Legend Leopards

[Becki]

That's a real tough data set to parse anything from as there is so much more that goes into socializing a kitten than the way they are fed.

I would think that an ideally socialized and mentally healthy kitten is one that was nursed by their mother while also participating in some bottle feeding. Grooming, playtime and even nap time play roles in their mental health development. So easy to stack the deck in any study, even inadvertently.

Also, I don't think I have ever met a cat that shouldn't be seeing a therapist once a week. Some are well functioning with their mental health disorders while others heightened energy levels prove too much to mask the underlying issues.

I am not a breeder and do not claim expert status on anything here, and I didn't specifically seek out a hand raised kitten, it just worked out that way. That said, it seems a huge leap to claim all bottle fed cats have behavior issues. There are many cats who are hand raised due to health issues with the babies or the mom. Are they doomed as well? Also, your point in the number of things that go into socialization is key. Playing with other cats to learn kitty behavior, interacting with people outside of just eating, exposure to the hustle and bustle of a normal household (if such a thing exists) as examples. I am neutral on the whole thing, honestly. I am betting there are pros and cons to both schools of thought, and luckily not in a position where I need to make a choice! I do feel bad for MM3's kitty if she is having issues as a result of this, I certainly don't want any cat to be sick.

I will also say my "imprinted" horse is obnoxious and completely clueless as to her size. Unless consistently reminded, she will violate your personal space walking as close as she can possibly get to you. She stops after being corrected, but if something scares her, she is right back to practically on top of you. I really think she wants you to carry her! With my one data point, I have become anti-horse imprinting!

 

[SV Dad]

Also, I don't think I have ever met a cat that shouldn't be seeing a therapist once a week. Some are well functioning with their mental health disorders while others heightened energy levels prove too much to mask the underlying issues.

I don't think I have ever met a savannah owner that shouldn't be seeing a therapist at least once a week........

 

[MM3]

If the mum is healthy and able to supply enough milk for all kittens I don't understand why bottle feeding is necessary. I'm just desiring to understand all this, it's all new to me.

 

[John Popp]

I wouldn't contend that it is necessary as much as bottle feeding on top of regular nursing aids socializing with humans. In that context, not much different than hand feeding an older kitten to build trust.

Conversely, I can't see any good coming out of exclusively bottle feeding an infant kitten unless medically necessary. There are just too many lessons to be learned from a kittens mother that humans don't have a complete roadmap for. A Hybrid approach touches all the bases, and I'm sure produces healthy and well socialized kittens.

 

[MM3]

This is all a new learning experience for me, and when I use the word ALL I truly mean all! Kitty is my very first kitty ever. Never been around anyone with cats, I mean other than seeing them run around in the yard. I'm talking about interacting up close and personal. I love learning and it is very enjoyable when your learning about something or someone u love!

 

[admin]

I think Sue Armstrong explained why she bottle feeds her F1's at times...she doesn't use it as a marketing ploy like some other breeders.

 

[Trish Allearz]

And I've worked for a vet that says all bottle fed cats are aggressive. And I've over fifteen years of hands on experience that says that's bunk.

A study is just a study. It's not the end all and be all in regard to science and life. look at any parenting issue. You'll see studies that support every point of view.

Sent from my so called smartphone so all typos and bad advice can be blamed on said "smart" phone

 

[MM3]

I'm just wanting to understand why it's done.

 

[Trish Allearz]

Sue amass many others explained it. And as someone whose had to bottle many babies due to usually no momma, I think you're doing a huge disservice to every bottled baby by repeatedly posting that bottle fed kittens have a large host of mental issues.

In fact, my last f6 I sent home was tube fed for three weeks before I had a momma to foster him onto. He is the sappiest sweetest kitten around.

I would never hesitate to hand fed a baby except in the case of health. Unlike this study your vet read one time, it's obviously proven to be more beneficial for babies of all kinds to nurse fire their health. Not because it will make nicer kittens without any works. Particularly those first few days, it's best to nurse.

I'm sorry your kitten ate litter, however, even if it was not bottle fed, it nay well have done it anyways. Some animals are just silly that way. This is why we harp on this board to keep an eye on your Savannahs. They are curious beasts!

Sent from my so called smartphone so all typos and bad advice can be blamed on said "smart" phone

 

[admin]

There are all kinds of reasons to bottle feed, hand raise...has NOTHING to do with kittens/cats being basket cases afterward...we have explained it already and I see no reason to continue to belabor the issue.