When newborn kittens encounter the dilemma of insufficient or no milk from their mother, the subtle cry conveys the most urgent desire for survival. At this moment, whether warmth and nutrition can be provided in time determines whether these fragile lives can open the door to the world.
**1. Build a warm defense line and awaken the instinct of life**
Kittens have very weak body temperature regulation ability, and losing the warmth of their mothers is like being exposed to a cold night. Please immediately arrange a soft and warm nest for them, use a warming pad (set to low temperature to avoid burns) or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to provide a continuous heat source, and ensure that the ambient temperature is stable between 29-32℃. Before each meal, imitate the mother cat to moisten the cotton ball or gauze with warm water, and gently massage the kitten's anus and urethra area to help them defecate smoothly-this is not only cleaning, but also a key step in maintaining the life cycle.
**2. Accurately distribute the milk of life and avoid fatal misunderstandings**
The stomach of a kitten is as fragile as thin porcelain. **Ordinary milk or human milk powder contains high lactose, which is like poison to them and can easily cause diarrhea, dehydration and death**. Be sure to choose **pet milk replacer** designed specifically for kittens, and mix it accurately with warm water according to the package instructions (usually 1 part milk powder: 2 parts warm water). Be sure to test the temperature before each feeding. It should feel slightly warm (about 38℃) when dripped on the back of your hand. Overheating will burn the mouth, and too cold will cause indigestion.
**3. Master the feeding rhythm and patiently simulate nature**
The first choice of feeding tools is a small bottle or syringe for pets (remove the needle). Let the kitten lie prone, gently lift the head, and put the nipple diagonally to the mouth, **avoid choking in the lungs when feeding on your back**. Kittens have very small stomach capacity, so they need to follow the principle of "small and frequent meals": in the first week after birth, feed about every 2 hours (including at night), about 3-6 ml each time; as they grow, the interval can be gradually extended and the amount of milk per time can be increased. Feed slowly, observe the swallowing rhythm, and wait patiently.
**4. Close observation, timely seeking professional protection**
During artificial feeding, you need to be a keen guardian: record weight changes every day (healthy kittens should gain weight steadily), observe the form of excrement (normal is pale yellow soft stool, diarrhea needs to be vigilant). Once you find dangerous signs such as listlessness, weak crying, stagnant weight, or diarrhea and vomiting, **please contact a veterinarian immediately** - the condition of kittens develops rapidly, and professional medical support is the last line of defense.
Artificial feeding of newborn kittens is a double test of patience and carefulness. Every precise feeding and every moment of warm protection are paving the way for these tiny lives to the future. When they finally open their eyes and stagger to explore the world, what you give them is not only food, but also a trust as heavy as life.
Written by: Luna
2025.06.11
