Newborn kittens need to be fed every 2–3 hours (including overnight) with kitten milk replacer (never cow’s milk). Aim for 10–15 ml per feeding. Weigh them daily — they should gain 10–15 grams every day. If weight stalls, contact a vet immediately.

Mom cats stimulate elimination by licking; you must do the same with a warm, damp cotton ball after every feeding. Keep the environment at 85–90°F with a heating pad (half the box only so they can move away).

Gentle handling for 5–10 minutes several times a day helps them become confident adults. Talk softly and introduce different textures.

Red flags this week: Constant crying, failure to gain weight, or cold to the touch. These kittens need round-the-clock care and often benefit from a foster network or vet check.

Eyes open around day 10–14, ears unfold, and they start wobbly walking by week 3. By week 4 they’re playing with littermates and exploring.

Introduce wet kitten food mixed with milk replacer. Offer small amounts 4–5 times daily. Weaning usually starts naturally around day 21–28.

Place a shallow, low-sided box with non-clumping litter near the nesting area. Most kittens instinctively use it by week 4 if mom is present or you gently place them in it after meals.

Short play sessions with soft toys help burn energy and build coordination. Introduce new sounds and people gently.

Fully weaned by week 6–8. Feed high-quality kitten wet and dry food 4 times daily. Provide fresh water in a shallow dish.

First vet visit around week 6–8 for deworming, first vaccines (FVRCP), and overall check-up. Discuss spay/neuter timeline.

Most kittens are reliably using the litter box by week 7. Scoop daily and keep the box spotless.

This is the golden period. Expose your kitten to different people, gentle handling, car rides, carrier practice, and safe new environments. Positive experiences now prevent fear later.

Week 8 checklist: Microchip, first vaccines complete, litter box habits solid, starting to eat dry kibble.

Continue kitten food (wet + dry) 3–4 times daily. Kittens grow incredibly fast — expect 1–2 pounds gained by week 12.

Provide interactive toys, scratching posts, climbing towers, and puzzle feeders. Teach bite inhibition with gentle redirection.

Introduce carrier training, nail trims, and gentle brushing. Use positive reinforcement only.

Schedule spay/neuter around 12–16 weeks. Second round of vaccines usually given at week 12.