If a newborn kitten isn't actively nursing, it's crucial for owners to intervene and assist the kitten in finding the nipple. Newborn kittens typically need to be fed every two hours. A day without milk can be fatal.
If a newborn kitten struggles to find its mother's nipple, human intervention is necessary. Owners should help guide the kitten to the nipple. If the kitten is weak and unable to suckle effectively, owners might need to express some milk and let the kitten nurse from that. Maintaining the kitten's body temperature is also essential, as newborn kittens are prone to hypothermia. The first three days are critical for survival, and it's vital to assist the kitten with bowel movements. Normally, the mother cat licks the kitten's anus to stimulate elimination. If the mother isn't present, owners should gently stimulate the anus and urethra with a clean, soft tissue until the kitten starts to defecate and urinate. Discomfort from a full bladder or bowels can also cause a kitten to refuse milk. Newborn kittens are fragile and require feeding every two to three hours.
How Long Can a Kitten Survive Without Milk?
A newborn kitten will die of starvation if it doesn't nurse for a day. Newborn kittens need to be fed approximately every two hours. Frequent, small meals are essential for their survival. Mother's milk is ideal for raising kittens. If the mother's milk isn't available, kitten milk replacer (often goat's milk-based) should be provided. Because newborn kittens cannot see, they need human assistance to latch onto the nipple. If a newborn kitten is not eating, it is important to observe it carefully to see if it has become lethargic or if its breathing has become weak, which could indicate a health problem that needs immediate attention.