What are the dangers of using cow's milk for kittens?

Cow's milk can be deadly for kittens. They don't have the necessary lactase enzymes to digest lactose, and I myself witnessed this in 2019 when an unsuspecting good Samaritan foster used this milk. Three kittens required emergency fluids to treat dehydration within 12 hours.

Vitamin deficiencies cause lasting damage. Cow's milk doesn't contain enough taurine to help absorb vitamin D into the muscles. Airborne germs cannot be easily flung off if bones are flabby due to an incorrect calcium-phosphorus ratio. Some chicks fed on milk scatter wings, which doctors will attest to. Veterinarians say kittens fed cow's milk become deformed skeletal-wise, and my Watts X-Rayed some of their affected litters to prove this.

Sensible substitutes avert calamity. There is no substitute for the veterinary-approved kitten formula. Use only that, and mix it at a temperature of 100°F. (38°C.) to facilitate digestion. I mix powdered formulas myself, using distilled water and avoiding tap water. Cat milk or other homemade "recipes" can never replace a scientific formula.

Wean carefully. Start with mush made with water and formula. Gradually decrease the liquid content by 1/4 cup each week for four weeks. Measure the consistency of stools twice a day. Any indication of diarrhea requires adjusting the formula ratios. I keep detailed logs noting what each baby enjoys.

Prevention is important. Use this instruction to educate every person who comes into contact with a kitten about the dangers of milk. I display feeding instructions prominently in my foster rooms. Since I started doing so a couple of years ago, my milk-related emergencies have decreased by 90%. Your vigilance protects these vulnerable kittens when they're most at risk!

Read the full article: Kitten Weaning Age: 3 to 8 Weeks Guide