```html

Feeding a kitten may seem simple, but it is one of the most delicate processes. Common mistakes are often fatal within 24-48 hours. Cow's milk, adult food, irregular meals: let's see what, how much, and when to feed a kitten of every age.

The number 1 mistake: cow's milk

The number one cause of death in orphaned kittens.

Why it is deadly:

  • Too high lactose content
  • Protein imbalance
  • Taurine deficiency
  • Explosive diarrhea
Result: severe dehydration within 12-24 hours. Never substitute with:
  • Soy milk
  • Almond milk
  • Powdered cow's milk
Only: kitten specific replacement milk (Royal Canin Babycat, Hartz, Beaphar).

What is truly needed

For kittens 0-4 weeks

Specific replacement milk + bottle. Only this.

Calories: 22-26 kcal per 100 g of weight per day.

For kittens 4-6 weeks (weaning)

  • Replacement milk (decreasing)
  • Soft food: wet kitten food softened
  • Water available

For kittens 6-8 weeks

  • Wet kitten food (whole)
  • Puppy kibble (softened or whole)
  • Water available

For kittens 2-12 months

  • Specific puppy kibble (not adult)
  • Wet puppy food
  • Always fresh water

The specific frequencies

0-1 week

Every 2 hours (24/7).

8-12 ml of replacement milk per meal.

1-2 weeks

Every 3 hours.

15-20 ml per meal.

2-4 weeks

Every 4 hours.

20-30 ml per meal.

4-6 weeks (transition)

4-5 meals a day.

Mix of milk + soft food.

6-8 weeks

4 meals a day.

Solid or nearly solid food.

2-6 months

3-4 meals a day.

Puppy food.

6-12 months

3 meals a day.

Gradual transition to adult diet.

The quantities

Milk (orphaned kittens)

22-26 kcal / 100 g weight / day.

Example: 200 g kitten = 44-52 kcal/day = about 35-40 ml of replacement milk.

Divided into meals every 2-3 hours.

Solid food (post-weaning)

Over 8 weeks:

Weight Kcal/day Puppy kibble Wet food
500 g 65 20 g 75 g
1 kg 100 30 g 100 g
1.5 kg 130 40 g 130 g
2 kg 170 50 g 170 g
3 kg 230 70 g 230 g
4 kg 280 80 g 280 g

Puppy kibble contains about 380-400 kcal/100g. Wet puppy food 90-100 kcal/100g.

Errors to avoid

Error 1: cow's milk (NEVER)

As stated before, I repeat: deadly.

Error 2: canned tuna

Never as a diet. Only occasionally as a treat:

  • Too much salt for kittens
  • Uncontrolled mercury
  • Causes nutritional deficiencies if constant

Error 3: adult food

Lacking in calories, proteins, DHA, specific taurine for growth.

Result: stunted growth, weak immune system.

Error 4: giving too little food

Kittens need double the calories per kg compared to adults.

Error 5: irregular meals

Without routine, blood sugar spikes, especially in small breeds.

Error 6: raw food for infants

They do not have adequate digestive enzymes. High health risks.

Error 7: insufficient water

Puppies dehydrate easily. Always have fresh water available (even if they drink milk).

Error 8: sudden changes

From milk to kibble in 2 days → diarrhea.

Transition 7-14 days.

The temperature of food

Milk:

  • 38°C (body temperature)
  • Hand test (not wrist): warm but not hot
  • Never heat in the microwave (hot spots can burn)
  • Bain-marie preferred

Solid food:

  • Room temperature or slightly warmed
  • Never cold from the fridge
  • Never boiling hot

Signs of proper nutrition

Good:

  • Eats with appetite
  • Gains 10-15 g per day (infants) or 50-100 g per week (weaned)
  • Round belly, not bloated or sunken
  • Shiny coat
  • Normal energy

Bad:

  • Refuses food
  • Vomits
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Belly bloated or sunken
  • Stunted growth

→ Veterinarian.

The supplements

For orphaned kittens in intensive care:

  • Caloric paste (Nutri-Plus) if underweight
  • Probiotics if diarrhea
  • Multivitamin for puppies

Only on veterinary advice.

Weaning

See dedicated article. Week by week:

  • 3-4 weeks: first soft food
  • 5 weeks: softened kibble
  • 6 weeks: whole wet food
  • 7 weeks: whole kibble
  • 8 weeks: weaned

Adopted cats at 2-3 months

Probably already weaned. Continue with:

  • Puppy kibble for a total of 9-10 months
  • Wet puppy food
  • 3-4 meals a day

The water

  • Always available
  • Change twice a day
  • Ceramic or steel bowls (never plastic)
  • Water fountain helps puppies drink more

Final advice

Feeding a kitten correctly is the foundation of its future health. Specific milk for orphans (never cow's milk!), frequent meals for age, gradual transition, specific puppy food. The most common mistakes - cow's milk, adult food, irregular meals - are often fatal. Investing an extra €5-10 in quality puppy food saves lives and builds a healthy cat for 15-20 years.

```