Diets for Newborn Kittens

When a cat becomes pregnant, special care must be taken to support her diet so that her kittens grow strong and healthy. Even after birth, this special care must be taken so that the kittens thrive. Kittens require a different diet than adult cats and they must be weaned slowly from liquids to solid foods.

  1. Kitten Nutritional Needs

    • Kittens require a very special diet to meet the needs of their growing bodies. It is important that they are fed high quality food designed for kittens and not adult cat food. Owners must also be sure to offer plenty of moist foods so that the kittens remain well-hydrated.

    The Early Weeks

    • During the first three weeks of life, kittens only require their mother's milk. Kittens who are not receiving sufficient amounts of milk from their mother should be supplemented with store-purchased cat milk. Cow's milk can be very harmful and should be avoided.

    Three Weeks Old

    • Between 3 and 4 weeks of age, kittens are able to consume more than just milk. At first, owners should mix half water and half milk and pour it into a shallow dish for the kittens to drink. After three days, a small amount of canned food can be mixed in so that the kittens are receiving additional calories. Each day, the amount of water and milk can be reduced slightly until the kittens are eating only canned kitten food.

    Four Weeks and Up

    • Between 4 and 6 weeks it's important to get the kittens started on solid food. This can be done by mixing a small amount of dry kitten food into the canned food. With time, the canned food can be reduced until the kittens are on a diet of dry kibble. A shallow dish of water should be offered along with food to keep the kittens hydrated.