Kittens a few days old have completely different nutritional needs from adult cats, but most people are unclear about what they can eat right after birth. To help kittens grow up healthy, it is important to provide them with a reasonable diet. So, what can kittens a few days old eat?

1. Very small kittens

Kittens a few days old may not yet weigh 100 grams. At this time, their mother cat will feed them with her milk, which is their only source of nutrition. They can drink their mother's milk every 2-3 hours, about 5-6 times a day, each time consuming 1.5%-2% of their body weight in total. After drinking, they will sleep soundly, which is normal, as long as they gain weight after each feeding.

2. Somewhat bigger kittens

When kittens weigh more than 100 grams, they can start eating mushy food, but their mother's milk remains their primary source of nutrition. At this stage, you can feed them special kitten food made for mother cats or some formula kitten food from pet stores, but this kitten food must be softened and moistened with the mother’s milk to make it mushy, rather than wet food. Also, control their intake: feed them no more than 4-5 times a day, with each feeding amount not exceeding 10% of their body weight to protect their digestive system.

3. Growing kittens

When kittens are 8-12 weeks old, they can eat harder dry kitten food but it still needs to be moistened by softening the kibble with water to make it easier to digest. Their weight will gradually increase, but feeding frequency should be controlled at 3-4 times a day, with each feeding amount not exceeding 10% of their body weight.

4. Adult cats

When kittens are older than 12 weeks, they can eat formula kitten food, but intake should be controlled by feeding them 2-3 times a day, with each feeding not exceeding 10% of their body weight. Also, according to the formula kitten food’s instructions, provide them with supplementary nutrients such as water, fish oil, etc., to ensure a more balanced nutrition.

5. Conclusion

In summary, newborn kittens should preferably only drink their mother’s milk. When they weigh more than 100 grams, they can be fed special kitten food made for mother cats or some formula kitten food from pet stores; however, the food must be softened with mother’s milk into mushy form and not wet food. After 8-12 weeks old, they can eat harder dry kitten food but it needs to be moistened. Beyond 12 weeks old, they can eat formula kitten food but their intake must be controlled and supplemented with nutritional products to provide them with reasonable nutrition and help them grow up healthy.