5 Week old Kittens

phaetality

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Aug 1, 2016
Messages
4
Purraise
1
We rescued two 5 week old kittens. I am currently feeding them gerber baby food (chicken,turkey) mixed with kmr powder. But I'm worried I'm doing it wrong. Whats the "reciepe" ? or should is it better to use the soft kitten food instead?
 

raina21

TCS Member
Super Cat
Joined
Feb 9, 2016
Messages
995
Purraise
682
If they are 5 weeks they may not be ready to wean just yet. You may have to mix up some KMR and feed them with a bottle or syringe. The instructions for mixing the KMR should be on the tin.

If you do need to bottle/syringe feed them, feed them while they are on their tummies with their head tilted slightly up. If using a syringe, put 1 drop at a time into the side of their cheek and let them swallow. That will make sure they won't aspirate the formula.


Are you mixing the KMR powder directly with the baby food or are you adding properly mixed KMR to the baby food.

It won't work if you're adding just the powder to the baby food. You have to mix the KMR first.
 

catpack

TCS Veteran
Kitten
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
3,271
Purraise
646
Location
Southeastern USA
It's always better for them to eat canned kitten food vs a makeshift diet if at all possible. Nutro Natural Choice makes a canned kitten food that has a texture that is appealing to most kittens. Wellness' kitten formula (pink can) also seems to be very palatable.

Most of our rescue's kittens eat Nature's Variety Instinct or Wild Calling...but, most of our babies have health issues when we get them, so need simple, single protein foods.
 

Sarthur2

Cat lady extraordinaire
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Mar 8, 2015
Messages
35,986
Purraise
17,678
Location
Sunny Florida
5-week-old kittens can lap the Gerber baby food as it is. You can offer them a separate dish of KMR to drink.

You can mix KMR into pate-style chicken or turkey wet cat food, such as Fancy Feast, to make it mushier for them to eat as well.

Are they eating well at least 6 times a day?

You should also leave dry kitten chow down for them 24/7.
 
Last edited:
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #6

phaetality

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Aug 1, 2016
Messages
4
Purraise
1
I didn't realize it had to be fully mixed. I was putting 3 teaspoon mixed with some water and then mixing it with the baby food.
 

Sarthur2

Cat lady extraordinaire
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Mar 8, 2015
Messages
35,986
Purraise
17,678
Location
Sunny Florida
Mix it according to the instructions. It's 2 parts water to 1 part powder.

You are talking about powdered KMR, right?
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #8

phaetality

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Aug 1, 2016
Messages
4
Purraise
1
i have bought PetAg milk replacer plus. on the back it says "Weaned kittens: Feed 1 teaspoon powder per 5 pounds body weight mixed in with regular food." to me that says I mix the powder directly into the kitten soft food with out mixing it with water?!?
 

Sarthur2

Cat lady extraordinaire
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Mar 8, 2015
Messages
35,986
Purraise
17,678
Location
Sunny Florida
I do think that is what it means.

I suggest that you mix it into milk first, then mix the milk into the wet food, to make it mushy and easy to eat. This is easier and tasier for young kittens who are weaning.
 
Last edited:
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #10

phaetality

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Aug 1, 2016
Messages
4
Purraise
1
thank you all for your help! I have gotten ahold of a highly recommended vet office also talked to them. I will be getting them in to see the vet soon to get exams and shots and deworming!! and again thank you so much.
 

Sarthur2

Cat lady extraordinaire
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Mar 8, 2015
Messages
35,986
Purraise
17,678
Location
Sunny Florida
First vaccines are usually given at 8 weeks. Are they eating well?
 
Top