18/03/2024
As we begin a new kitten season in the US and other areas I want to, again, share this new information from UC Davis.
HEALTHY KITTENS DO NOT NEED TO BE FED EVERY 2 HOURS.
The every 2 hour advice is old and is sort of a "safety net" type of advice because a lot goes into caring and feeding of newborn kittens. People who are unfamiliar with kittens are unable to judge if they are healthy or not so the increased frequency can help in certain situations.
I have raised hundreds of bottle babies and personally never feed every 2 hours without a specific reason such as prematurity or illness.
Perpetuating the old advice that feeding is required every 2 hours can prevent people from thinking they can successfully help foster kittens. Follow your heart with the kittens in your care and if you can't bear to stretch out your feedings then by all means keep doing what works for you.
Please read the guidelines at the following link.
Change agents who inform & inspire shelter leaders to implement a humane, community-centered approach to animal care and shelter management; focused on prevention and grounded in science
