Feeding a kitten with milk is one of the most important responsibilities for pet parents caring for newborns. While nursing on their mother’s milk is ideal, bottle feeding is often needed when kittens are orphaned, rejected, or simply not getting enough milk. It may feel intimidating at first, but with the right guidance, bottle feeding can be a deeply rewarding experience that helps build a strong bond with your little one.
However, not all milk is safe for kittens. Cow’s milk(open in new tab) and other types of milk made for human use can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and nutrient deficiencies. Instead, kittens need a specially formulated kitten milk replacer (KMR) that mimics the nutritional content of their mother’s milk. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why kittens and milk go hand in hand for early growth, how to bottle-feed them safely, and how to wean them off milk as they develop.
Why Kittens Need Milk
In their first few weeks of life, kittens are entirely reliant in milk for nourishment, hydration, and immune protection. Their tiny stomachs and fast metabolisms mean they need small, frequent meals packed with protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals to fuel healthy growth.
A mother cat’s milk is the ideal first food for kittens. In the first 24–48 hours after birth, pregnant cats produce colostrum, a nutrient-rich milk that delivers powerful antibodies to protect kittens from diseases. At the same time, a mother’s milk is perfectly balanced and provides kittens with all essential nutrients for healthy growth. Together, these benefits give kittens a strong start in life.
Without proper feeding, kittens can quickly become weak, dehydrated, or fail to thrive. Orphaned kittens or those not receiving enough milk from their mother must be given a high-quality commercial kitten milk replacer (KMR). Consistent bottle feeding, paired with proper kitten care(open in new tab), helps maintain steady weight gain, energy, and healthy bone and organ development until they transition to nutritionally complete kitten food(open in new tab).
Can You Feed a Kitten with Milk?
The short answer is yes, but only with their mother’s milk or a commercial kitten milk replacer. Both options provide complete and balanced nutrition and ensure that your kitten gets ideal levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals required for this life stage.
Following the previous point, kittens and goat milk, cow milk, or other milks made for human consumption shouldn’t be considered since they don't match the ideal nutrition profile of kittens. Apart from causing nutrient excesses and deficiencies, milk can also cause digestive upset(open in new tab) and induce issues like diarrhea and dehydration which can be dangerous for fragile newborns.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bottle Feeding a Kitten with Milk
Bottle-feeding a kitten may seem dauting, but with preparation and patience, it can be a rewarding act of care. To help you nourish your kitten with milk, this guide will walk you through each step.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before feeding, make sure you have everything ready to ensure a safe and consistent routine. Here’s a list of essential supplies you’ll need:
Commercial kitten milk replacer (KMR): Purchase high-quality commercial kitten milk replacer from a trusted provider.
2-ounce feeding bottle and small nipples: Nipples should be sized appropriately for kittens and allow milk to drip slowly when inverted.
Bottle brush: To clean the bottle and nipples thoroughly after each feeding.
Gram or baby scale: To monitor daily weight gain (vital to ensure proper growth).
Notebook or logbook: To track feeding times, amounts, weight, and elimination.
Hand towels and disposable potty pads: To maintain cleanliness during and after feeding.
Having all supplies prepared and within reach makes the feeding process smoother and safer for both you and your kitten.
2. Assess Your Kitten for Feeding
Feeding should only be done when the kitten is alert, warm, and stable. Checking your kitten’s condition before feeding ensures that your kitten can indulge in milk without any risk of choking.
Do not feed a kitten that is cold, overheated, or too weak to swallow, as this can lead to aspiration (milk entering the lungs).
To check swallowing ability, place a small drop of formula on the kitten’s tongue and observe if it swallows.
If your kitten has a cleft palate, difficulty swallowing, or other health concerns, consult a veterinarian before attempting bottle feeding.
3. Prepare The Milk and Feeding Supplies Safely
Before feeding:
Wash all bottles and nipples with warm soapy water, then rinse, boil, and air-dry them after each use.
Inspect nipples and bottles and replace any damaged parts.
Wash your hands thoroughly or wear disposable gloves when handling kittens or feeding equipment.
When preparing the milk formula:
Always follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions carefully.
Make only a 24-hour supply and keep it refrigerated until use.
Warm milk gently in a warm water bath until it reaches body temperature (95–100°F). Never microwave formula, as this causes uneven heating and can burn your kitten.
Swirl and do not shake the bottle to mix. Shaking creates air bubbles that can cause stomach discomfort.
Additional Safety Reminders:
Again, kittens and goat milk, cow milk, baby formula, dairy alternatives, and other homemade recipes do not go together.
Only feed fresh, lump-free, and comfortably warm milk. Feeding spoiled or cold milk can harm your kitten.
How Much Milk to Give by Age
Monitoring your kitten’s intake and weight gain is the best way to ensure they are getting enough milk. Healthy kittens should gain about 10–15 grams per day and should be weighed at the same time each day (twice daily during their first week, then daily as they grow).
Here are some general guidelines you can follow:
Age | Weight Range | Feeding Amount | Feeding Frequency |
0–1 week | 50–150 g | 3–5 mL | Every 2 hours |
1–2 weeks | 150–250 g | 6–8 mL | Every 2–3 hours |
2–3 weeks | 250–350 g | 10–12 mL | Every 3–4 hours |
3–4 weeks | 350–450 g | 14–16 mL | Every 4–5 hours |
4–5 weeks | 450–550 g | 18–20 mL | Every 5–6 hours (Note that this period is the start of weaning) |
Offer smaller amounts more frequently rather than large meals and gradually increase portions as your kitten grows. Underfed kittens cry often, are restless, and fail to gain weight while overfed kittens may develop diarrhea or start bloating. Please adjust your feeding approach depending on your kitten's reaction.
4. Feed Your Kitten
Create a warm and calm environment before feeding, as kittens cannot regulate their body temperature. Cold kittens won’t be able to eat or digest properly. Once your little one is cozy, here are some useful tips for feeding a kitten with milk:
Place your kitten belly-down on a towel (never on its back).
Hold the bottle at a 45° angle, with your kitten’s head and neck extended.
Gently place the nipple into the kitten’s mouth after touching its tongue with a drop of milk to encourage latching.
Do not squeeze the bottle—allow the kitten to suckle at its own pace to avoid aspiration.
Your kitten should suckle rhythmically, swallow regularly, and may pause briefly before continuing. If your kitten struggles to latch, you can try syringe feeding, changing the bottle nipple size, or gently brushing the mouth area with a toothbrush to simulate the comfort provided by a mother’s tongue.
5. Ensure Kitten Receives Post-Feeding Care
Caring for your kitten doesn’t end after the bottle is empty. After feeding your kitten with milk, post-feeding care keeps your little-one comfortable and strong.
Burping and Cleaning: After feeding, gently burp your kitten by holding them upright against your shoulder and softly rubbing their back. A well-fed kitten should appear calm, content, and have a slightly rounded belly. Wipe away any spilled milk from their face and fur with a soft, damp cloth to keep their coat clean and dry.
Helping With Elimination: Kittens under 3–4 weeks old cannot urinate or defecate on their own. After each feeding, stimulate their genital and anal areas using a warm, damp cotton ball until they eliminate. This mimics their mother’s grooming and helps release swallowed air.
Formula Safety: Discard any leftover warmed milk after feeding to prevent bacteria from growing. Refrigerate unused formula for up to 24 hours and always warm only the portion you need for each meal.
Monitoring your kitten’s diet
Track your kitten’s feeding schedule, weight, and stool daily in a logbook. Regular monitoring helps catch potential issues early and allows your vet to assess your kitten’s progress. Keep these key points in mind:
Weigh kittens daily: Healthy kittens should gain about 10–15 grams per day. Weight loss over 10% or no gain at all means your kitten needs a vet checkup.
Watch for overfeeding: Signs of overfeeding include bloating, gas, or yellow-green diarrhea.
Record key details: Note feeding times, amounts, formula type, elimination, and weight to help your vet make informed adjustments to your kitten’s diet.
Weaning Kittens Off Milk
As kittens grow, their nutritional needs gradually shift from milk to solid food. Most kittens start showing signs they’re ready for weaning between 4 to 6 weeks of age, though the exact timing may vary slightly. Signs to watch for include becoming less interested in bottle feeding, chewing on the bottle nipple, and showing increased hunger between meals.
To begin weaning your kitten off milk(open in new tab), offer small amounts of solid kitten food while still continuing their regular milk replacer feedings. There are many types of kitten food(open in new tab) you can choose from, but we recommend starting with wet food since it’s softer, easier to chew, and has a texture closer to milk. Once your kitten adjusts to wet food, gradually mix in small amounts of dry kitten food to help them transition.
Remember that kittens still need nutrients from milk during early weaning, so don’t stop bottle feeding all at once. Gradually decrease the number of milk feedings as their solid food intake increases. By 8 weeks old, most kittens are fully weaned and should be fed complete and balanced kitten food.(open in new tab)
Raising Healthy Kittens with Milk and Proper Nutrition
Feeding a kitten with milk is just the first step in supporting their healthy growth. From bottle feeding to weaning and transitioning to solid food, each stage plays a vital role in their development. With the right nutrition, care, and patience, you can help your kitten thrive into a strong, happy cat.
For more expert advice on kitten care, nutrition, and development, explore the WHISKAS® blog(open in new tab). Discover helpful guides, tips, and resources to support you through every stage of your pet parenting journey!