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My 4-week kittens aren't being fed by mom. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | 27 days old

I have 4 weeks kittens but the mother stopped feeding them what should ido

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

Veterinarian

Published on August 18th, 2018

Unfortunately the babies are still young so if mom will not feed them then they will depend on you. The best food is KMR (kitten milk replacer). You should be able to find it online. You can also purchase a nurser bottle. If mom is also not keeping them clean or stimulating urination/defecation this is important as well. I have attached an extensive link that gives a lot of helpful information about raising orphan kittens. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petcoach! www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/how-to-raise-orphan-kittens

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 5th, 2020

    Poor kitty! You will need to feed a milk replacer that is more tailored to a kittens nutritional needs. Here is a website with a few different homemade formulas. https://kittenrescue.org/2017/03/recipes-emergency-kitten-formula/ . I don't know if KMR is available in your area, but pet stores or Agriculture supply stores may have it. https://kittenrescue.org/2017/03/recipes-emergency-kitten-formula/ Ideally get mamma and baby kitten in to see a vet; I am concerned that she stopped feeding him before he was eating on his own. Also, usually at about 4 weeks of age, kittens will start to eat a little soft food (or hard food softened with milk replacer or with water) and most will drink water on their own. If he isn't doing that I'm concerned he may have an underlying problem.

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