As long as a cat isn't lactose intolerant, milk isn't bad for them if given
as an occasional treat. Milk doesn't really hold any nutritional value and
if they are fed only milk, they will die of malnutrition.

You say that you are nursing him 24/7. At the age of 8 weeks, he should be
eating solid food and lots of it. If he's not eating solid food, then I
suggest you get a high quality canned food (high in water content) and offer
him that.

Yes, do keep putting down the water. If it's placed next to his food and he
remains uninterested, try relocating it. Do encourage him to drink.

All the best to you and your kitten!

Judy

I once had two kittens that wouldn't drink - they didn't know how, or
maybe didn't know what water was for.  They would stand over the bowl,
but not even try to drink.  I had to teach them by wetting my finger
and letting them lick it, slowly bringing the finger closer to the
surface of the water each time until their tongues touched the surface
- after that, they started drinking on their own.  It was almost like
the cartoon 'idea' light bulb lighting up when they discovered that
lapping water cured thirst.

T.E.D. (tdavis@gearbox.maem.umr.edu - e-mail must contain "T.E.D." or my .sig in the body)

You could try mixing some water in with his milk so that you know he is at
least getting some. Always offer water though.

-Silver

I love cats because I enjoy my home; & little by little, they become its
visible soul.

- Jean Cocteau 1889-1963.

Just a thought... pick up some cheap bottled water at the convenience
store next time you're there; at least there won't be the added chlorine
smell to get used to yet.  I doubt that drinking milk is actually bad
for cats, especially kittens and milk of course does contain alot of water.

pat

as long as it doesn't give him diarrhea it should be OK.  How old is
your kitten?

Hello,

Wish you good luck.

This website in English will give you a lot of information about helping
kittens without mother.
http://www.geocities.com/turbo502002/index-en.html

Dicky