What Should We Feed 4-week-old Kittens if They are Still Nursing?

A kitten may need your help with feeding if its mother died, became sick, is abandoned or rejected. It is best if a kitten stays with its mother until it is at least 5 to 6 weeks old. Mother's milk is best for a kitten because it has a lot of nutrients and antibodies that help keep the kitten healthy and strong. If mother's milk is not available, there are other options that help keep your kitten feeling strong.

  1. Mother's Milk

    • The kitten should drink mother's milk if its mother is around, and able to nurse. If the kitten is unable to get milk from its mother, find a foster feline mother. Breeders, veterinarians and animal shelters may be able to help you to find a nursing cat in your area.

    Kitten Yogurt Formula

    • If you are unable to find a lactating cat to feed your kitten, make your own kitten formula. Mix 3 oz. condensed milk, 3 oz. water, 4 oz. plain yogurt and four small egg yolks. Mix well. Prepare half of what the kitten is going to eat, and fill the other half with boiling water. Mix well again. Serve at room temperature or a little warmer. Refrigerate any unused formula not served to your kitten. Store in a sealed container.

    Kitten Milk Formula

    • Mix together 8 oz. whole milk, two egg yolks, 1 tsp. salad oil and one drop of baby vitamins. Mix well. Prepare half of what the kitten is going to eat and fill the other half with boiling water. Warm before using. Refrigerate any unused formula not served to your kitten. Store in a sealed container.

    Feeding Tools

    • You can feed a kitten with an eyedropper or nursing bottle. Sterilize them thoroughly before using them. If you are feeding with an eyedropper, do not force the kitten to drink. Allow the kitten to suck the milk on its own so that the lungs do not fill up with milk and cause pneumonia.

    How Much to Feed

    • At 4 weeks, your kitten should weigh about 13 oz. Your kitten should have about 3 1/2 oz. of formula per day, five to seven times per day. If your kitten does not eat enough at each feeding, increase the frequency at which you feed.