When to feed kittens after birth? - briefly
Kittens should begin nursing immediately after birth, as their mother’s colostrum provides essential nutrients and antibodies for their early development.
When to feed kittens after birth? - in detail
Kittens rely entirely on their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life. Immediately after birth, the queen (mother cat) will begin nursing her kittens, providing them with colostrum, a nutrient-rich first milk that contains essential antibodies to boost their immune systems. This initial feeding is critical and should occur within the first few hours after birth. Kittens are born with a strong instinct to seek out their mother’s warmth and milk, and they will nurse frequently, typically every 1-2 hours during the first week.
If the mother is unable to nurse due to health issues, absence, or rejection of the kittens, intervention is necessary. In such cases, a veterinarian-approved kitten milk replacer should be used to mimic the mother’s milk. Feeding should begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first few hours, to ensure proper hydration and nutrition. Newborn kittens require small, frequent feedings—approximately every 2-3 hours, including overnight. The milk replacer should be warmed to body temperature (around 100°F or 38°C) and administered using a specialized kitten bottle or syringe to avoid aspiration.
By the time kittens reach 3-4 weeks of age, they can begin the weaning process. This involves introducing a high-quality, moistened kitten food alongside continued nursing or bottle-feeding. Gradually reduce the frequency of milk feedings while increasing the amount of solid food. By 6-8 weeks, kittens should be fully weaned and eating a balanced kitten diet. Throughout this entire period, monitoring their weight gain, hydration, and overall health is essential to ensure they are thriving. Proper feeding practices from birth lay the foundation for healthy growth and development.