Unfortunately, some mother cats do not survive upon giving birth, leaving their newborn kittens behind. When this happens, it is advisable for cat owners to hand-rear the kittens to support them with feeding and other needs during the first few days of their lives.
Sometimes, a cat owner may find another mother cat who can nurse the newborn kittens, but this strategy is only sometimes successful. Sometimes, the other mother cat refuses to feed the kittens who are not her own.
When kittens are hand-reared, they are often fed through a feeding bottle, a syringe, or a tube with formula milk specially made for cats. You may consult a vet first for guidance regarding the best milk to provide the kittens and how to prepare the formula.
Make sure to properly follow the feeding instructions, as underfeeding or overfeeding may cause serious medical conditions.
Your vet Spring Hill, TN is a valuable resource regarding your pet’s health and needs.