Here’s a scenario: your kittens suddenly get rejected by their mother cat, or, you found an orphaned kitten and they need to be fed. What can you do?
The straight answer is to bottle feed them, of course! However, keep in mind that kittens cannot digest cow’s milk, as well as other types of milk. This is because proteins from such milk sources can be too difficult for our kitten’s stomach. The best way to go is to give them a KMR or kitten milk replacer, which can be commonly bought from your local pet store.
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Ensuring that your kitten gets the correct milk formula is important for their survival. Therefore, it pays to look for the best kitten milk replacer to make sure that your kitten stays healthy even if they aren’t nursing from their mom cat.
Best Kitten Milk Replacer Reviews
Here are our top picks for the best kitten milk replacer:
1. KMR Liquid Milk Replacer for Kittens and Cats
As one of the most popular KMR out there, this one comes in 8-ounce cans and contains no preservatives or artificial flavors – just pure nutritious kitten milk replacement for your little one(s). It has vitamins and minerals that can help them to get the right nourishment.
Being made in the USA, this one can be used for kittens from newborn up to 6 weeks of age. It is also easy to store due to the packaging, which can be easily kept inside the fridge. Since it comes in a can, this can also help maintain its temperature to avoid spoilage. The packaging also allows you to take it anywhere, especially if you are traveling with the kittens a lot.
Overall, the KMR Liquid Milk Replacer for Kittens and Cats can be ideal for those who want no preservatives or artificial flavors.
Key Features
- Comes in 8-ounce easy-open cans
- Ideal for newborn kittens up to 6 weeks of age
- Made in the USA
- No preservatives or artificial flavors
- A reputable KMR brand
2. Nutri-Vet Milk Replacement For Kittens with Probiotics
Probiotics (comes in the form of Opti-Gut in this kitten milk formula) may be prescribed by your vet, especially if they have been dewormed to avoid getting stomach problems. In this case, this KMR can be for them, which can even be used by the mom cat during pregnancy or during lactation periods.
It also contains growth factors similar to that of the mother cat’s milk, as well as boosters for their immune system and protein synthesis, which can help them not to get sick easily. As with most kitten milk replacements, this one should be mixed with 1 part milk formula and 2 parts warm water.
The Nutri-Vet Milk Replacement For Kittens with Probiotics may be just right for your kitten if they need probiotics as prescribed or suggested by your vet.
Key Features
- Includes probiotics
- Can also be used by mom cats
- Ideal for kitten deworming
- Can boost their immune system
- Has growth factors for kittens
3. KMR® Powder for Kittens and Cats
For kittens who are going through convalescence or healing after getting sick, this can be a KMR for them due to its formulation. It is easy to digest and can have an easy taste for most kittens. The milk formula is okay for newborns up to 6 weeks of age.
It mimics the caloric pattern of a mother’s milk in terms of carbohydrates, fat, and protein content to ensure your kitten’s health. It also has some important vitamins and minerals that your kitten needs, especially if they are still 2 weeks old.
If your kitten is going through a healing process after getting sick or convalescence, the KMR® Powder for Kittens and Cats, 28oz may be an ideal KMR for them.
Key Features
- Ideal for kittens going through convalescence
- Includes sufficient protein, fat, and carbohydrates
- Easy to digest
- Includes vitamins and nutrients
- Easy taste for most kittens
4. Whiskas Catmilk for Cats and Kittens
As a known cat food brand, this kitten milk replacement may be ideal if your kitten is having trouble with their digestive health. Picky kittens can also find it tastes just right. Since it comes in 3 containers at 6 fl. oz. each at a cheaper price, it can also be a great choice for those who are on a small budget for their kitten.
It is even 98% lactose-reduced to help your kitten easily digest it. The KMR is also free from artificial colors or flavors while it has calcium to strengthen your kitten’s bones and teeth. The calcium can help kittens that are rather weaker than others (if you have multiple kittens). Speaking of multiple kittens, since it is not that pricey, you can try this one if you have a lot of kittens to take care of.
We think that the Whiskas Catmilk for Cats and Kittens may be best for your kitten if they have digestive problems with other milk formulas.
Key Features
- Lactose-reduced formula
- Ideal for kittens with digestive problems
- Budget-friendly
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Has calcium for bones and teeth
5. Petlac Milk Powder For Kittens
This kitten milk formula in a can has 10.5 ounces and can be easy to digest for kittens. Due to the FOS and live naturally occurring microorganisms, it can help with your kitten’s digestion, especially if they need probiotics for their tummy health. If you are on a small budget, this can be a good starter kitten milk replacement for you.
Also, it contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to maintain your kitten’s health. The formula should be mixed at 2 tablespoons of warm water and 1 tablespoon of the kitten milk formula. When put in the fridge, it can be kept for 3 to 6 months.
Overall, the Petlac Milk Powder For Kittens can be ideal for pet owners on a small budget.
Key Features
- Has live microorganisms or probiotics for gut health
- Easy to digest
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with a scoop
- Can help with appetite
6. Revival Animal Foster Care Feline- Powdered Milk Replacer
We chose this kitten milk replacer if you have a newborn kitten to feed. It can also be used for pregnant cats as well as during the weaning stage. Since it is low on lactose, it can help kittens that are prone to digestive problems such as diarrhea. Each container has a total of 12 ounces or 340 grams of kitten milk formula in powder form.
The milk formula has sufficient amounts of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to meet the kitten’s nutritional requirements. It also has the proprietary IgY & BIO-MIOS, which can help with your kitten’s immune system, as well as taurine to boost their vision and heart health.
In the long run, the Revival Animal Foster Care Feline- Powdered Milk Replacer can be a good KMR for newborn kittens.
Key Features
- Low on lactose for kittens with digestive problems
- Safe for pregnant cats
- Can boost your kitten’s immune system
- Sufficient amounts of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
- Ideal for the weaning stage
7. Revival Animal Health Breeders’ Edge Foster Care Feline
Different sizes of packaging from our previous pick, this one is also a law on lactose so it can be gentle on kittens that have stomach problems. It also has immune system boosters and taurine to help with their heart health and eyes. Moreover, it has carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that mimic those of a mother cat’s milk.
It comes in a big pack so it can be a good pick for those with multiple kittens to feed, especially newborn kittens. This KMR can also be helpful for kittens with diarrhea and similar digestive problems. Although it can be a bit pricier than other KMRs out there, it may be for you if your kitten has tried other formulas but didn’t work well.
As a whole, the Revival Animal Health Breeders' Edge Foster Care Feline can be ideal for feeding multiple kittens.
Key Features
- Has taurine and immune system boosters
- Ideal for multiple kitten feeding
- Gentle on the digestive system of kittens
- Low on lactose
- Has carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
8. Hartz Powdered Kitten Milk Replacer Formula
This powder formula for kittens, especially orphaned ones, has enough nutrients to boost their weight, so it can be ideal for those who have been starving for weeks due to abandonment. It can also work well for sickly cats or those with convalescing kittens.
Ideal for kittens less than 6 weeks old, this one also contains taurine and calcium to support their heart and bones respectively. It even has linoleic acid for a healthier coat and skin plus lysine, which can help with their respiratory system.
Therefore, it can also be good for kittens that have concerns with their skin and coat. It has been formulated to mimic and match a mother cat’s milk to be gentle to kittens.
We think that the Hartz Powdered Kitten Milk Replacer Formula may be a choice for kittens who need a little weight gain.
Key Features
- Ideal for convalescing kittens
- Contains calcium and taurine
- Can help kittens gain weight healthily
- Has linoleic acid for coat and skin
- Lysine for respiratory health
Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering how kitten milk replacers work? Here are some common FAQs about them:
What is a kitten milk replacer?
A kitten milk replacer, also known as KMR, is a kind of milk formula that is specifically made for kittens. It is much like human infant milk formula but is formulated for kittens, especially for orphaned ones.
The purpose of a KMR is to act as a substitute for a mother cat’s milk. It is commonly used for kittens that have been abandoned or orphaned, or if they were rejected by their cat mother for some reason (e.g. the mother is sick or incapable of raising kittens).
Kitten replacement formulas usually contain the following ingredients:
- Probiotics. The importance of probiotics is for the gut health of the kitten(s). Probiotics help maintain healthier digestion so that your kitten may not get a lot of stomach problems and upsets, especially if they are lactose intolerant.
- Vitamins and minerals. These may include vitamins A and D, which doesn’t naturally occur in kittens and cats. They can be helpful to make your kitten grow healthier and can also strengthen their immune system.
- Protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These can be commonly found in a mother cat’s milk but are greatly mimicked in kitten milk replacer so that your kitten gets a similar amount of nutrients from their mother’s milk even if they aren’t nursing from their mother.
- Linoleic acid. Linoleic acid can help with your kitten’s coat and skin, which can be a good choice if your kitten’s coat isn’t as healthy as other kittens’.
- Calcium. For stronger bones, calcium can be an important part of your kitten’s basic diet, which can also be present in their kitten milk replacer. After all, kittens are still weak when they are still less than 2 weeks old.
- Taurine. For heart health, taurine can be a great addition to any kitten milk replacement formula. It is usually present alongside calcium in these KMRs.
How long should a kitten take milk replacer?
Kittens can stop being fed on the KMR or kitten formula up to 6 weeks of age. This is when they can be fed with dry or wet food. If you are not sure, you can also ask your vet in case your kitten may also have some other developmental problems.
Some kittens can also eat solid food as early as 4 weeks old – you may do a little test to see if they are responding well to such food (test on wet food first because they are typically easier to digest).
How much milk replacer to feed a kitten?
Feeding a kitten milk replacer can depend on various factors, such as their age and their weight. Here are helpful charts for you:
| Weight (ounces) | Per day | Per feeding | Feedings/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 15 (ml) | 2 (ml) | 7/day |
| 3 | 23 (ml) | 3 (ml) | 7/day |
| 4 | 31 (ml) | 5 (ml) | 7/day |
| Weight (ounces) | Per day | Per feeding | Feedings/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 38 (ml) | 6 (ml) | 7/day |
| 6 | 46 (ml) | 7 (ml) | 7/day |
| 7 | 54 (ml) | 8 (ml) | 7/day |
| 8 | 61 (ml) | 9 (ml) | 7/day |
| Weight (ounces) | Per day | Per feeding | Feedings/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 69 (ml) | 10 (ml) | 7/day |
| 10 | 77 (ml) | 11 (ml) | 7/day |
| 11 | 84 (ml) | 12 (ml) | 7/day |
| Weight (ounces) | Per day | Per feeding | Feedings/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 92 (ml) | 14 (ml) | 6-7/day |
| 13 | 100 (ml) | 15 (ml) | 6/day |
| 14 | 107 (ml) | 16 (ml) | 5/day |
| 15 | 115 (ml) | 17 (ml) | 5/day |
| Weight | Per day | Per feeding | Feedings/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb. | 123 (ml) | 18 (ml) | 5/day |
| 1 lb. 1 oz. | 130 (ml) | 19 (ml) | 4/day |
| 1 lb. 2 oz. | 138 (ml) | 20 (ml) | 4/day |
| 1 lb. 3 oz. | 146 (ml) | 22 (ml) | 4/day |
| 1 lb. 4 oz. | 153 (ml) | 23 (ml) | 4/day |
How long can you keep kitten milk replacer outside?
At most, you should keep the kitten formula for at least 2 hours when it is outside of your fridge. If it is refrigerated, it can be good for up to 2 days or 48 hours. When the time has passed, it should be discarded because it may not be safe for your kitten anymore.
Kitten milk replacement can also easily spoil if it is exposed in a place with a lot of humidity, let’s say up to 60% humidity, and if the temperature is about 70 degrees F or 21 degrees C.
A way to avoid spoilage of kitten milk formula is to use an ice cube tray so that you can get 1-ounce portions and easily grab them when needed.
Best way to heat up milk replacer for newborn kitten
Kitten milk replacers should be thawed before warming it up. Do not put it in the microwave because it can heat up and destroy all the important nutrients and proteins that your kitten needs from the formula. Do not let it boil as well – only warm it enough so that it is no longer frozen or cold.
Moreover, diarrhea can happen if your kitten feeds on a formula that has been reheated over and over again. In addition to that, to avoid wasting kitten formula and getting it spoiled, only warm enough kitten milk formula that you will use for the current feeding.
Conclusion
Overall, a kitten milk replacer is what you should buy for your kitten if they aren’t fed by their mother cat (or are abandoned). Not only are they complete in terms of nutrients but they are also safe for your kitten’s sensitive digestive system. We hope you and your kittens liked this article!
Catherine Bono is a blogger, who is passionate about dogs and cats. She created Crittersitca.com to shares her experience as she studies to become a qualified vet.
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