Nothing can fully replace a mother cat’s milk. But if a mother cat can’t feed her kittens, rejects them, doesn’t have enough milk or the kittens are orphaned, a kitten milk replacer can save their lives. Here’s what kitten milk replacer is, how to choose one and how to use it safely.
What Is Kitten Milk Replacer?
Kitten milk replacer (also called kitten formula) is a specially formulated milk designed to be as close as possible to a mother cat’s milk, which is much higher in protein and fat than cow’s milk and contains less lactose. Good milk replacers also contain taurine and other nutrients kittens need to grow.
It comes as a powder you mix with water or as a ready-to-feed liquid. Widely available products include PetAg KMR and Royal Canin Babycat Milk in the US, and Beaphar Lactol and Royal Canin Babycat Milk in the UK. Your vet can recommend one.
Don’t feed kittens cow’s milk, goat’s milk, human baby formula, evaporated milk or homemade recipes. They don’t contain the right balance of nutrients and often cause diarrhea, which can quickly become life-threatening in young kittens.
How to Choose a Milk Replacer
- choose a product made specifically for kittens (not puppies or other animals);
- buy from a vet, pet store or trusted retailer, and check the expiration date;
- check that it’s labeled as a complete milk replacer for kittens, not just a “cat milk” treat;
- ask your vet for a recommendation, especially for very young, weak or premature kittens.
Note: “cat milk” sold in supermarkets as a treat for adult cats is lactose-reduced cow’s milk. It isn’t a milk replacer and isn’t suitable for feeding newborn kittens.
How to Use Kitten Milk Replacer
- follow the mixing instructions exactly: formula that’s too concentrated can cause dehydration and constipation, and formula that’s too dilute won’t provide enough nutrition;
- make up fresh formula for each feed, or store mixed formula in the fridge only for as long as the instructions allow;
- warm it to about body temperature, never in a microwave, and test a few drops on your wrist;
- feed with a kitten nursing bottle or a syringe, with the kitten lying on its tummy, never on its back;
- feed the amount recommended on the pack and by your vet, according to the kitten’s weight and age;
- store opened powder as the pack instructs, usually sealed in a cool, dry place or in the fridge, and use it within the time stated.
For a full guide, read how to hand-rear an orphaned kitten.
When Kittens Need Supplementary Feeding
Sometimes kittens still have their mother but need extra milk, for example if the litter is large, the mother is ill or a kitten is small and weak. Weigh kittens daily: if a kitten isn’t gaining weight, talk to your vet, who may recommend topping it up with milk replacer.
Weaning
From around 3–4 weeks, kittens can start lapping milk replacer from a shallow dish, then move on to wet kitten food mixed with formula. Most kittens are fully weaned onto kitten food by 8 weeks. Read more about feeding a kitten.
