Puppies awaken our protective instinct, and they are so cute! Unfortunately, there are many of them that are separated from their mothers too soon, either because something serious has happened to them or because the person who had them has abandoned them. In both cases, the situation for them is very complicated, because they are deprived of the maternal warmth that they need so much and of food.
If you meet one but you don't know how to feed a baby cat, we will give you some tips so that the little one can get ahead.
Why do they have to spend time with the mother
First of all, it is important to know that should not be separated before two months of age, at least. It is essential for them to spend that time with their mother and siblings, as they will not only be able to feed themselves (and therefore grow) properly, but they will also learn the basics of behaving like adult cats. During this time, they will develop essential social skills, how to play and use the sandbox, and they will learn to be sociable with both people and other animals.
However, not everyone is so lucky, but they have something very important: the opportunity to have found youFor him, you will be something like his mother, who must meet all his needs, from feeding him to stimulating his physiological functions and giving him love.
How to feed an orphan kitten
Caring for a newborn kitten, especially if it does not have a mother, is a big responsibility. Nutrition is key at this stage to ensure their healthy development. These are the steps to follow depending on their age and condition:
Kitten under 2 weeks old
If the baby is less than 15 days old, will need to be fed every three hours, including at night. Use a 3 cmXNUMX syringe (without a needle) or a special bottle for kittens. Fill them with formula milk formulated specifically for cats. This type of milk can be purchased at veterinary clinics or pet stores.
To feed your baby, place him on his stomach, never face up, and let him suck naturally. Do not force him, as he could choke or develop aspiration pneumonia.
Kitten between 2 and 4 weeks
From 15 days, the feeding interval can be extended to every 4-6 hours. During this stage, the kitten will begin to open its eyes and gain weight. It is It is essential to continue with formula milk, making sure it is at room temperature and cool at each feeding.
Between 4 weeks and 2 months
When the kitten is one month old, its first teeth will begin to erupt, and it will be the ideal time to introduce solid food. Choose croquettes for kittens, previously soaked in formula milk or warm water, to make them easier to eat. You can also offer wet food enriched especially for puppies.
From 6 to 8 months, your kitten will begin to show interest in more solid foods, so you can gradually reduce the frequency of milk feedings until you eliminate it completely.
From 2 months
By the second month of life, the kitten will be ready to feed exclusively on I think for puppies. This food should be of high quality, without cereals or by-products, to ensure optimal growth and development. Remember that at this stage their immune system is still developing, so a proper diet is essential.
Additional Kitten Care Tips
It's not all about feeding. Orphaned kittens require extra care to survive and grow strong. Here are some tips key tips:
- Stimulation to urinate and defecate: Use a damp cotton pad to gently massage the anogenital area after each meal, just as your mother would do.
- Maintain your body heat: In the first few weeks, they cannot regulate their temperature. Provide them with a warm environment with blankets or heating pads.
- Hydration: Even if they are fed milk, make sure they always have fresh water available, especially when introducing solid foods.
- Regular visits to the vet: Make sure the kitten is healthy, and consult with your veterinarian about any problems that may arise.
Caring for an orphaned kitten can seem like a challenge, but with love and patience, you will soon see how he grows healthy and happy. Every effort will be rewarded with the unconditional love of your little furry friend.