Kittens should be fed frequently throughout the day due to their small stomachs and rapid growth needs. The feeding frequency varies by age:
- Newborn to 4 weeks old: Feed every 2 to 4 hours, approximately 6 to 8 times per day. Very young or weak kittens may need feeding every 2 hours
- 4 to 8 weeks old: Feed about 4 to 5 times per day as they start weaning and eating solid food
- 8 weeks to 4 months: Feed 3 to 4 meals per day. Kittens are usually fully weaned and eating kitten-specific food
- 4 to 6 months: Feed 2 to 3 meals per day as their stomach capacity grows and growth rate slows
- 6 months and older: You can reduce feeding to twice daily or even once daily depending on the kitten’s habits and schedule
Wet food is often given 3 to 5 times a day for young kittens, reducing to 2 to 4 times by 6 months
. Some owners free-feed dry food but should discard wet food after 2 hours to avoid spoilage
. In summary, kittens need multiple small meals daily, starting with 6-8 feedings when very young, tapering to 2-3 meals by 6 months, then transitioning to adult feeding schedules. This approach supports healthy growth and avoids overloading their small stomachs
