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What to feed 6-week-old kittens who lost their mom and won't nurse?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi! So my problem is, my cat died a few days ago and left behind her 5 kittens (she was hit by a car) and they're 6 weeks I believe. So I've been giving them formula (meant for kittens) but I'm trying my best but they've been meowing a lot and trying to nurse most of the time and obviously can't. Is there anything I can do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your cat :(
For the kittens, mom would have been weaning them by this point. Offer a bowl of warmed kitten formula, a bowl of warmed wet kitten food and a bowl of warmed formula soaked kitten kibble. Smear the contents of the bowls along the mouths/lips of the kittens so that they get the taste in their mouths. This will generally stimulate them to start eating. Royal Canin makes a great kitten food called Baby Cat for kittens under 6weeks old. This is what I fed my little rescues. Best of luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Britni Miller, DVM
Veterinarian
Sorry to hear about your cat! There are a couple things you can do. You can try feeding them formula with a bottle or from a shallow dish. They look old enough that they shouldn't need a bottle but sometimes they need a transition period. The other thing is that you can buy some kitten food- try canned and dry. Mix them with some formula and put it in a shallow dish. They learn from each other so once they see each other try it, they will catch on. You can always put a little food on your finger, then gently lift their lips and rub it on their gums so they get a taste of it.

My other recommendation would be to contact your local animal rescue. They are experts at raising kittens and can hopefully take them in. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 27th, 2019
Most mother cats will start to wean the babies around 6-7 weeks of age. It is actually recommended that the kitten stay with mom until 8 weeks of age. Are you offering any canned food to them? If not, you need to start offering some really soft canned food (pate or mousse, not chunks) to mom and baby will learn to eat from her. If mom won't eat canned food you can use dry food that has been moistened with water or low sodium chicken broth so that it is soft enough for baby to eat. I like using Royal Canin mousse.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 17th, 2018
I'm so sorry you lost the momma cat! If the kittens are 6 weeks old they no longer require milk, and it is okay to continue feeding canned food. They should be able to urinate and defecate without assistance as well. You may want to consider having them examined by your vet to make sure they seem to be in good health - there are some diseases that could be passed from mother to kittens. The kittens could be dewormed at this age, and in another few weeks they will need their first set of vaccinations, or if there is concern about exposure to viruses liek panleukopenia they may need to start their vaccines now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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