what to feed a new kitten

1. Get kitten milk replacement formula if your kitten is under 3 weeks old. ...
2. Buy solid food formulated especially for kittens. If your kitten is over 4 weeks old, it's time to start feeding it solids.
3. Pick a high-quality brand. Most veterinarians don't recommend buying generic or store-brand pet foods.
4. Choose both dry and canned food. Since kittens aren't able to chew as well as full-grown cats, they need soft food in addition to dry.
5. Feed the kitten occasional "people food" snacks. Kittens need fat, fatty acids, calcium, protein, and many other nutrients to grow healthy and strong.

Full Answer

How to feed a newborn kitten without a mother?

• NEVER feed kittens using cow’s milk — It is not nutritious enough and can cause dangerous diarrhea
• You should feed your kittens using specific kitten formula and a nursing kit, both of which can be purchased online, from your veterinarian or at your nearest pet store
• Kitten formula is often cheaper if you buy it dry and mix it up yourself.

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How much wet food to feed a kitten per day?

Pregnant/Nursing Cats

• A 5-pound pregnant or nursing cat needs about 336 calories per day.
• A 10-pound pregnant or nursing cat needs about 603 calories per day.
• A 15-pound pregnant or nursing cat needs about 851 calories per day.
• A 20-pound pregnant or nursing cat needs about 1,091 calories per day.

When to start feeding kittens?

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Starting a Feeding Routine Download Article

1. Have the kitten drink milk or milk replacement for the first 4 weeks. Kittens who are not weaned need a milk-only diet.
2. Wean the kitten and introduce solids. When a kitten is ready to wean, it will begin biting at her mother's nipple or the nipple on the bottle you use ...
3. Leave food out at all times. ...
4. Watch your kitten's energy level and weight. ...

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How often should I Feed my kitten?

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How do you feed a kitten for the first time?

To begin weaning a kitten, mix the kitten food with formula so they recognize the taste. Smear the mixture around their mouth with your finger and let them lick it off. Once they get used to the taste, they'll seek it out elsewhere. Then you can introduce them to lapping from a bowl.

What do you feed a 4 week old kitten?

Four-week-old kittens: Begin feeding gruel – Weaning stageFood type: 1/2 can per kitten of gruel (gruel instructions below) in a dish and dry kitten food in a dish, and dish full of water at all times. ... Frequency: Keep kibble, water and gruel in cage at all times.More items...•

What should 8 week old kittens eat?

Kitten Feeding Your kitten most likely weaned off her mother's milk and started eating solid food at about 8 weeks old. By the time you bring her home, she should be eating solid canned food or kibble - about 4 times a day.

Do you feed kittens milk or water?

What do kittens drink? Young kittens will drink their mother's milk until they are weaned. There should also be free access to fresh water for their mother and kittens will start to lap this too. From around 4 weeks of age they will start to explore solid food and drink more water alongside their mother's milk.

Do kittens need milk?

Kittens are essentially baby carnivores with specialised needs. Kittens naturally wean off their mother's milk at around 8-12 weeks of age. When young cats are old enough (around 8 weeks old) they start to eat food on their own whilst simultaneously decreasing the amount of milk they suckle from their mother.

Where should your kitten sleep the first night?

This means that the best place for a kitten to sleep is a secure spot, sheltered from draughts and warm enough is the best set up. It is a good idea to have the kitten close to you for the first few nights. Find a cosy place next to your bed and you can even choose a spot up off the floor if possible.

Where should kittens sleep at night?

Place a cardboard box on its side with a thick fleecy blanket inside so that the kitten has somewhere to hide if it feels a little shy or insecure. Position a padded washable cat bed in a quiet area away from the food, water and litter tray areas.

Can 8 week old kittens be left alone?

(Kittens younger than four months should not be left alone for more than four hours. Older than that, they can handle another hour or so. When they reach six months, they can tolerate an eight-hour day without company.)

What to feed kittens?

What to Feed Your Kitten. Kittens have nutritional needs that are different than those of mature cats. Feed your kitten a food that is made specifically for kittens. Pet food labels are required * to carry a statement identifying the life stage (or stages) for which the food is intended. Choose a food that is intended for growth.

What is the best time to feed a kitten?

Morning, afternoon, and evening is a good choice. You can arrange the schedule to fit in with your own routine, although it is best to keep a consistent routine from day to day. Use the feeding guidelines on the food label as a starting point to determine how much to feed your kitten.

How to help a kitten if he is gaining weight?

If your cat is gaining too much weight, decrease the amount of food. Conversely, increase the amount of food offered if your cat is too thin or is not gaining weight as expected. Encouraging your kitten to exercise may not be a problem. However, as your new kitten ages, it may become more difficult to get him to exercise.

How to keep kittens lean?

Here are some tips that you can use in feeding your kitten that may aid in keeping your kitten lean. Use a food puzzle when feeding your kitten. These puzzles are devices which are hollow and can be filled with food. Rolling the puzzle causes small portions of food to be dispensed to your cat.

How to keep kittens entertained at the same time?

Try hiding small quantities of food in different locations and letting your kitten hunt for the food. Again, your kitten will get exercise and will be entertained at the same time.

Can cats gain weight?

However, cats can gain excess weight on either dry or canned food. Obesity is currently the most common nutritional disease seen in cats. Feeding your cat to remain lean is an important part of keeping your cat healthy.

Is dry cat food better than wet cat food?

Dry food tends to be more convenient to feed and can be left for a longer period in the bowl without having to worry about spoilage. Dry food does tend to have a higher carbohydrate content than some canned foods, which means that your cat may gain weight easier on dry food than wet, if allowed to overeat.

When should I feed my kitten food?

For these reasons, most experts recommend you feed your kitten specially formulated kitten food until age 1. Although some cat foods are labeled as appropriate for kittens and cats of all life stages, these aren’t appropriate for your kitten unless feeding tests support the label claim. And don’t forget to provide plenty ...

What do kittens need?

Kittens’ needs for fat, some fatty acids, and most vitamins are the same as for adult cats, Larsen says. But kittens have a higher requirement for protein, amino acids, and minerals, as well as for some vitamins. For example, kittens should get about 30% of their energy from protein. For these reasons, most experts recommend you feed your kitten ...

What is AAFCO for kittens?

AAFCO is a group of state and federal officials who regulate pet food. Even better, look for this: “Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens based on AAFCO feeding trials.” “Complete and balanced nutrition” means your kitten will require no mineral or vitamin supplementation. In fact, remember that too much of a “good thing” can be bad ...

What does AAFCO mean on a cat food label?

It should at least contain the following: “Meets the nutritional requirements of kittens established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).”. AAFCO is a group of state and federal officials who regulate pet food. Even better, look for this: “Complete and balanced nutrition ...

How long does it take for a kitten to be weaned?

After the first four weeks of mother’s milk, a kitten gradually transitions to kitten food, and is completely weaned at about eight weeks. Here’s what you need to know once you’ve brought your kitten home. 1.

Is overfeeding a kitten a problem?

Even with the energy needs of kittens, overfeeding can become a big problem. “Especially control intake around the time of spaying and neutering, which increases the risk for obesity ,” Larsen says. “Preventing obesity is preferable to addressing it once it’s already occurred.”. 6.

Is it easier to switch food for kittens?

Continued. “It’s easier to switch foods if a kitten has been exposed early on to different textures and flavors, ” Larsen says. “If exposed to the same food over and over, cats tend to get a fixed preference for a particular flavor and texture.”.

How to feed a kitten?

Position the kitten similarly to the way he would nurse from his mother, with her head straight, feet down, and stomach resting. When attempting to feed your kitten for the first time, get a drip of milk on the end of the syringe or teat.

What is the best way to feed a kitten?

This allows the kitten to suckle, as if from her mother. If you do not have a feeding set, then the next best option is a syringe, which you can use to drip the milk into the kitten's mouth.

How many meals should a kitten eat a day?

A kitten aged between six to 10 weeks old needs to be fed six to eight meals a day, while a kitten aged 10 weeks to six or seven months needs four meals a day and a kitten up to nine months needs three meals a day. Note that it's not until adulthood that two meals a day for a cat is acceptable.

How long should kittens nurse from their mother?

Ideally, kittens should stay near and nurse from their mother cat for up to eight weeks prior to being separated and/or adopted. In the case of a rescue, death of the natural mother, or when circumstances cause cat mothers to reject one or more of her litter, human intervention is necessary.

What temperature should a kitten be for a baby?

Newborns usually snuggle close to mum and tend to run quite hot. The ideal temperature is 96–100 °F (35.6–3 7.8 °C) for the first three weeks of life.

What to do if you can't have replacement milk?

Have a backup plan if you can't have replacement milk right away. The ideal milk is to use replacement queen's milk. If you do not have any, then use boiled water to feed the kitten and purchase some replacement milk immediately.

How to clean a kitten's anal area?

As the kitten relieves herself, wipe it away with the cotton wool. Finish with a clean piece of cotton wool to clean up her bottom, and then you are done until the next feed.

How much should a 2 week old kitten eat?

A 2 to 3-week old kitten will still need to be fed every 2-3 hours and it should consume at least 1/2 tablespoon of formula or milk during each meal. If a kitten is nursing from its mother, you'll have to depend on how much the kitten weighs to know whether or not it is consuming enough food. Between days 8 through 18, its weight should increase ...

How much should a kitten weigh at the end of week 8?

The mother cat may need to be separated from kittens that are relentlessly trying to nurse more than they should, but by the end of week eight, a kitten should weigh about two pounds from the combination of limited nursing and eating regular kitten food. Illustration: The Spruce / Emilie Dunphy.

How long should a kitten nurse?

A kitten will nurse for about 45 minutes at a time every 2 to 3 hours for the first week of life. The rest of the time will be spent sleeping. Kittens that are bottle-fed should consume about a tablespoon, or 15 ml, of special kitten formula at each feeding. This is very time consuming for someone who is bottle-feeding a newborn kitten, ...

How much does a kitten weigh at birth?

Week One Feeding Schedule. A kitten typically weighs about 3 to 3.7 oz. at birth but will gain weight rapidly from nursing. For the first several weeks of life, a newborn kitten will depend entirely on its mother to provide it with food. Its eyes and ears are sealed shut when it's born, so it will rely on the pheromones its mother gives ...

Do kittens grow in the first year?

Pisit Koolplukpon / Getty Images. Just like human babies, kittens do a lot of growing in the first year of their lives. The kind of food and how much a kitten consumes directly affects their growth rate and development.

Do kittens need to be bottle fed?

Most kittens do just fine without human intervention, but if a kitten needs to be bottle-fed, either because the mother cat is absent, ill, or rejects the kitten, you'll want to weigh the kitten regularly to make sure its weight reflects a healthy and normal growth rate of a kitten.

How do kittens get nutrition?

Newborn kittens get their nutrition from their mother through nursing. If separated from their mother, a kitten milk replacer may be used. The weaning process may begin around three to four weeks of age, at which time more solid foods can be introduced.

Why is it important to feed kittens?

Choosing the right food for your kitten is an important decision. Nutrition supports her growth, development and can even affect her behavior. Giving her high-quality kitten food now will help support many long, healthy years as an adult cat. If you’re a first-time cat owner, choosing the right food and knowing how much to feed ...

How to get kittens to eat wet food?

Starting with wet kitten food or moistened dry kibble will help through the transition. Start by combining one part of warm water and three parts of dry or wet kitten food (it should look like oatmeal). Over the next two weeks, gradually decrease the amount of water and increase the amount of food. By six to eight weeks, kittens can eat wet ...

How long does it take for a kitten to eat wet food?

Over the next two weeks, gradually decrease the amount of water and increase the amount of food. By six to eight weeks, kittens can eat wet or dry cat food at will. With wet food and/or dry food, you can provide a greater variety of flavors and textures, which will help support her adventurous nature. You can also feed a combination of wet and dry ...

How long do cats need kitten food?

They may need to continue eating kitten food until between 18 months and 2 years of age.

Do you need a feeding chart for kitten food?

Feeding charts are required on all kitten food packaging, but they don’t all look the same. Pay close attention to the chart on your kitten’s food label to ensure you’re feeding her the right amount based on her age and weight.

Do kittens need milk?

Once a kitten has been completely weaned from her mother’s milk, she does not need milk in other forms. Although cow’s milk is often appealing to kittens and adult cats, it doesn’t contain the nutrients they need and cannot replace a complete and balanced diet.

Why do kittens eat ad libitum?

Some new owners want to feed their kitten “ad libitum” (free choice) so that the food is down all the time and the kitten simply grazes whenever it’s hungry. This is not always a good idea as some kittens may eat too much and become overweight.

Why do you keep kitten food the same?

Keeping the kitten’s food the same is one way to minimize the stress of the move. It is a way to bridge the gap between the life that was and the life that is to be. Before you take your kitten home, ask for a sample of the food he/she has been eating to get you through the first few days. If you plan to change to another brand ...

How to tell if you're feeding too much or too little?

The ultimate gauge as to whether you’re feeding too much or too little is the kitten’s size and condition. A normal kitten should have a waist that is evident when the kitten is viewed from above.

Should kittens eat AAFCO approved food?

The answer is that kitten owners should feed proprietary high quality AAFCO-approved food in the manner recommended by the manufacturers. Kittens should eat regularly and their eating habits should be observed to ensure that they don’t eat too much or too little, and that they don’t become sick.

Is it bad to feed kittens human food?

It is a bad idea to feed kittens human food, which they will probably prefer over their otherwise well-balanced rations. Eating human food can turn kittens into finicky eaters and they may end up holding out for the chicken or fish on your plate and not eating their proper fill of kitten food.

Is AAFCO approved for kitten food?

The food should be AAFCO approved. AAFCO is the Association of American Feed Control Officials and their stamp of approval means that the food has undergone rigorous testing and been found satisfactory for the label indication i.e. feeding rapidly growing kittens.

Can you feed a kitten in the kitchen?

Feeding in the kitchen is usually a good idea, as the kitten will be near family members and kitchen floors are usually fairly easy to clean. But there is nothing wrong with feeding a kitten in the bathroom or living room, for that matter.

How to keep cats from shedding?

Cats are meticulous about self-grooming, but sometimes they need a little help, especially if they’re long-haired. Brushing your kitten regularly will also help reduce shedding and keep excess fur off your furniture and clothes. This Self Cleaning Slicker Brush from Hertzko has slightly-curved bristles that can penetrate fur, fixing knots and tangles without irritating the skin underneath. When you’re done brushing, you can click a button and the bristles retract, making it easy to gather the fur from the brush and throw it away.

What do kittens do with their energy?

Kittens have lots of energy! Be sure to have interactive toys that can simulate their brains and muscles. Treats are also an excellent way to reward good behaviors, soothe scary situations (like trips in the carrier), and help your kitten bond with you.

What are some treats for a new kitten?

Like the Wellness Complete cat food, these Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Cat Treats are made with only real ingredients and free of preservatives, by-product meals, grains, corn, wheat, and soy. Protein-rich chicken and turkey are the first ingredients, and they only have 1.5 calories per treat, so you can give out a few each day. Plus, they’re enhanced with the essential vitamins and minerals your kitten needs to grow up into a healthy cat.

How many ounces of food does a cat bowl hold?

Plus, they’re made from polished, high-quality stainless steel that’s resistant to corrosion and rust, so they’ll last for years. Each bowl holds 8 ounces of food or water, and they come in more than a dozen colors, so you can get one to match your home or grab a couple sets and switch it up.

Why do cats like to be up high?

Cats love to be up high —it gives them a better vantage point for potential prey (yes, fuzzy fake mice count) and makes them feel protected from predators since they can see more of the space around them . While your new kitten may be perfectly safe in your home, he or she will still appreciate an elevated spot to scope out the room and take a nap (or several), thanks to this cat tree. The 62-inch Go Pet Club Cat Tree has several places to perch and lie down, plus multiple scratching posts so your kitten can take his or her claws for a test drive. It comes in five colors, so you can choose one that blends in nicely with your decor.

What to do if you live in a small space?

Your Space. If you live in a small space, a discrete litter box and smaller scratching post may be important to you. Before you buy a larger item like a cat tree, it’s always a good idea to measure the spot where you plan to put it, to make sure you get something that’s the right dimensions for your home.

How many calories are in a turkey treat for a kitten?

Protein-rich chicken and turkey are the first ingredients, and they only have 1.5 calories per treat, so you can give out a few each day. Plus, they’re enhanced with the essential vitamins and minerals your kitten needs to grow up into a healthy cat. The 7 Best Healthy Cat Treats of 2021.