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Just like human babies, kittens need to be fed different food and in different ways depending on their age. A 3-day-old kitten will not be able to eat wet cat food. Once you determine the kitten’s age, it’s time to fill that belly! Please note that the time frames are just a recommendation and kittens may transition sooner or later.
Step 3: Prepare the kitten
It is normal for a bottle kitten to be “fussy” every now and then, and if it refuses to drink you may wait and try again at the next scheduled feeding. If a bottle kitten skips several meals, or has not eaten in 8 hours, something may be wrong. If the kitten(s) seem lethargic, follow the fading kitten protocol.
Kittens are ready to eat canned cat food beginning at 4 weeks, or when teeth emerge. Some kittens take to canned food quickly and hungrily, while others may cling to the bottle. There is no harm in continuing to bottle feed, but remember that kittens must be fully eating on their own by the time they are 8 weeks old. Older kittens who nurse must be supervised carefully for chewing the bottle. If chewing occurs, you must stop bottle feeding immediately, or else the kitten could swallow part or all of the rubber nipple and develop an obstruction. Gruel babies should be fed about every 4-6 hours and should also be provided fresh water at all times.
Step 1: Mix the gruel
Step 2: Teaching kittens to eat
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Rescued and adopted in 2021
Rescued and adopted in 2021