Beaphar Lactol Kitty Milk, 250 g is a powdered milk formula for complete feeding of kittens. It's recommended for orphaned kittens and kittens that eat poorly, works as a food during weaning, and is also suitable for pregnant, nursing and unwell cats. The formula is enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found naturally in cat's milk and needed for brain development, memory and learning ability. It's easily digested, contains taurine, vitamins and minerals, and is GMO-free.
Why kittens shouldn't have cow's milk
Cat's milk is very different from cow's milk: it has more protein and fat, and its nutrient balance is designed for very rapid growth. Cow's milk doesn't meet a kitten's needs and often causes digestive upset. A replacer like Lactol is closer to cat's milk: 32% protein, 24% fat, taurine at 3,000 mg/kg and DHA. How a kitten's diet changes with age is covered in what to feed a kitten.
Ingredients
Milk and milk products, fats, minerals. Analysis: protein 32%, fat 24%, lactose 34%, ash 7%, moisture 3.5%, calcium 0.8%, phosphorus 0.7%, sodium 0.5%, magnesium 0.16%, potassium 1.5%, DHA 0.1%, omega-3 0.1%. Per kilogram it adds vitamins A (25,000 IU), D3 (2,000 IU), E, C, K3 and B group, biotin, pantothenic acid, taurine 3,000 mg, DL-methionine, iron, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc and antioxidants. The energy value of the made-up formula is 5,230 kJ/l, about 1,250 kcal per litre.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| For | orphaned and weak kittens, pregnant and nursing cats |
| Protein / fat | 32% / 24% |
| Lactose | 34% |
| DHA / taurine | 0.1% / 3,000 mg/kg |
| Mixing | 7 scoops (4.5 g each) per 100 ml of water |
| Storage after opening | up to 3 months |
| Pack | 250 g |
Pros
- Complete nutrition. Can replace the mother's milk.
- DHA. For brain development and learning ability.
- Taurine 3,000 mg/kg. Vital for kittens.
- Easily digested. A balanced range of fats, vitamins and minerals.
- Not just for kittens. Suits pregnant, nursing and weakened cats.
- GMO-free.
Cons
- Doesn't last long. About 31 g of powder makes 100 ml, so a 250 g tin makes roughly 800 ml.
- Sterility is a must. Bottles and syringes need sterilising before every feed.
- Short shelf life once mixed. No more than 24 hours in the fridge.
- No exact daily amount. The manufacturer advises feeding on demand and weighing the kitten.
How to mix and feed
Use 7 level scoops (4.5 g each) per 100 ml of warm water. Mix the powder with hot but not boiling water and stir until fully dissolved, then let it cool to 38 °C — a drop on your wrist should feel barely warm. Feed from a bottle or a special syringe, and keep everything sterile. A convenient option is the Nobleza feeding bottle kit. Made-up formula can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours and warmed in a water bath before feeding.
How to tell if a kitten is getting enough
The manufacturer doesn't give an exact daily amount because it depends on age, size and breed: feeding on demand works best. Scales are the key check: weigh each kitten daily at the same time and record the gain. If the weight stalls or drops, see a vet. When the kitten starts showing interest in bowls, gradually introduce kitten food — see the kitten food section, and for a list of essentials, a kitten at home: shopping list.
Who it suits
Orphaned kittens and kittens not getting enough of their mother's milk, kittens moving on to solid food, and pregnant, nursing or weakened cats as supplementary nutrition. For puppies Beaphar makes a separate formula, Lactol Puppy Milk.
Verdict
Beaphar Lactol Kitty Milk is a proven cat milk replacer with DHA, taurine and a full set of vitamins. It's easy to prepare and suits not only kittens but also cats during pregnancy and lactation. The keys to success are accurate mixing, a temperature of 38 °C, sterile equipment and weighing the kitten every day.
FAQ
How do I mix the formula?
7 level scoops per 100 ml of warm water, then cool to 38 °C.
Can a kitten have cow's milk?
It's best not to: it doesn't meet a kitten's needs and often causes digestive upset.
How long does the made-up formula keep?
No more than 24 hours in the fridge.
How long does an opened tin keep?
The powder should be used within 3 months of opening.
Can an adult cat have it?
Yes, it's recommended for pregnant, nursing and unwell cats.
How much formula does a kitten need per day?
There's no exact amount: feed on demand and weigh the kitten daily.
Why does it contain DHA?
Docosahexaenoic acid is needed for brain development, memory and learning ability.
