Kittens will double their weight in the first few weeks of birth. To grow stably, kittens need a diet that contains a balanced amount of protein, vitamins and minerals. If your kitten is still breastfeeding, you should help her transition from milk to solid food. Ensuring a kitten's nutritional needs are met will make it grow into a strong and healthy cat.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing Healthy Food
Step 1. Purchase a replacement formula if the kitten is under one month old
For a few weeks after birth, kittens will get important nutrients from the mother's milk. Kittens one month old or under one month old cannot digest solid food. If you have a kitten that has not been weaned (the process of switching from milk to solid food), you will need a product called a milk substitute for kittens to make the transition process easier.
- If the mother kitten is your pet too, she will provide milk for the kitten's needs. Having a milk substitute just in case is also important when trying to introduce your kitten to solid foods. You can mix milk substitutes with solids to soften the texture a bit.
- If the kitten is very young and has been separated from its mother, you will need to bottle feed the kitten until the kitten is old enough to eat solid food. Purchasing a milk substitute for a kitten is essential so that all of its nutritional needs are met. Cow's milk is not an appropriate substitute.
- Call your vet and ask for a formula for a kitten formula. Formula milk is usually in the form of a powder that can be mixed with water. Well-known formula brands are “PetAg KMR® Powder” and “Farnam Pet Products Just Born® Highly Digestible Milk Replacer for Kittens”.
Step 2. Purchase solid food made especially for kittens
If the kitten is over four weeks old, it's time to feed it solid food. It is very important to choose a food that is specially made for kittens, not adult cats. Because kittens can grow rapidly in their first few months of development, kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult cats. Feeding a kitten with adult cat food will cause the kitten to become weak or sick.
- Kitten food is usually labeled with terms such as “kitten formula” or “kitten growth formula” to help differentiate it from adult cat food.
- The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) recommends feeding kittens a special diet for kittens until they reach one year of age. After that, you can replace the food with regular cat food.
Step 3. Choose a quality brand
Most vets don't recommend buying store-brand generic pet food. It's a good idea to buy kitten food with quality brands that are highly recommended as the effectiveness of brand names is usually backed up by research. If you're not sure which brand to choose, call your vet and ask.
- If you live in the United States, check the packaging for the statement: “Meets the nutritional needs for kittens made by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).” Avoid brands that don't include this statement.
- You can also look for this statement, usually found in high quality products: “Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens based on feeding trials by AAFCO”.
Step 4. Choose dry and canned foods
Since kittens don't chew as well as adult cats, kittens need soft food in addition to dry food. Both canned and dry food should be specially formulated for kittens, not adult cats. For canned food, be sure to check the expiration date and don't buy canned or spoiled food.
Step 5. Give the kitten an occasional “human food” treat
Kittens need fat, fatty acids, calcium, protein and many other nutrients to grow into healthy and strong cats. Kitten food fulfills this need, so it should be a staple food for kittens. If you want to give your kitten an extra treat, it should be no more than 10 percent of your little one's total calorie intake. Slices of beef, chicken, and cooked fish are good choices. Do not give the following foods to kittens::
- Raw meat, eggs and fish which can contain harmful parasites or bacteria
- Milk or cream that can cause diarrhea
- Onions, garlic, chocolate, coffee, tea, raisins, and grapes are toxic to cats.
Part 2 of 3: Starting a Feeding Routine
Step 1. Give your kitten milk or milk substitute for the first four weeks
Kittens that have not been weaned should only be fed milk. Do not try to introduce solid foods until the kitten is more than four weeks old. If the kitten is still with its mother, the mother will do whatever it takes to make sure the kitten gets the milk it needs. If the mother cat is not with her kittens, you will need to give the kitten milk with the help of a bottle. To bottle feed your kitten, follow these steps:
- Kittens under four weeks of age should be fed every three hours (including at night). Purchase a replacement formula for kittens and bottles made for feeding kittens. These necessities are available at your vet or pet store.
- Make sure the milk is warm enough before giving it to the cat. Cats cannot digest cold milk.
- Sterilize bottles and teats in boiling water for five minutes and allow them to dry completely.
- Mix formula according to manufacturer's instructions. Warm in a frying pan or oven at 35 to 38 degrees Celsius. Drop some milk on your wrist to test the temperature and make sure the milk isn't too hot or cold.
- Point the pacifier at the kitten's mouth. Let the kitten drink the milk until it is full.
- This tiny kitten can't defecate on its own. You should stimulate the kitten's genitals by turning him sideways and rubbing his genitals in one direction until the urine stops coming out. This should be done a few minutes after feeding.
Step 2. Wean the kitten and introduce solid food
When a kitten is ready to be weaned, it will start biting its mother's nipples or nibbling on the pacifier used to feed it. This usually occurs when the kitten is about four weeks old. At this time, you can start introducing solid foods as a menu of food.
- Put some food in the kitten's feeder. If the kitten is not ready to bite the food, mix it with a replacement formula or water to soften it.
- Gradually, reduce the amount of milk given and add more solid foods. The amount of time it takes to wean a kitten is different for each cat. Be patient and keep an eye on how much solid food he eats. If the kitten is not with its mother, offer a replacement formula until the little one starts refusing the bottle.
- Within seven weeks, most kittens are ready to eat solid food only.
Step 3. Leave food at all times
Kittens like to eat small portions of food throughout the day. While you can force a feeding schedule, it's not necessary until the kitten has grown up. Leave dry and canned food for the kitten to eat whenever she wants. Make sure to replace leftover food with fresh food once a day.
- Don't forget to provide water at all times too.
- At this time, you can introduce snacks that are given periodically, such as a piece of cooked chicken. Make sure the treats only make up about 10 percent of the kitten's caloric intake.
Step 4. Pay attention to the kitten's energy level and weight
If your cat looks lethargic, too fat, or too skinny, there may be a problem with the food. It's important to watch for signs that your kitten is not getting the nutrients it needs.
- If your kitten looks like they don't like their food and doesn't eat it very often, they may not like the taste. Try replacing it with a different flavor or brand.
- If your kitten won't eat or is eating too much and is obese, make an appointment with your vet to address the issue.
Step 5. Change the feeding schedule after one year
By the time a kitten turns one year old, he or she is ready to eat adult cat food and a feeding schedule for adult cats. Start by feeding twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Other times, get rid of the cat food and provide only water. This will keep your cat healthy and prevent it from becoming obese.
Some veterinarians recommend switching to adult cat food after 6 months of age if your cat is neutered or is starting to gain weight
Part 3 of 3: Feeding Stray Cats
Step 1. Think twice before raising a stray kitten
If you see a stray kitten, your first impulse may be to pick it up and bring it into the house to keep it safe. The chances of survival of a young kitten will be higher if it is with its mother who can provide nutritious food and protection. Instead of bringing the kitten straight into the house, wait to see if the mother cat is still nearby.
- Watch the kitten for the next few hours to see if the mother returns. If you must move the kitten, move it to a safe place not far from where you found it.
- When the mother returns, you can provide food and shelter outside the home so she can safely care for her young. Once the kitten is weaned, you may consider taking care of it. Check out guides for caring for stray cats on the internet.
- If the mother cat does not return, you must take action to save the kitten.
Step 2. Take the stray kitten to the vet
The vet will help determine if the kitten is still breastfeeding and will also check on the kitten's health. It's important to take your kitten to the vet before keeping it indoors. Make sure the kitten is free of fleas before bringing it into the house.
Step 3. Bottle feed if needed
If your vet has determined that the kitten is still breastfeeding, you should bottle feed it until the kitten is ready to start solids. You should be able to get the instructions, equipment, and milk replacement you need from a vet's office or a recommended pet supply store. Keep in mind some of the general guidelines below:
- Kittens under four weeks of age should be fed every three hours (including at night). Give the kitten a special milk replacement from a bottle.
- Young kittens cannot defecate on their own. You should stimulate the kitten's genitals by turning him to the side and rubbing his genitals in one direction until the urine stops coming out. Do this a few minutes after every feeding.
Step 4. Introduce the food and wean the kitten
By the time a kitten is over four weeks old, it is ready to eat solid food. Make sure you provide a high-quality kitten food, both dry and canned, when weaning your kitten. Always leave food out so the kitten can eat it leisurely, and always have clean water available as well. Do not give adult cat food until the kitten is over one year old.
Warning
- Do not give cow's milk because it is not good for kittens. We recommend buying special milk for kittens.
- Do not feed kittens adult cat food.
