little orphan

[lmd]

I live in the country and keep three cats in the house. Yeterday, I was able to catch a little kitten that I had seen for two days in the barn areas. It seems friendly - not like most of the feral cats - and was very empty. After 24 hours the kitten seems less dehydrated, and is eating well. Stool looked pretty good, and I`m hoping two contacts will take her. My question is, what feeding should be recommended? I don`t know the age, but it is probably four weeks or so. I`ve fed cat feed, water, and warmed lamb milk replacer. No mother`s milk means I`m not sure if this will be best.

[Tina B and crew]

Does the kitty have teeth yet?? If not then it will still need to nurse...the best replacement for kittens is KMR kitten milk replacer. I'm not sure if lambs milk replacer has the right nutrients for kittens. If it's old enough to eat solids, then I'd recommend a good quality kitten food, wet (canned) to start with...Iams or something like that. Until you have it checked by a vet be sure to keep it isolated from your cats...good luck...and bless you for taking it in I hope you find a home for it.

[Traci]

*IF* you think this kitten is at least 4 weeks of age and can eat solid food, then canned Iams kitten food would be what I would recommend. However, if you notice he is not eating a sufficient amount, is having trouble chewing, or is not interested in solid food, then he may yet need to be supplemented with KMR formula as Tina mentioned.

As for lamb milk replacer, growing up on a ranch, I fed to nursing kittens all the time with no harm. However, that was years ago, so not sure of the nutrient content of it now. It would be better to use KMR for kittens as it is properly formulated for kitten growth and development. You can pick this up at any vet clinic or pet store.

[lmd]

Thanks all.. The little girl has teeth, and is enjoying even hard cat food. I have given her soft food, and she likes the lamb milk replacer the best. She even is using the kitty litter. Maybe she`s a bit older than I thought. And even better, I have found a good home for her. They have one other cay, and will give it a great house to live in. She will go there before too long. Thanks again.