Kitten Formula Feeding Schedule: Amounts and Frequency by Age
Raising a bottle-fed kitten is rewarding and demanding. The schedule must be followed carefully, and every kitten is different. Use this guide as a starting point, along with your vet's advice and the instructions on your milk replacer.
Choose the right formula
Use commercial kitten milk replacer (KMR), powdered or liquid, made for kittens. Cow's milk, goat's milk, human formula and homemade recipes are not suitable, since they lack balanced nutrition and can cause diarrhea. Check dates, and store as directed. Follow mixing instructions exactly. Mix fresh, and discard leftovers after the stated time.
Equipment
- Kitten bottles with small nipples, or a syringe, as advised.
- A clean bottle brush and sterilizing method.
- A kitchen scale.
- Warm towels and a heat source.
- A notebook.
See how to bottle feed a kitten.
Typical schedule by age
These are approximations. Always follow the product label and your vet.
| Age | Weight | Feeding interval | Approximate amount per feeding |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 1 week | 3 to 7 oz | Every 2 hours | 2 to 6 ml |
| 1 to 2 weeks | 7 to 10 oz | Every 2 to 3 hours | 6 to 10 ml |
| 2 to 3 weeks | 10 to 14 oz | Every 3 to 4 hours | 10 to 14 ml |
| 3 to 4 weeks | 14 oz to 1 lb | Every 4 to 5 hours | 14 to 18 ml |
| 4 to 5 weeks | 1 to 1.5 lb | Every 5 to 6 hours, plus solid food | 18 to 22 ml |
| 5 to 8 weeks | 1.5 to 2 lb | Gradual reduction as solids increase | As needed |
A common guide is about 8 milliliters of formula per ounce of body weight over twenty-four hours, divided across feedings. A kitten weighing 8 ounces would need roughly 64 milliliters a day. Check your product's chart.
How to feed
- Warm the formula to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Test on your wrist.
- Place the kitten on its belly, on a towel, with head slightly raised, like nursing. Never feed a kitten on its back.
- Offer the bottle at a slight angle. Let the kitten suck at its own pace. Do not squeeze quickly, since formula can enter the lungs.
- Burp gently midway and at the end. See how to burp a kitten.
- Stimulate to eliminate after each feeding. See how to stimulate a kitten to pee and poop.
- Clean the kitten's face with a warm cloth.
- Wash bottles and equipment thoroughly.
- Record the amount, time and weight.
Signs of good feeding
- Steady daily weight gain of about half an ounce to an ounce.
- A round but not tight belly.
- Warm, quiet, sleeping kitten between feedings.
- Normal yellow stool and pale urine.
Overfeeding and underfeeding
Overfeeding: bloated belly, diarrhea, milk coming from the nose, vomiting. Reduce amounts, and call your vet.
Underfeeding: constant crying, weight loss, weakness, dehydration. Increase gradually and consult your vet.
Weaning
From about three to four weeks, begin offering a gruel of kitten food mixed with formula in a shallow dish. Slowly thicken. By eight weeks, most kittens eat solid food. See how to wean kittens and kitten feeding schedule.
Keeping a log
Write down weight, feeding times, amounts, stool and any problems. Check weights against the chart. See kitten weight chart.
Common problems
- Refusing the bottle: warm it, try a different nipple or position and check the kitten is warm. Call a vet if refusal lasts.
- Aspiration: coughing, milk from the nose. Stop, hold the kitten head down, and call a vet.
- Diarrhea: see kitten diarrhea.
- Bloating: reduce volume, burp more.
Hygiene
Wash hands before and after. Sterilize bottles. Keep the nest clean. Newborns have little immunity.
Warmth
A cold kitten cannot digest. See how to warm a cold kitten.
Tips for night feeds
Feeding every two to three hours is exhausting. Prepare bottles in advance, keep formula in the fridge in sealed containers, and warm one at a time in a cup of hot water. Keep the lighting low, and stay calm. Taking shifts with another person, or asking a rescue about support, makes the work sustainable. Set alarms, and keep a chart on the wall to record every feeding.
Mixing and storage
Mix powdered formula with clean, warm water, exactly as directed. Use mixed formula within the time on the label, usually within twenty-four hours if refrigerated. Never microwave formula in the bottle, since hot spots can burn. Discard anything a kitten has partly drunk after an hour or so. Clean everything between feeds.
When to see a vet
Take orphan kittens to a vet early, for exams, deworming and advice. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How often do newborn kittens need feeding?
Every two to three hours, including night.
What formula should I use?
A commercial kitten milk replacer, never cow's milk.
How do I know if I am feeding enough?
Steady weight gain, round belly and contentment.
When can I stop bottle feeding?
Usually weaning begins at about four weeks and finishes by eight weeks.
Sources and further reading
We link to recognised organizations so you can check the basics for yourself. We have no commercial relationship with any site listed here.
- Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline health information from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
- International Cat CareVeterinary-reviewed advice on feline health, behavior and welfare.
- Cat Friendly Homes (AAFP and ISFM)Cat-specific care guidance and a finder for cat-friendly practices.
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