Caring for a 4 week old orhpaned kitty!

Question
My nephew rescued what the vet said is a 3-1/2 wk old kitty, mother not to be found, so he kept her. She's 5 wks now.  She's all grey, he named her "Shadow" because she follows him everywhere!  I watch her during the day while he's at work.  (I'm her great aunt!)

The vet said it was good to give her "Cat Milk" that he buys at the grocery store, lactose free. It's a little thick.  The vet also said to start using this milk to soften hard kitten food at 5 wks, so we are, but she doesn't like it.  She just seems to know how to "lick", and so doesn't get any actual food, and we end up giving her the milk alone so she can have something to eat

1.) One question is how do you suggest we move her over to eating regular food?  Should we try the soft canned food?  Mix the milk and hard kitten food a different way?  

2.)  I'm afraid since she's not getting her mother's milk that she's lacking certain vitamins, etc that she needs at this young age.  The milk we give her isn't made special for orhpans.  Should we be adding some sort of supplements?  If so, where might we find them?  Do you think specialty pet stores would sell food for tiny kitties?

3.) Also, whenever she tries to "nurse" from us, (like at our necks), we assume she's hungry and give her something to eat.  Is this correct?

 Thanks for any info you can offer.  If you have any other tips it would be most appreciated!  I can't believe how adorable this little girl is!!  :)


Thanks so much, Nancy Lamb

P.S.  It's OK to post this on the Cats Message Board.  This form says I marked "No", but I never saw a question for this!  

Answer
Hi Nancy,

If I were you, I would buy some kitten chow, moisten with a little hot water to soften, add a little bit of canned food and a little bit of cottage cheese. Mix all of this up into a thin gruel, and let the kitten lap it up.  I'm not sure what kind of milk you are giving, but if its not kitten replacement milk (KMR) then it's probably not good.   If she is lapping, then making this mixture thin will be good for her to lap up.
Also, you may want to make sure she is peeing and pooping, as a mother cat will lick on her to stimulate this.  If she is fine,  othewise take a cloth and gently rub her genitals until she does.   I think you guys are great to be taking on this task, and i bet Shadow is adorable!!
God Bless,
Becky