Kittens require special care during their early years because their immunity and survival skills are not yet at our level. Feeding is our primary concern for kittens, and there are certain things to consider when feeding them. Below, we will introduce these points one by one. 
I. Kitten's age in weeks, standard weight, total daily feeding amount, number of feedings per day, and amount of food per feeding.
From 1 week old to 7 days after birth (when a newborn weighs about 90 grams), feed 16ml to 34ml per 100 grams of body weight 7 to 8 times (once every 3 hours). Based on 2ml, gradually increase by 1ml at a time, using the standard that the baby does not cry for food after 3 hours. The amount of each feeding should be measured with a syringe.
kitten feeding amount per feeding
From the 7th to the 14th day after birth (weight unknown), feed 34ml to 60ml 6 to 8 times (every 3 to 4 hours). Starting with 4ml, gradually increase the amount by 1ml at a time, based on the standard that the baby does not cry for food after 3 hours. The amount of each feeding should be measured with a syringe.
From 3 weeks of age, on the 14th to 21st day after birth, when the weight is unknown, feed 60-80ml at 6-8 times (every 3-4 hours). Starting from 7ml, gradually increase the amount by 1ml at a time, based on the standard that the baby does not cry for food after 3 hours. The amount of each feeding should be measured with a syringe.
From 21 to 28 days after birth (weight unknown), feed 80-106 ml 6-8 times (every 3-4 hours). Starting with 10 ml, gradually increase the amount by 1 ml at a time, based on the standard that the baby does not cry for food after 3 hours. The amount of feed should be measured with a syringe each time.
From 28 to 35 days after birth (around 5 weeks old), start feeding kittens a soft, soaked kitten food. For kittens with lactose intolerance, it's best to use kitten food that doesn't contain milk powder or cow's milk. Kittens should not be fully weaned until at least 42 days after birth.
Note: The amount of milk given each time should be gradually increased by 1ml at a time. The interval between feedings for a one-week-old kitten should be based on the standard that the kitten will not cry for food after 3 hours. The amount of milk and the time between feedings should not vary too much. Generally speaking, the amount of milk given each time within a day should not change too much, and it should gradually increase over the next few days as the kitten gains weight. This method is relatively safe.
If you intend to use a flexible feeding method, such as feeding only four times a day or varying the amount of milk at each feeding, please consult someone experienced in raising kittens using this method. Considering that different kittens have different tolerance levels for increases in milk volume at each feeding, flexible feeding is generally not recommended. However, it can be tried if you are short on time, such as when you have to go to work.
II. Cat Dietary Precautions
1. Water is the most abundant component of a cat's body. Water helps break down and transport nutrients, and excretes waste products. Therefore, provide clean water with your cat's meals, in moderation, not too much. As cats age, they drink less water, and their urine becomes concentrated. Insufficient water intake at this time can easily lead to kidney stones and urinary retention. Fresh, cool water is best and should be changed frequently. Cats that drink plenty of water tend to live longer.
2. Lactating kittens are less prone to diarrhea when they drink cow's milk, but are more likely to have diarrhea after weaning. This is because the lactose in cow's milk is difficult for weaned kittens to digest. If it is necessary to feed cow's milk, you can use dog and cat-specific cow's milk diluted with 13 times the amount of water, so that the concentration is similar to regular cow's milk.
3. The fiber in vegetables helps with intestinal motility, but too much can actually hinder digestion. Also, vegetables need to be heated, otherwise they will ferment and produce an unpleasant odor. Healthy cats can synthesize vitamin C on their own, so there's no need to give them vegetables specifically for vitamin C.
4. Raw starch is indigestible, but becomes easily digestible after heating, serving as a source of energy and being the most economical nutrient. Cats can survive without ingesting starch, but carbohydrates are the best source of glycogen (to aid liver function), followed by protein; fat is less efficient. Therefore, it's important to utilize carbohydrates (starch) as much as possible.
5. Leftover food will rot and breed bacteria, causing diarrhea. Leftovers should be refrigerated, and dishes should be washed thoroughly. Cats have short muzzles, so dishes should not be too deep.
6. Softening dry foods with warm water makes them more palatable. However, giving them dry food helps them spoil less easily and also prevents tartar buildup. Giving a little dry food every day is good for your teeth.
7. Mixing canned food with rice works well. The ratio is 4 parts canned food to 1 part rice. Mixing it with dry cat food also works well. If your cat doesn't want to eat dry cat food, first reduce its food intake slightly to stimulate its appetite. Add some soft cat food to its meals. If the cat eats it, you can gradually increase the amount in the next meal, and eventually switch to dry cat food entirely.
A kitten's diet is of paramount importance. Whether the kitten is eating well, getting enough nutrition, and when it should eat are all issues we need to be concerned about. Although kittens require some time to care for, the joy they bring you when they grow up is priceless.
