What Kind of Food Should I Give a Stray Kitten?
If you find a kitten orphaned at the shelter, you may want to feed it. This will help ensure that it will survive until it can be adopted by a new family. However, it is important that you only give a stray kitten milk that is appropriate for their age and health.
The Best Way to Feed a Stray Kitten
A stray kitten is still growing and developing, and it needs food that will keep them healthy. The wrong type of food can lead to a number of problems, including upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Fortunately, there are many foods you can give a stray kitten that will keep them happy and healthy. The following are some of the best options:
Tuna and Other Fish-Based Treats
A lot of people like to feed stray kittens tuna or other fish-based treats. The smell is very pungent and can help attract them to the food bowl, especially if they are nervous or weak.
Some people also use chicken, which is an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids for cats. Other nourishing snacks can be scrambled eggs, plain rice or plain scrambled egg mixtures. A Fluffy Kitty reader even suggested adding pumpkin or sweet potato to help calm a kitten’s stomach and aid digestion.
Baby Food (Wet or Dry)
When a stray kitten is six weeks old, you can begin feeding it wet cat food. The wet cat food should be formulated for kittens and should have enough protein, fat, vitamins and minerals to support the growth and development of your pet.
You can also mix a little water with the wet food, but this is not recommended since it will dilute the protein and other nutrients.
The best thing to do is to feed the stray kitten milk replacer until they are six weeks old, at which point you can start offering them wet cat food. This will make it easier for them to learn how to eat their own food.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide you with the information you need to feed your pet safely.
Other Quick and Easy Solutions for a Starving Kitten
If the stray kitten is very cold or sick, try warming up the cat with your own body heat. Rub your hands on the cat’s body to warm up their skin and increase blood circulation.
Alternatively, you can build a warm box with blankets and towels, and put the kitten inside. You can also put a heating pad underneath to help warm the kitten up.
Dehydration is one of the biggest problems a stray kitten faces, so it’s important to give them a drink if they are feeling thirsty or chilled. Signs of dehydration include limpness, unresponsiveness, sunken eyes and lethargy.
Upper Respiratory Infections and Other Medical Issues
During the first few weeks of life, a kitten’s immune system is not fully developed. They can get an infection or other problem, such as a respiratory tract injury, that could result in pneumonia or death.
