Kitten Glop: What it is and how to make it
When you’ve decided to adopt or foster a kitten, you’ll be faced with countless challenges such as learning how to groom a cat, teaching her how to use her litter box, and stopping her from scratching your favourite furniture. Bottle feeding a kitten is also one of the tasks a new owner or foster might need to learn. With this comes the task of making kitten glop!
What is kitten glop?
Kitten glop is simply cat milk substitute or kitten supplement formula. This is created to feed kittens who have been orphaned or those who refuse to nurse. When there is no lactating mama cat in sight, a kitten won’t be able to eat by herself. She might die unless she is bottle fed or syringe fed by humans.
Aside from young kittens, other cats can also benefit from drinking kitten glop. These include cats who are convalescing, nursing mother cats who need additional sources of nutrition, or senior cats who have a hard time eating solids.
Is kitten glop the same as cow’s milk?
No, it is not. Kittens and cats cannot consume cow’s milk because it contains lactose, which they cannot process properly. Feeding them milk from cows (or other animals) may lead to diarrhea and intestinal cramping. Though almond milk may be consumed by kittens and cats in limited amounts, it should only be served to them occasionally.
In Australia, you can purchase cat milk substitute powder in pet shops, online stores, and veterinarian clinics. We recommend PetAG KMR – Kitten Milk Replacer, Wombaroo Cat Milk Replacer, and Biolac Pink Kitten Milk Supplement.
How do I make kitten glop?
If you don’t have access to store-bought cat milk supplement, you can make your own kitten glop. However, note that homemade kitten replacement formula should not be used for more than 24 hours. Common kitty glop ingredients include milk, egg, and yogurt, but you can find recipes online depending on what you have at hand. You’ll also need these tools to whip up your own kitten glop:
- A mixing bowl
- A saucepan
- A hand mixer
- A small nursing bottle or feeding syringe
Try making any of these three milk replacement recipes:
Formula 1
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons powdered protein
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
- 110 mg powdered calcium
- 1-day dose of vitamins (formulated for adult cats)
Method:
- Beat the egg.
- Mix in the other ingredients until well combined.
- Place the formula in a small nursing bottle and serve warm.
Formula 2
Ingredients:
- 1 quart whole goat’s milk
- Unflavoured gelatin
- 1 pack: Newborn to 1-week-old kitten
- 1½ to 2 packs: 2-week-old kitten
- 2½ to 3 packs: 3-week-old kitten
- 4 packs: 4-week-old kitten
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon nonfat plain yogurt (preferably made with goat’s milk)
- 1 egg yolk
Method:
- Transfer goat’s milk to a saucepan.
- Add the corresponding amount of gelatin based on your kitten’s age.
- Heat the mixture until the gelatin is dissolved completely.
- Remove the mixture from the heat.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients and serve warm.
Formula 3
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoon powdered protein
Method:
- Beat the egg.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients.
- Put the formula in a small nursing bottle.
Other feeding reminders
Newborn kittens usually feed every two hours throughout the day. As they grow older, they will eat more per meal but less frequently. A kitten should be fed about 8 ml of formula for every ounce of weight every day. Calculate how much your kitten should eat per feeding by adding the total needed for the day, then dividing it by the number of feedings.
When feeding milk supplement formula to your kitten or cat, never feed her formula straight from the fridge. Be sure to warm it up first. Mix the formula properly and remove any lumps. Transfer it into a nursing bottle, then place the bottle in a bowl of hot water for a minute or so. Check the formula’s temperature by placing a few drops on your wrist. It shouldn’t be scalding hot. If it’s too hot, wait until the formula cools down before feeding it to your kitten. Also, do not reuse the milk formula that you have already warmed. Discard it and use fresh formula for each feeding session.
It’s important to assess your kitten before feeding her. She should be warm and responsive before she receives a meal. If your kitten is feeling cold, assist her by wrapping her in a cosy blanket or thick towel, then placing her close to a heating pad. (Never place her directly on it!) Change her position from one side to the other every few minutes. You can also help stimulate blood flow by gently massaging your kitten. If she continues to be unresponsive, contact your veterinarian.
We want to help you become the best animal foster or parent you can ever be! Check out our helpful guides for cats and dogs.
About the Author: Mimi Tiu
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Let’s talk rescue and what it means to “adopt, don’t shop”
What is an animal rescue? An animal rescue organisation aimed at taking companion animals from situations where they are at risk of euthanasia for reasons not related to behaviour or health. An example would be a rescue that pulls dogs from shelters with a policy of euthanising dogs that are not adopted within a certain...
Can Cats Drink Cashew Milk?
The short answer: No. The long answer: Cashew milk is made from blending whole cashews with water. Sourced from trees, cashew is a kidney-shaped seed that is known for containing magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and zinc. Although cats can drink almond milk occasionally, sources recommend that they should not be given cashew milk. This is...
5 Ways to Prevent a Cat From Sleeping In Your Bed
Cats are unique creatures that express their affection in various ways. Some communicate their fondness towards their favourite humans via kneading, while others give playful love bites or grooming licks. Still, there are others who prefer to stay close—hanging out where their human is throughout the day and choosing to sleep by their side. If...
Can Cats Eat Pasta?
The short answer: Yes and no. The long answer: Pasta is commonly made of flour, water, and eggs. These three ingredients are safe for your pet cat to eat. However, how you cook the pasta and what you mix with it will determine if it is safe for your cat to consume. Pasta is traditionally...
Can Cats Eat Garbanzo Beans?
The short answer: It is not recommended. The long answer: Also known as chickpeas, garbanzo beans are legumes that are commonly used to make salads, soups, stews, and curry. Though they contain good amounts of protein, it is not recommended for you to feed your feline pet these beans because they are difficult to digest...
15 ways to take the best pet paw-traits
Full disclosure: Waldo and Salsa are used to fawning photographer entourages every single day – because we can’t get enough of Waldo’s bluey freckles or Salsa’s little mo. How about your four-legged friend? Smiling, running, cuddling, hiding, jumping, snoozing—how many of these types of images have you captured of your beloved pet? Pets are integral...
Buyer’s Guide: Slow Feeder Dog Bowls
Eat. Play. Sleep. Repeat. Your pooch relies on you to provide him with daily sustenance in the form of nutritious meals, treats, and dog-friendly human food. Based on his age and needs, your canine pet should be fed at least twice a day, about 12 hours apart and at the same times. As a dog...
How to bottle feed kittens
There are several reasons why a kitten may need to be bottle-fed. Perhaps they were found without a mother, or their mother passed away. Maybe the mother cat is aggressive or has a medical condition, such as mastitis, that prevents her from being able to feed her kittens. No matter the reason, the responsibility of...
Can Cats Eat Salt?
The short answer: No. The long answer: Salt is a mineral that is commonly used for cooking and adding flavour to dishes. Just a small amount (4 grams of salt per 2 pounds of your cat’s weight) can cause harm to your kitten friend. Eating salt may lead to her manifesting any or all of...
Can Cats Eat Avocado?
The short answer: No. The long answer: Similar to dogs, cats should not be eating avocados on a regular basis. Avocado is a fruit that contains the antifungal compound persin, which can be found on its skin, flesh, and leaves. When ingested, the toxin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis due to its high fat...
9 reasons why your cat bites you (and how to stop it)
Has this scenario ever happened to you? One moment you’re gently petting your cat, and the next, she’s playfully nipping your fingers, hands, or even your nose. Cats bite their owners without drawing blood for a variety of reasons, and in this Waldo’s Friends article, we’ll get to the bottom of all the possible reasons...
Can Cats Eat Prawns?
The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Similar to shrimps, prawns can be consumed by cats as long as they are fresh and prepared properly. These crustaceans are known to be packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iodine, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins B and E. However, there are considerations to...
The Ultimate Gift Guide for the Wildlife Lover in Your Life
Choosing the perfect gift for the wildlife lover in your life is a rewarding and fun experience. Not only will your friend or loved one appreciate the thought and care you’ve put into their gift, but you’ll also learn so much about their world and preferences. To help you do just that, we scoured the...
9 fundraising ideas for animal shelters
Animal shelters play a critical role in keeping animals safe. They are a haven for abandoned and abused animals. Running an animal shelter is no easy feat. It costs money to cater to the animals’ health, food, and general welfare. So how do you run an animal shelter without breaking the bank? You fundraise. Traditional...
How to prepare your home for a new pet
Congratulations, you’re considering welcoming a furry new member to the family! This article is a helpful guide for first-time pet owners or people who are considering bringing home a new pet. Before you make the big decision, there are a few factors to consider to make sure integrating a new cat or dog into your...
The Difference Between Kitten Food and Cat Food
There are so many things a first-time cat parent needs to learn, such as preparing a starter kit before your cat comes home to finding ways to groom her at home. Depending on the age of the cat you decide to adopt or foster, you’ll also need to provide the right meals so that she...
How to make your animal fundraiser material stand out
Animal rescue fundraisers lie at the heart of communities coming together to look out for our furry friends. However, as much as we’d like to have our hopes and wishes save those we love, running consistently successful fundraisers involves a great deal of effort toward fundraising material. Organising a successful event – online or offline...
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Dog
The bane of a dog’s existence, fleas are small flightless bugs that survive by sucking the blood of animals and even humans. Thriving in moist, humid environments and during warmer seasons of the year, fleas hop from host to host, latching on to their unknowing prey, piercing the prey’s skin to suck on its blood,...
How to Tell If Your Cat is Pregnant [7 Ways to Find Out]
Did you know that unspayed female cats can get pregnant as soon as they turn four to six months old? They are known to be “induced ovulators,” releasing eggs due to external stimuli such as the physical act of mating or mechanical stimulation. A female cat can go into heat every two to three weeks...
Your guide to adopting a cat from rescue shelters
Congratulations! You’re on your way to adopting a cat! Apart from gaining a friend for life, you’re also providing a better home for him/her. This guide covers all the necessary information you need in order to adopt a cat from a rescue shelter, including: Deciding and planning for adoption Choosing your new cat Providing a...
How to introduce a kitten to a cat
Do you feel like it’s time to add another furry feline to your home? Before bringing home a kitten from the animal shelter or rescue centre, there are things you need to consider and prepare. First and foremost, think about your existing cat. Cats are territorial by nature, so your cat (aka the master of...
How to Make Your Backyard Pet-Friendly
Whether you’re creating a sensory garden for your dog or a catio for your cat, the first thing to consider is your pet’s health and safety. After all, the backyard is an extension of your pet’s safe space—your home, and there’s no reason for it to not be as perfect and secure as your living...
Can Cats Eat Sugar?
The short answer: It is not recommended. The long answer: Meat-loving cats do not need to consume sugar because this sweet-tasting human food is something that they cannot taste and digest. Their bodies are not good at breaking down carbohydrates, and they are better off having protein-rich meals. Feeding your cat too much sugar (whether...
5 Ways to Keep Your Cat Out of a Room (Without Stressing Her Out)
Our cats are treasured members of the household, putting their mark everywhere in our home via their scent, scratch marks, and stray fur. Though they are generally allowed to freely move around the house, there are some instances when you might need to keep your cat out of a room. A common reason would be...
Why do cats knead?
Cats are beautiful creatures with unusual habits. If you’re adopting one for the very first time, it’s best to read up on as much cat behaviour as possible so you don’t get blindsided by their eccentricities. Kneading is one of those peculiar cat behaviours, and in this Waldo’s Friends article, we answer the questions: What...
Can you adopt a dog when you have a cat?
Here at Waldo’s Friends, we love sharing heartwarming stories that involve animals finding their furever homes. While every rescue tale is special, we have a soft spot for adopters who welcome different animal species—specifically cats and dogs—into their homes because it reminds us of how Salsa and Waldo came together and eventually became fur siblings. ...
Can Cats Eat Corn?
The short answer: Yes, but only occasionally and in moderation. The long answer: Packed with carbohydrates, vitamins, potassium, and folic acid, corn is a starchy vegetable and cereal grain. Cats don’t necessarily need corn in their daily diet because they are obligate carnivores that must consume protein and fat. Unfortunately, some cat food brands include...
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
The short answer: Yes and no. The long answer: Eggs are a great source of protein and fat for your cat. Since cats are obligate carnivores (meaning they need animal protein in their daily diet), eggs can be included to supplement kitty’s diet. However, there are conditions for feeding eggs to your cat. Kittens and...
12 Questions to Ask When Adopting a Dog
Congratulations on taking the first step to welcoming an adopted dog into your family! Animal adoption is a noble act that will benefit not just the canine you take in (by giving him a second chance to live happily in a loving home), but also the shelter or rescue you adopt from (by allowing the...
How to kickstart fundraisers for animal shelters
Raising funds for a worthy cause is a noble gesture, but it can also be a pretty scary and daunting task to take on, especially when you are doing it independently. Getting started on your first independent fundraiser can be overwhelming because of all the activities involved in making it a success. The good news,...
Can Cats Eat Strawberries?
The short answer: Yes, but only occasionally and in moderation. The long answer: Strawberries are juicy and fragrant fruits that your cat can enjoy once in a while. Since cats are obligate carnivores, they need to consume mostly protein and fat to fulfill their dietary needs. Fruits such as strawberries would only be considered as...
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
The short answer: It is not recommended. The long answer: Peanut butter is a spread made from grounded, dry-roasted peanuts. Store-bought peanut butter is known for being high in protein and fat, but on the downside, it is also packed with salt, sugar, and additives that are harmful for your pet. Though peanut butter is...
How to pet a cat
Have you ever felt the urge to pet an unknown cat the moment you come across it? We’ve all been guilty of doing this without thinking of the possible repercussions, the worst of which could be the cat accidentally scratching or biting you. Though cats are social creatures, they don’t communicate and interact the same...
Can Cats Eat Mushrooms?
The short answer: No. The long answer: Mushrooms are spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi. They can grow underground, within trees, or even in decaying logs. Technically speaking, store-bought mushrooms safe for human consumption are also safe for cats to eat. Just make sure they are not cooked with salt, onion, garlic, or other harmful ingredients. ...
Can Cats Eat Carrots?
The short answer: Yes, but in moderation. The long answer: Carrots don’t just add crunch and texture to your cat’s meal. They are excellent sources of vitamin K1, B6, potassium, fiber, and beta carotene. Beta carotene is linked to multiple health benefits such as maintaining skin and eye health, helping slow down cognitive decline, and...
Can Cats Eat Blueberries?
The short answer: Yes, but only in small amounts. The long answer: Blueberries are rich in fiber, manganese, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K. Though they are considered a superfood for humans, blueberries should not be fed to your cat on a regular basis because she is an obligate carnivore. Since blueberries are high in...
Can Cats Eat Mangoes?
The short answer: Yes, but only occasionally. The long answer: Mangoes are sweet-tasting tropical fruits that are not toxic for cats. They are packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamins A, B-6, and C. Though the fruit is nutrient-rich, it doesn’t necessarily contribute to your cat’s dietary needs. She is an obligate carnivore that needs high-quality...
Understanding the basics of rescue shelter fundraising
Organising a fundraiser is no walk in the park. It is even more challenging when it is your first one. But before delving into the details, what is fundraising? Fundraising is the process of seeking financial assistance for a noble cause. The funds can be sourced from individual donors or charitable organisations. The art of...
Can Cats Eat Tuna?
The short answer: It is not recommended. The long answer: Similar to dogs, cats should not consume tuna on a daily basis. Tuna is a type of fish that contains high levels of mercury and metals in its body. This is because it lives longer compared with other fish. Feeding tuna to your cat regularly...
Can Cats Eat Vegetables?
The short answer: It depends. The long answer: Cats are obligate carnivores, so their diet must consist mainly of animal-derived meat in order to stay healthy. They can enjoy snacking on certain vegetables occasionally, as long as these are prepared properly. Gary Richter, DVM tells Rover, “Pet owners can always try to give vegetables to...
Can Cats Eat Baked Beans?
The short answer: No. The long answer: A combination of white beans and sweet sauce, baked beans are high in protein and fiber but not necessarily good for your feline pet. Garlic and onion may be found in the baked beans mixture—two ingredients that are known to be harmful to cats. Canned baked beans may...
The Truth about Cats and Water
Most people think cats detest water, avoiding liquid substances or bodies of water at all costs. But the truth of the matter is that not all cats feel the same way. Depending on your cat’s upbringing and early experiences with water, she may or may not like being directly in contact with it. In this...
