[ptrcamoni1]

What do I feed an orphaned kitten 1 week old? Is regular mild OK or is evaporated milk better?

[nauticalstar420]

Regular milk is fine. You can give it to the kitten with an eye dropper, it works wonders! I take in orphaned animals all the time :)

[pompano]

Regular milk will give pets diarrhea.You have to give milk replacer which you can buy at most large pet stores,or even babies formula will work.You will have to feed every two hours also,perhaps even sooner .The kitten will become restless and cry when it needs feeding.You need to sleep next to it so you will be able to hear it cry,or set an alarm so you will be able to get up to feed.It also needs a heating pad to stay warm,on low setting.Make sure it is not to hot,maybe put a blanket or towel over the heating pad.I also put a small stuffed animal in the box with the baby so it has something to cuddle up to.This is a very tough job,it is worse than caring for a real baby.I did it quite a bit when I worked as a Vet tech,so prepare yourself for little cat naps for the next couple of weeks.Kittens that are bottle fed turn out to be great pets,because they truly believe you are their mother for life.Good luck.;)

[nauticalstar420]

I have never had regular milk give my pets diarrhea, but that's just my personal experience :)

[pompano]

I have never had regular milk give my pets diarrhea, but thats just my personal experience :)

I have been a vet tech for 5 years,and all the vets I worked for said never give small animals milk,we nursed goats,deer, squirrels,
Kittens,and puppies.We used goats milk for deer and goats ,and evaporated milk recipe for squirrels.It is your choice,because it is your kitten,but there are minerals in formula that are not in pasturrized milk,that is one reason babies are not fed whole milk.

[pompano]

what do I feed an orphaned kitten 1 week old? Is regular mild ok or is evaporated milk better?

The kitten is not able to urinate on it's own,so you have to help it by stimulating it,as its mother would.I used a small dry cloth and rub the area where the urine exits,very lightly.I thought this was crazy when I was younger,but the mother does this when she licks her kitten.ther is a site on the internet called- about.com/how to nurse kittens.This is a step by step process,and this lady knows what she is talking about.Good luck.

[airbats-goku]

pompano is correct. Your can buy kitten meal replacer kmr at your local vet. The stimulation of the kitten's perianal area is vitally important. They have not developed the nerves or impulses for evacuation of urine or feces. Best of luck to you. Please remember to cuddle the kitten often or even but in a covered hot water bottle into her bed. Kittens need warmth and love just like human babies.