How do I feed a newborn kitten whose mother can't nurse after C-section?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 year old | 1lb
So my cat had kittens yesterday she had two of them they were feeding off of her and they were fine when I got up this morning I had found the first born dead so I had taken the cat the mother cat and her still one life kitten to the vet they did an x-ray and they had found she had two more kittens inside of her so they are doing an emergency C-section on her and keeping her till Friday and that time I am keeping the one kitten that survived and I have to feed it I am having issues with this
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 3rd, 2018
I recommend using a bottle with a small nipple - you can find kits for newborns at most pet supply stores. A commercial milk replacer like KMR is best, and you should feed the kitten every 2-3 hours. The kitten should be taking about 25 ml of milk per day and you should offer the bottle with the kitten laying on its stomach, not held on its back like a baby. You will also need to stimulate the kitten to urinate and defecate after eating by rubbing a warm washcloth on the genital and anal openings - neonatal kittens cannot urinate or defecate on their own. If the kitten is not interested in the bottle you may need to tube feed and should see your veterinarian for a demonstration.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 3rd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly cow’s milk is not ideal nutrition for a kitten. Kitten formula is ideal and most pet stores and veterinary hospitals carry it. It can also be found online. Meow meow should be bottle fed every 2-3 hours and then stimulated to urinate and defecate after each meal. You do this by gently rubbing the anus and vulva with a soft moist cloth. I recommend early weaning in bottle fed kittens so at 3-4 weeks by mixing the formula with canned kitten food. If she will not take a bottle she needs to see a vet and you may need to be taught how to tune feed. Otherwise she is at risk for starvation, dehydration, low blood sugar and even death. I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 21st, 2018
You should probably separate him from the mother, you will need to buy kitten milk replacer (you can get it from any pet shop) and feed him every 2 hours during daytime and every 4 hours at night. you will also need to keep him warm, especially at nighttime.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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