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What's the ideal feeding frequency for my 5-day-old bottle-fed kitten?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 5 days old

Hi, I have a 5 day old kitten which I am bottle feeding. I have read so much stuff online I no longer know what to follow. I’m wanting to know how many hours in between each feed I should wait so ideally how many feeds in 24 hours. So far I have been feeding every 2-3 hours round the clock. I always make 5ml of formula. Sometimes the kitten almost drinks it all. I don’t want to over feed the kitten some things I’ve read say 7 feeds a day but round the clock I’m doing more than this...

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 7th, 2019

You are absolutely correct this kitten should be fed every 2-3 hours at this stage. It's always better to underfeed than overfeed. I will put a link to a PetCoach article which should help you with her care. Best of luck.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-raise-orphan-kittens/
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