Natural Kitten Care

Natural kitten care begins with good natural nutrition, the foundation of a healthy life as part of your family. But how do you know you're feeding your kitten the foods she needs and in the right quantities?

Kittens need a diet that's high in protein and the proper fats. Specifically, the healthiest diet would mimic the proportions of fat, protein and carbohydrates in mother's milk-about 43% protein, 25% fat and 26% carbohydrate.Once a kitten is weaned (at age six weeks-though I think eight weeks is optimal if possible), solid foods, in the proper quantities, are appropriate. Ground beef heart or high-fat hamburger, mixed with cooked mullet and organic egg make a very nutritious meal. For small kittens, age 4-5 weeks, (weight 10-24 oz.), 6-10 tablespoons every four hours is sufficient.For larger kittens, age 6 weeks or more, (weight 2+ lbs.), 8 to 12 tablespoons 3 times a day will do. Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Cats and Dogs has helpful feeding charts and many recipes for feeding your kitten the best natural nutrition for her healthy growth.

What about milk for kittens? We've all seen the picture of a chubby kitten lapping up a saucer of milk, only to be told later by a veterinarian that milk causes diarrhea in cats. Is this true or myth?

Actually, milk is appropriate for kittens, especially for very young kittens. Many adult cats, however, are lactose intolerant and milk, while they may enjoy the taste, can lead to gas, stomach upset or diarrhea. If you wish to give a young kitten milk to supplement her diet or before she is weaned (in the case of a mother cat unwilling or unable to nurse), you can supplement whole cow's or goat's milk with protein powder. Make certain, however, that the powder lists animal protein as (e.g.casein, egg albumin.) Animal protein meets the kittens's need for amino acids. These protein powders are sold in health food stores. You may also want to supplement with vitamins made for adult cats; select a liquid or powdered formula for easy blending. Once again, Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Cats and Dogs has a recipe for a very nutritious kitten formula, along with a helpful feeding schedule.

Another option is to purchase a powder formula made specifically for newborn kittens. Be sure to choose one that contains colostrum, a substance found in the "first milk" from mother that contains valuable antibodies that assist growing kittens in fighting disease and infection. A good one to try is Heartland Kitten Colostrum substitute which may be stored in the freezer for longer shelf-life. This powder is essential for those who rescue kittens to have on hand for emergency situations that occur shortly after birth.

Kittens should ideally remain as part of the litter for at least six to eight weeks. Not only do they receive the optimal nutrition, they also have valuable experiences as part of a litter that are key to natural kitten socialization. To read more on natural kitten socialization, go to Natural Kitten Socialization.

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