When it comes to raising a kitten, there is a lot to consider. One of the most important things to think about is their feeding schedule. It can be confusing to determine how much and how often to feed your furry friend, especially if you are a first-time cat owner. Luckily, we have put together a comprehensive kitten feeding chart to take the guesswork out of it.
Newborn Kittens
When you first bring home a newborn kitten, they will require round-the-clock care. Kittens generally need to be fed every two to three hours, including night feeds. You can feed them kitten milk replacement (KMR) that is specifically formulated for kittens. Follow the instructions on the package to determine how much to give your kitten based on their weight.
It’s essential to ensure that your kitten stays clean and warm, especially during feeding times. You can use a warm, damp washcloth to clean their face and paws. After feeding, gently pat them dry and keep them in a warm and quiet place to sleep until their next feeding time.
Three-Week-Old Kittens
By the time your kitten is three weeks old, they may be starting to show an interest in solid food. You can introduce them to wet food by mixing it with KMR to create a thin gruel. Offer this mixture to your kitten several times a day in a shallow dish. Make sure to clean the dish after each feeding.
Continue to offer KMR to your kitten as well, but you may start to decrease the number of feedings per day to five or six.
Four to Six-Week-Old Kittens
At this age, your kitten can start to transition to solid food entirely. Monitor their weight to ensure they are getting enough to eat. Offer small amounts of food several times a day.
You can also start to introduce your kitten to water. Provide a shallow dish of water and show them how to drink from it. Keep in mind that kittens may still require KMR for additional nutrients and hydration.
Six to Twelve-Week-Old Kittens
By the time your kitten is six to twelve weeks old, they should be eating solid food exclusively. You can offer them dry kitten food and provide fresh water at all times. Make sure to choose a high-quality kitten food that is designed to meet their unique nutritional needs.
At this age, you can also start to decrease the number of feedings per day. Offer food three to four times a day, and monitor your kitten’s weight to ensure they are getting enough to eat.
Senior Kittens
As your kitten reaches their senior years (seven years and up), they may require different nutrients to support their health. Look for cat food that is specifically designed for senior cats, as these products will be tailored to meet their nutritional needs.
You can continue to offer your cat dry cat food, but you should also provide them with wet food to help with hydration. Offer food twice a day and adjust the amount based on their weight and health needs.
Conclusion
Feeding your kitten can be challenging, but by following a kitten feeding chart, you can ensure that your furry friend is getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Remember to monitor their weight, provide fresh water at all times, and choose high-quality cat food that is specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs. With the right care and attention, your kitten will grow into a healthy and happy cat.
