When should newborn kittens start being fed? - briefly
Newborn kittens should ideally start being fed by their mother immediately after birth. If the mother is unavailable, a veterinary-approved kitten milk replacer should be administered within the first few hours of life.
When should newborn kittens start being fed? - in detail
Newborn kittens rely entirely on their mother's milk for the first few weeks of life. The timing of when to start supplemental feeding can vary, but it is crucial to understand the natural progression of a kitten's nutritional needs. Typically, kittens should be left with their mother for the first four weeks if at all possible. During this period, the queen, or mother cat, provides essential nutrients and antibodies through her milk, which are vital for the kittens' growth and immune system development.
In the first 24 hours after birth, kittens should receive colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother. Colostrum is rich in antibodies and helps to boost the kittens' immune systems. If the mother is unable to produce enough colostrum or if the kittens are orphaned, a commercial colostrum supplement or a foster mother should be considered.
From birth to about three weeks, kittens should be nursing exclusively. During this time, they should gain weight steadily. A healthy kitten will typically double its birth weight by the end of the first week and triple it by the end of the third week. If a kitten is not gaining weight or appears weak, it may need additional support, such as bottle-feeding with a kitten milk replacer.
Around three to four weeks of age, kittens start to show interest in solid food. This is the time when supplemental feeding can begin. Introduce a high-quality, easily digestible kitten food mixed with water or a kitten milk replacer to create a gruel-like consistency. Place small amounts of this mixture near the kittens to encourage them to lick and eat it. Gradually increase the proportion of solid food and decrease the liquid as the kittens become more accustomed to eating.
By six to eight weeks, kittens should be fully weaned and eating only solid food. At this stage, they should have access to fresh water at all times. It is important to monitor their eating habits and ensure they are consuming enough food to support their rapid growth and development.
In summary, newborn kittens should initially rely on their mother's milk. Supplemental feeding can begin around three to four weeks of age, starting with a mixture of solid food and liquid, and gradually transitioning to solid food by six to eight weeks. Proper nutrition during these critical weeks is essential for the kittens' health and development. Always consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to the specific needs of the kittens.