How do I feed a newborn kitten whose mother can't nurse after C-section?

Question

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. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 year old | 1lb

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

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.

How do I feed a newborn kitten whose mother can't nurse after C-section?

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