Kittens should be fed frequently but in small amounts throughout the day to accommodate their tiny stomachs and rapid growth. Feeding frequency by age:
- Newborn to 1 week old: Every 2-3 hours around the clock, including overnight
- 1 to 2.5 weeks old: Every 3 hours
- 2.5 to 3 weeks old: Every 4 hours
- Up to 4 months old: Ideally three times per day; very young kittens (around 8 weeks) may need 3-5 small meals per day, spaced every 2-3 hours if feeding wet food
- 4 to 6 months old: Reduce to two meals per day, though some sources suggest 2-4 meals depending on the kitten's appetite and growth
- After 6 months: Feeding can be once to three times a day depending on schedule and kitten habits, but generally two meals daily is sufficient
Additional tips:
- Kittens have small stomachs and high metabolism, so frequent small meals prevent overloading and support growth
- Wet food should not be left out too long due to spoilage; multiple small servings are better than free feeding wet food
- Dry food can be left out for nibbling if feeding fewer meals
- Transition to adult cat food usually starts around 12 months of age
In summary, feed very young kittens every 2-4 hours, then gradually reduce to three meals a day until 4 months old, and then two meals a day until adulthood, adjusting based on the kitten's appetite and growth needs
