Quick Care Checklist
- Feed kittens under 4 weeks kitten milk replacer, never cow's milk.
- Wean gradually from around 4 weeks using softened kitten food.
- Feed 4-5 small meals daily during weaning, then 3-4 meals until about 6 months.
- Start FVRCP vaccines at 8 weeks and follow your veterinarian's booster schedule.
- Switch food over 7 days, never overnight.
- Give a new kitten a quiet room and at least 24-48 hours to settle in.
- Call your veterinarian for vomiting, lethargy, or refusal to eat or drink.
Care Steps
Kitten care changes quickly in the first year. Follow the stage that matches your kitten's age.
0-4 weeks: milk and bottle feeding
- Kittens this age rely completely on their mother or on hand feeding. Mother's milk provides nutrition and early immunity.
- Use kitten milk replacer for hand feeding. Cow's milk causes diarrhea in most kittens because they are lactose intolerant.
- Feed every 2-3 hours, including overnight.
- After feeding, gently wipe the kitten's rear with a warm, damp cotton ball to stimulate urination and bowel movements.
- Keep the room at 85-90°F (29-32°C); young kittens cannot regulate their body temperature.
Hand-raising kittens under 4 weeks has a high failure rate even with careful bottle feeding. In most cases, it is best to adopt a kitten at 8 weeks or older, once it is already eating solid food.
4-8 weeks: weaning
- Wean gradually: mix warm water into kitten food until it forms a soft gruel, then reduce the water over several days until the kitten eats canned or dry kitten food.
- Offer 4-5 small meals per day.
- Start litter training with a shallow, open box that is easy for a kitten to climb into. See the Cat Litter Guide for setup details.
- Ask your veterinarian about the deworming schedule; shelters often begin treatment before 8 weeks.
2-4 months: fast growth
- Feed 3-4 meals a day using food labeled complete and balanced for growth, with an AAFCO feeding statement. Most kitten foods have at least 30-35% protein on a dry matter basis.
- Give the first FVRCP vaccine at 8 weeks and the second at 12 weeks, 21-28 days later. Rabies timing varies by state.
- Follow your veterinarian's parasite prevention schedule; monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is common in the US.
4-12 months: toward adulthood
- Teething usually starts around 4-6 months. Provide safe chew toys and keep cables out of reach.
- Plan for spay or neuter around 5-6 months unless your veterinarian recommends another timing. After surgery, calorie needs can drop by roughly 15-20%, so adjust portions to avoid weight gain.
- Reduce meals to 2-3 per day.
- Transition to adult food around 10-12 months using the 7-day method below.
- Many complete-and-balanced all-life-stage foods work fine for kittens and adult cats. Check the AAFCO statement on the label instead of trusting a kitten formula label alone.
The first week home: 7 golden rules
- Let the kitten explore. Place the carrier in a quiet room, open the door, and leave. Hiding for 24-48 hours is normal; do not pull the kitten out.
- Do not force handling. Build trust with play, food, and soft talking. Let the kitten come to you. The New Cat Owner Checklist covers the full first-week setup.
- Expect crying at night. Many kittens cry their first nights because they miss their littermates. Stay calm, do not scold, and let the kitten settle.
- Wait on three things. Do not bathe, clip nails, or change food right away. Delay baths until about 3 months, wait on nail trims, and keep the food the kitten already eats, switching later over 7 days.
- Provide a scratching post. Place sisal or cardboard near where the kitten likes to scratch, so furniture does not become the target.
- Never play with hands. Use a wand toy instead. If the kitten bites your hand, stop play and walk away.
- Use up energy before bed. Play for 15-20 minutes before bedtime, then put noisy toys away.
How to switch food: the 7-day transition
- Days 1-2: 80% old food, 20% new food.
- Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food.
- Days 5-6: 20% old food, 80% new food.
- Day 7 onward: 100% new food.
Sudden food changes can cause diarrhea or a sensitive stomach in cats of any age. If the kitten vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea for more than a day, or stops eating, pause the transition and call your veterinarian.
Common Mistakes
- Feeding cow's milk to a kitten that is lactose intolerant.
- Switching food in one day instead of over 7 days.
- Using hands as toys and teaching the kitten that fingers are for biting.
- Bathing or clipping nails during the first stressful weeks.
- Pulling a hiding kitten out before it feels safe.
When to See a Veterinarian
Take a kitten to the veterinarian right away if it stops eating or drinking for more than 24 hours, vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea for more than a day, seems unusually tired, or has thick discharge from the eyes or nose. This guide is informational only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
FAQ
Can kittens drink cow's milk?
No. Most kittens are lactose intolerant, and cow's milk can cause diarrhea. Use kitten milk replacer for hand feeding.
When do kittens start eating solid food?
Most kittens start eating softened food around 4 weeks and are fully weaned by 8 weeks.
How often should a kitten eat?
Feed bottle-fed kittens every 2-3 hours, weaning kittens 4-5 small meals a day, and older kittens 3-4 meals until about 6 months, then 2-3 meals.
When does a kitten need vaccines?
The first FVRCP dose is usually given at 8 weeks, with boosters at 12 weeks and beyond. Rabies timing depends on state law, so follow your veterinarian's schedule.
Can a kitten eat adult cat food?
Not as the main diet. Kittens need growth-stage food or an all-life-stage food with an AAFCO statement until about 10-12 months.
How do I switch kitten food safely?
Mix the foods over 7 days, starting with 80% old food and 20% new food, then gradually shifting the ratio.
Content note
This guide is for general education. It does not represent a veterinary review or replace advice for your pet's individual situation.
