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What to feed an orphaned kitten if I can't take it to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Asian | Female | unspayed

I found a kitten and I don't have anything to fees her, I feel like she is so hungry that's why she is always crying please give me a solution... I have only fed her cow's milk, and I feel she is not too healthy but the problem is I can't take her to any vets please help

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 6th, 2019

You can get kitten formula and bottles or feeding nipples and syringes at WalMart or any pet store or feed store. Get some canned kitten food and dry food too. Depending on how old she is she may be ready to try solid food, but cow's milk is not the right kind for kittens and will cause diarrhea. Try some formula first, then if she seems interested in something more substantial, mix some formula with the wet kitten food and mash it into a gruel and let her lap it. She'll get messy, just keep her clean with a damp washcloth and warm water and make sure she stays warm. Offer her water in a saucer or very shallow dish or lid so she can reach it but not fall in. If you have trouble getting her to eat or feel overwhelmed by trying to feed her, please contact a local shelter or veterinary clinic and ask if anyone can give you some tips or if they know someone with experience raising kittens that can take her. YouTube has very helpful videos concerning orphaned kitten care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 30th, 2017
A 3 or 4 week old kitten is not quite ready to be weaned onto solid foods yet, so you will need to get kitten milk replacer and a bottle to try to feed her. If she is very dehydrated or sick, she may need to be evaluated by a veterinarian, who can show you how to properly tube feed so that she gets the hydration and nutrition she needs. You will also need to stimulate her bowel and urinary movements.

Here is a good article on raising orphan kittens:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 12th, 2020
Do not give them cow's milk. You can see if there is lactose free cow milk available and use that to help them wean onto kitten food. Goat's milk can be used as well. To help them wean and to get used to dry food, I would soak a high quality kitten formulated dry food in warm water until soft. Then mix that with the lactose free milk to make a mush the consistency of oatmeal. Over the next two weeks, gradually increase the amount of dry kitten food and decrease the amount of water and milk you use until they are eating the dry kitten food only. I hope this helps!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 5th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

Oh no! I wonder if something bad happened to the mother! How old are the kittens? I would get bottles and nipples and Kitten milk replacer. If the kittens are young they need to be fed every 2-3 hours and you will need to stimulate them to urinate and defecate. You do this after each feeding by gently rubbing their genitals and anus with a soft wet warm cloth. If things go well start weaning them by 3 weeks onto canned kitten food as the formula can cause tummy problems (constipation or diarrhea).

I wish you the best!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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