Kitten Trouble!

Hello there!

I was hoping to get some answers about a small kitten that I've been hand-rearing for the past few days. The kitten is about 2 or 3 days old ( as he still has some of his umbilical cord ) and weighs 3.5 ounces ( 100 g. ). He seems normal-sized and all-in-all is very energetic and responsive.

However, we seem to be having trouble with feeding him. You see, his mother didn't do the proper "mothering" job. She left him and rejected him completely when we made an attempt to get him to nurse off of her. So, we went a bought some formula and a "Hartz" bottle. Unfortunately, the little guy just won't suckle willingly. We've had to force the nipple several times into his mouth before he started to get the hang of it. Each time we go to feed him is like a chore. I can't seem to get a proper grip on his wiggling figure, and each time I put the nipple to his mouth he turns his head away in a type of "no".

Now, don't get me wrong, the kitten eats the regular amount. Yesterday at 4 PM he ate 2 ounces, then at 8 PM the following night consumed 1 1/2 ounces. This morning when we fed him, he ate 2 1/2 ounces. But it was all a fight! He continually refused the bottle, even when the milk was at a satisfied temperature. Is it the smell? Is it the nipple? What advice would you give to us?

Thanks so much for your time!

It was very appreciated!

Maybe you can try a syringe or eyedropper. I had one bottle baby that always refused the nipple but would gladly suck on a syringe. It's certainly worth a try. Also, make sure the bottle is thoroughly scrubbed between feedings to get rid of the "sour milk" smell.

Ounces or ml? 2 ounces seems like a heck of a lot!