Baby CARE...

This format was designed specifically for the needs of larger feline’s i.e.., lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and cougars.  After years of experimentation we have found the following to be the best diet for these types of babies.  The following is a general map for you to follow.   Remember all babies are different and may have special needs which you may consult a exotic animal veterinarian for more specific advise.  A special note should be made when discussing the use of vitamins.  Lions should get a greater dosage of vitamin A, and cougars tend to have calcium deficiencies and need additional calcium added, particularly after weaning.  For the majority of babies this will work great. 

Because all babies develop at different rates formula and vitamin dosages may vary.  The best way we have found to distinguish the stages is not by age, but rather by teeth development.  The stages are “pre-teeth” or “teething”,

“incisor”, “canine” and “molar”.   Because some babies are born pre-mature or late, in a 90 to 105 day gestation period a few days can make a major difference in teeth maturity.  For example, a tiger was born 10 days premature.  She had little fur, eyes and ears shut.  She never opened an eye until she was 5 weeks old, normal being 2 weeks, and finally had a tooth break skin at a 6 weeks.  A mature tiger cub a 6 at weeks may be eating the “canine” or even starting the “molar” diet, a diet of this strength would surely kill a premature baby like the one mentioned. 

Teeth development is tested by rubbing your finger along their gum line. See the chart to place your baby in the correct stage.   Remember even without teeth a teething big cat has incredible jaw pressure.  If the baby is not nursing the mother it is often necessary to rub their gums to release the teeth and ease gum pain.  I have found rubbing their jaws (from the outside of the mouth) also helps relieve discomfort.  BEWARE do not let sucking your fingers become a habit.  They tend to get possessive about hands as they get larger, and as you can imagine this can become a great problem..

 Holding babies is an art and should not be attempted until properly instructed.  The correct way to hold is one hand under each armpit; do not hold them by their legs.   Be sure the shoulders are not being stretched out.  Babies stomachs are very sensitive at this age.  Do not try to hold them like a human baby.  They will tell you real quick they do not like it.  If done correctly it looks terribly uncomfortable, almost as though you are hanging them by their arms, but when you position your hands correctly they will be quiet and relax. 

Now for the fun part, stimulation 101.  The babies need to be stimulated to pass their stool a minimum of once a day.  The younger and more premature they are the more often you may want to stimulate.  Most mature babies will urinate on their own.  If you notice they are not urinating you may want to increase urinary stimulation to every feeding, this may also increase their appetite.  I would not recommend stimulating stool more than 3 times a day.  Stimulating is the most important thing you do with a young animal.  Their health is easiest identified through their stool.  Normal stool is yellow to brown and the consistency is firm to pudding like.  If the stool changes this generally means the health of the animal is changing.  A general rule of thumb is to run a fecal.   If there is no abnormalities in the stool, water formula down for a day or two (with pedialite if dehydration is noticeable) until the stool returns to normal.  Teething and stress may change stool as well.  This is normal but still important to keep an eye on.  Regardless of the changes a baby with diarrhea can dehydrate and die in just a few hours.  If dehydration becomes a concern immediate sub-Q or I.V. fluids needs to be considered.

This is a short synopsis of how to care for baby big cats.  Please do not let this be your comprehensive guide.  Always call a professional if there is any question about your animals care.  Please do not forget their shots.  They are given the same 4 in1 as domestic cats.

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Big Cat Feeding Guide...

Pre-teeth or teething stage  This stage is characterized by feeling small nubs or no teeth.  At this time babies are needing a basic formula. The following makes a little over 2 oz.  this is the maximum feeding for the first 2 days. Feeding should be done 4-8 times a day, until the cat starts eating regularly.

One ounce Esbilac to two ounce water and 2 cc’s of Nutra-cal

The following makes one gallon of milk.  This is more convenient when the baby starts eating more.  When they are eating regular you may increase the amount and feed 4 times a day.  Although every baby is different, generally during this stage I would not recommend eating more than 6 oz. a feeding.

THIS IS YOUR BASE FORMULA

Esbilac  1-12 oz. can (powder)

Goat milk  1-12 oz. (fluid)

Nutra-cal  4.25 oz. paste

Bottled water to make 1 gallon

Incisor stage is characterized by the small top and bottom incisor protrusion.  These teeth need to be the majority of the way in.  At this point they are ready for some meat products.  As with any transitional period the change should be made slowly.  Start by adding:

 1 beef Gerber stage 2 baby food

1 chicken Gerber stage 2 baby food

1 turkey Gerber stage 2 baby food

to each gallon of formula for 1-2 weeks.  After this period add an additional jar of each to the \following gallons. This will make a total of 2 beef, 2 chicken and 2 turkey Gerber baby food.  (It is important to use Gerber, many other formulas add onion as a preservative which is toxic to the cats, this is often not identified on the jar)

Canine stage  is characterized by their eye teeth coming all the way in.  At this time you may start adding ground turkey to their diet.  You may start by adding small amount into their formula.  As you increase ground turkey you may decrease the the Gerber baby food.  If the cat is ready for it you may want to feed the ground turkey in a bowl.  Realize this may decrease its desire for a bottle.  The longer the cat stays on the bottle the more attached and gentle it will be towards humans.  This is something you will have to decide for yourself.  At the end of this stage you may be adding 1 pound of ground turkey to their gallon of formula.

Molar stage is evident by molars being present.  Do not rub these teeth they will draw blood.  This is the stage when your baby becomes a juvenile.  It is ready to eat chicken.  Only use chicken legs or leg quarters.  In the beginning the skin must be removed.  This will help avoid choking.  Small slices should be made in the meat allowing the cat to tear the meat easier. At this time the babies do not need any formula although it is highly recommended.  Formula continues the assurance of vitamins in their diet and the cats attachment to you.  Because the formula is optional you may want to use a more economical formula. 

Ground turkey  1 pound

Evaporated milk  4 -12 fluid oz.

Vitamins of your choice  We recommend  Pet Tabs or Missing Link or Oasis.   Pet Tabs are easiest to add to the formula.  Do not forget the additional Vitamin A and Calcium for those in need.