Feeding Kittens
Each kitten needs to be fed a little differently, and all ages are fed in specific ways.
Syringe and Bottle Feeding
When kittens are very young, it’s best to feed them with a 3cc syringe in order to keep track of how much they eat. It’s very similar to bottle feeding. The only difference is the size of the feeding tool. When you’re bottle or syringe feeding a kitten, do not lay a kitten on their back. Always lay the kitten in a natural position such as sitting or laying down with their stomach down. Feeding a kitten on her back can lead to aspiration, when a kitten inhales fluid into their lungs. This is very dangerous and lethal. Once the kitten is on its stomach, hold the bottle with your dominant hand and hold the kittens head gently with the other. This helps the kitten stay sturdy, focused, and feel protected. Place your middle finger gently across the kitten’s throat in order to feel them swallow. Gently squeeze the bottle and the kitten should latch. Latching is when the kitten wraps her tongue around the bottle and suckles on the nipple. A kitten should seem very relaxed during this time. If the kitten won’t latch, try gently placing a finger over one of the kitten’s eyes. This will help her feel focused and safe. You can also try checking the temperature, as many kittens won’t eat unless it’s warm enough. Another thing you can do is try pulling the nipple out of the kitten’s mouth slightly, and she should grasp it and latch. Just remember to be patient and confident, and don’t give up.
Weaning
Weaning is when a kitten begins slowly transitioning to wet food (they can’t be bottle fed forever)! The weaning process starts with slurry, a mixture between wet food and milk replacer. The kitten might be confused after eating this, so give them time. Prepare a bottle for once they’ve finished their slurry just to make sure they’ve gotten enough. Start by feeding them slurry off of your finger or a spoon, then slowly transition them to eating off of a plate or out of a shallow dish. Put less formula into the mix at every meal until they are eating plain wet food!
⚠️WARNING: This can get messy!!⚠️
⚠️WARNING: This can get messy!!⚠️
Already Weaned
Once your kitten is weaned, feeding is easy. Free-feed them dry kitten food all day and night and feed them a can (or more, depending on how many kittens you have) of wet food twice a day.
(DISCLAIMER: Many people have different methods for feeding their pets and fosters, this is just the way my rescue instructed me to do it. Do whatever your rescue recommends)!
(DISCLAIMER: Many people have different methods for feeding their pets and fosters, this is just the way my rescue instructed me to do it. Do whatever your rescue recommends)!