Successfully raising kittens that have been orphaned or abandoned can be very rewarding but is also very time consuming and may be frustrating. Despite all the best efforts and intentions, many orphaned or abandoned kittens may die. Successfully raising orphaned kittens requires strict attention to nutrition, environment, routine, and sanitation.
At birth, kittens are extremely vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions and infectious diseases. They cannot see, hear, control their body temperature, or eliminate on their own. Their gastrointestinal tracts contain no normal bacterial populations and they have poorly developed immune systems. Beneficial bacteria begin to colonize the intestines within 72 hours of birth. The ingestion of colostrum, or mother's first milk, during the initial 24 to 36 hours after birth helps to provide some protection from infectious disease as colostrum contains many important antibodies. The eyes and ears of neonates usually open 10 to 14 days after birth. Full control of urination and defecation occurs by 3 weeks and complete control over body temperature is achieved around 4 weeks of age. Controlling environmental conditions is imperative for newborn animals. For the first week of life, kittens should be in an environment that is maintained at a steady with 55%-60% humidity. Any sudden changes in environment should be avoided as this can lead to illness. Disturbances except for routine care and socialization should be minimized. Strict care should be paid to sanitation as this can help control exposure to infectious diseases.
After each feeding, neonatal animals need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate. Using a warm moistened cotton ball or tissue, rub the anogenital area gently to stimulate elimination. Most puppies and kittens need gentle handling before feeding to help with muscle and circulatory development. Twice a week, neonatal puppies and kittens should be gently wiped with a slightly moist cloth for general cleaning, making sure that they are not chilled in the process.
The weaning process may begin at about 3 weeks of age. Start by offering formula in a shallow dish at feeding time. Once that is accepted, make gruel from formula and puppy or kitten food and place it in the dish. Gradually increase the amount of solid food and decrease the amount of formula until the animals are eating only solid food. Always have fresh water available.
Ingredients: Dried whey protein concentrate, Animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), Vegetable fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), canola oil, dried whole egg, sodium phosphate, calcium carbonate, lecithin, potassium chloride, taurine, choline chloride, magnesium sulfate, L-arginine, cod liver oil, artificial flavor, dried bovine colostrum, dried whey, sodium bicarbonate, alpha-tocopherol (source of vit. E), manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, vit. A supplement, ferrous sulfate, vit. B12 supplement, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, ascorbic acid (source of vit. C), cholecalciferol (source of vit. D3), niacin supplement, d-calcium panothenate, thiamin hydrochloride, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vit. K), biotin, sodium selenite, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, folic acid, cobalt sulfate, dried fermentation product of (Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus lichiniformis, B. subtilis, and L. lactis).
Storage: Moisture and high temperature will degrade Pro-Biolac. Store sealed container at controlled room temperature. May be stored indefinitely in the freezer. Do not mix more than will be consumed within 24 hours. Reconstituted formula should be refrigerated.
Biolac for Kittens Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein, min |
36.00% |
Crude Fat, min |
40.00% |
Crude Fiber, max |
0.15% |
Moisture, max |
4.00% |
Ash, max |
6.00% |
Direct-Fed Microbials * |
2.50 BCFU/kg |
(Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus lactis).
Additionally Contains:
Colostrum * |
200 mg/kg |
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) * |
500 mg/kg |
Feeding Instructions: Reconstituted Pro-Biolac solution should be fed at body temperature. Use of a nurser bottle is recommended. Feed kittens at least 2 tablespoons (30ml) per 4 ounces (113g) of body weight daily. Divide the daily feeding amount into equal portions for each feeding. For the first 4 days of feeding Pro-Biolac the daily amount should be divided into 6 to 8 feedings. The number of feedings can then be gradually reduced to 4 per day (dividing the daily volumes into 4 equal parts). Kittens should be allowed to consume as much formula as they want during each feeding. Stool consistency provides a measure of the appropriate feeding level. If diarrhea develops, consult your veterinarian for advice. Cleanliness of feeding equipment (nursing bottle/bowl) is extremely important. Always wash with hot soapy water. Rinse and dry well after each use.
Pregnant and lactating queens: Feed 2 teaspoons (4g) per 5 lbs. (2.2 kg) body weight daily until 2 weeks after queening.
Directions: To make 8 fl. oz. of Pro-Biolac, add warm water approximately halfway to fill line. Shake well. Then fill of all the way to fill line with warm water and shake until all powder is dissolved. Refrigerate after mixing. Discard if not used within 24 hours after mixing. To mix less than 8oz. of formula, add 2 parts powder to 3 parts warm water and mix until all powder is dissolved.
