Mother cat not feeding kittens... 5 weeks old, how much do I feed them?

Question

A mother cat I have seems to have stopped feeding her 2 5 week old kittens... or at least, she is not feeding them enough. She's new to having kittens, so I don't know if it is just inexperience or if she's out of milk or what is going on. Needless to say, I've gotten out the eyedropper and milk. How many times daily do I need to feed them? How much should I give them at a time? And which is best to feed them, (for tonight at least, tomorrow I can go to the store), 2 percent milk or condensed milk with vitamin D added? What should I buy them if either of these aren't healthy choices? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Your momma cat has stopped feeding them because they are old enough to be weaned (and she knows this). You can get kitten chow, put it in a bowl, and wet it down with either water or kitten milk replacer. Once they are ready, you can just feed them kitten chow. Make sure they also have plenty of water to drink. Feed them 3 times a day with this mixture.

If you do decide to bottle feed them (I suggest you don't), DON'T give them cow's milk (2% or condensed). It will only give them diarrhea and upset tummies. Give them kitten milk replacer like KMR (I'm not sure what brands are in your area).

Hope this helps and good luck with your adorable kittens!!

Answer 2

Kittens 5 Weeks

Answer 3

Never give puppies or kittens the same kind of milk we drink. There are milk replacers out there for puppies and kittens in the pet section of stores. But at 5 wks old you should be able to make kitten mush for them. Get some canned kitten food, like iams or science diet, take about 1/4 of a can and mix it up with some water so it kinda looks like pudding. Put it on a flat surface like a paper plate or dish and let them have at it. They do make a mess but it is a lot easier then trying to bottle feed a kitten. At first you may have to kinda stick a tiny bit on their nose but once they taste it and figure out where it is at they will have a ball. As far as how often to feed, at this age 3-4 times a day is plenty. If you were to give them milk like we drink, they are going to have horrible diarrhea

Answer 4

Kitten formula is what you really need to feed them. KMR is good, or if you can't get to a vet or feed store then go to walmart and get the kitten formula.
Is the momma at least cleaning them? If not you will have to get a damp washcloth and piddle them to make them use the bathroom....that is if they aren't already going by themselves. Just don't do it too much or it will hurt them.
You should probably call the vet to get some really good advice though.

Feed them a few times a day a dropperful at a time...They will pretty much be like a human baby and eat when they are hungry, but sometimes they won't eat and that makes it a little more difficult...And don't lay them on their backs when you feed them..keep them on their tummies as if they are still nursing, otherwise they can drown...(forget the term for it..I think it is asperate..in otherwords goes down the windpipe instead of feeding tube)

Answer 5

Never feed cows milk. It gives them diarrhea. Get Kitten Replacement Milk from a pet store.
At 5 weeks they can start eating cat food. Get canned food and mix it with warm water (or formula) until it is liquid. Rub a little on the kittens mouth and lips, when they lick it off, show them the dish.
They don't really need anymore milk from mama, they will nurse for a little while longer, but this is part of the weaning process.

Answer 6

Princess and all the kittens should see the vet this morning. It's possible that the mastitis was caused because the kittens stopped nursing instead of the other way around. Kittens go down hill fast. Since you've done all the reasonable thing on your own, see the Pro. One thing though, they are very sensitive to the temp of the food, a degree too hot or too cold and they don't seem to recognize it. I should know the normal body temp of a cat but I can't think right now and I know the vet can tell you even over the phone. With luck the next answer will have that info.

Answer 7

NO
Dont feed Milk... no no no

In fact feeding Milk to some animals will kill them.. Never feed Cows Milk to any animal baby without A VET ok.

Go to Walmart and get KBR or another Kitten replacement formula and a couple of kitten bottles and follow the labels... Not a walmart nut ,,just I know they have it.

It comes in powder or liquid..

Reg Milk will give them the runs and dehydrate them.

Also make sure mom is eating and drinking ok and seems ok.. if not take her to the VET


Using the formula you will not to add vitamins etc.. just formula is good and water of course in a bowl.. though they prob wont drink t yet...hard to say

Here are some links and a few home made recipes for formulas but its best to use the bought stuff if you can do it..

http://www.kittenrescue.org/handbook.htm

http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/orphaned-kittens.php

good Luck
Wis2006

Answer 8

Go to any pet shop, feed store or Wal-Mart and get something like Mother's Helper for kittens. You can purchase liquid/powder
formula and tiny bottles also and follow the directions.

Answer 9

You can go to a pet store, or your veterinarian. There you can purchase a mothers milk supplement for kittens, and a bottle. Just follow the instructions on the can, or ask your vet..or someone knowledgeable in the pet store...

Answer 10

kittens are weened at 3 weeks. i would recommend science diet hard kitten food with a little water and microwave it for a few seconds. be sure to check the temperature before you give it to them.