fluctuations in the future. The sooner you buy, the better off you’ll be if manufacturing doesn’t slow down. If, on the other hand, production is falling and prices are expected to climb, you might want to hold off on making a decision until the hype has calmed down.
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Formula #4 Emergency Formula
- 2 tablespoons of Karo syrup
- 1 drop of pediatric multivitamin
Recipe
To feed the kittens, mix equal volume of the formula with boiling water. Test the temperature using your wrist then feed the kitties.
When feeding kittens on any of the above kitten formulas, they may develop constipation. Add 1 drop of vegetable oil to the formula when feeding the kitten once daily until the problem resolves.
Can Kittens Have Milk
Cow’s milk is never OK for kittens. While young kittens can handle the lactose just fine, cow’s milk lacks many of the essential nutrients, protein, and antibodies a growing kitten needs. Kittens should drink their own mother’s milk if at all possible. If not, they should be fed a milk replacer formulated especially for kittens, available at most pet stores.
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Petag Kmr Milk Replacer Powder
From the popular and highly reputable PetAg brand comes this highly nutritious milk replacement formula. Specially formulated for kittens 1-6 weeks old, this KMR milk replacer is enriched with the necessary milk proteins, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids , that kittens will need to stay healthy and function at their peak. It comes in a powder form and must be mixed with water before being fed to the kitten.
The KMR milk replacer is made from dried skimmed milk, vegetable oil, butter, egg yolks, casein, corn syrup solids, and other wholesome ingredients. Also, vitamins and mineral supplements such as calcium, potassium, taurine, zinc, manganese, ascorbic acid, folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and biotin are present in adequate proportions.
All these are to ensure that your kitten gets all-round balanced nutrition, even if it never feeds on the mothers milk again.
The KMR Kitten Milk Replacer is armed with prebiotics and probiotics to help boost the immune system of young kittens. It is also highly digestible and can be an ideal supplement for kittens during post-surgery periods.
Buying Guide For Best Kitten Milk Replacements
Newborn kittens, need a specific mixture of vitamins to grow into healthy adult cats. These nutrients are typically derived from their mothers milk, but an abandoned kitten, whether feral or in a foster home, is at risk for malnutrition without its mothers milk. Fortunately, there are kitten milk replacements that readily replace these important nutrients.
Before choosing a kitten milk replacement, youll want to consider some important factors. Do you want a pre-mixed liquid or a powder supplement? How old is your kitten? How much do they weigh? Also, consider whether your kitten has a sensitive stomach and your desired feeding schedule. Interestingly, some kitten milk replacements are suitable for senior cats who need nutritional supplementation, too.
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