AboutJessica Expertise The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Question Dear Jessica, I have just taking in a pregnant abandoned cat which has hardly left kittenhood. I have had cats and dogs before so know how to look after pets - my last cat lived to over 24 years and my dog for nearly 20 years. My worry is that in the event of the mother either unable to feed the kittens or maybe she passes away prematurely is there any substitute milk formula to feed some or all of the kittens? What percentage fats:protein:sugars should the milk best contain to give the kittens optimum chance of survival. Judging by the size of mum to be's abdomen and its visible movement, she looks like dilivery is any moment soon. I look forward to your rely, Many thanks, Richard.
Answer Hi Richard. Sounds like your pets have been loved and well taken care of!
Brands vary by country, but vets and pet stores do generally carry a milk replacement formula specifically for kittens. This is very different from the "cat milk" some companies are selling as treats for adult cats. But anything that is sold as a REPLACEMENT for breast milk is balanced to feed newborns. Some even contain colostrum. Following the feeding instructions on the package is okay for the most part. However, I really must advise that newborns 2 weeks and under be fed every TWO hours, not every 3-4 as suggested on most formulas. Smaller, more frequent meals cause fewer stomach problems, stronger appetite, and I find increased survival rates.
