Sanctuary Uses Kitten Milk Replacer to Feed Tiger Cubs
HAMPSHIRE, IL (October 25, 2005) — Great Cats of Indiana (GCI) wildlife and rescue sanctuary recently acquired two litters of tiger cubs. Executive Director Rob Craig uses KMR® milk replacer to feed the infant felines. KMR, a PetAg product, was originally designed to closely match companion cat’s milk in energy and protein. But, Craig has found that the formula’s profile is also well suited for great cats.
Many veterinarians recommend bottle-feeding infant tigers, because rejection — when a mother tiger refuses to breastfeed her cubs — commonly occurs among tigers in captivity. Even if the mother is willing to breastfeed her cubs, her milk can become toxic. So, on the advice of Adolph Maas, DVM, Great Cats of Indiana turned to KMR.
So far, Rob Craig has raised 13 tiger cubs on KMR. When asked about milk replacers, Craig said, “We’ve tried home-made formula and other packaged products, but KMR works best. It’s balanced perfectly for these animals. The proof is in the pudding. Especially when you see the cubs growing up healthy.” Tiger cubs have been known to refuse many packaged milk formulas, but KMR seems to be the exception.
Funding for Great Cats of Indiana comes entirely from private and corporate donations — the facility receives no state or federal dollars. So, after learning of the new tiger cubs and Rob Craig’s preference for KMR, PetAg donated a supply of the formula to the sanctuary. PetAg also became an “adopted friend” of the baby cubs. Adopted friends help make the lives of their adopted animals better by supporting GCI.
For more information or to make a donation to Great Cats of Indiana, contact Rob Craig at 574.943.3412. You can also visit them on the web at www.greatcatsofindiana.org.
PetAg is a leading manufacturer of high-quality health and nutrition products for pets. Headquartered in Hampshire, IL, PetAg has brought pets and their owners some of the most recognizable brand names in the industry. From scientifically balanced neonatal milk replacers like Esbilac® and KMR to Rawhide Brand® chews for dogs and Pink Parrot® toys for birds. PetAg products cover a wide range of animals through every stage of the life cycle. And each with the same focus: To enrich and prolong the lives of pets. For more information, go to www.petag.com.
