Kittens 5 Weeks and Older: A Complete Feeding & Care Guide

Q: How do I know if my kitten is eating enough?

Monitor these signs: steady weight gain (use a digital scale), active behavior between meals, regular bowel movements, bright and alert demeanor, and no crying or excessive hunger.

When kittens reach 5 weeks of age, they begin an exciting transition to solid food and greater independence. This guide will help you understand exactly what your kitten needs during this important stage of development.

Quick Feeding Guide for Kittens Over 5 Weeks of Age

Five-week-old kittens should eat:

Wet kitten food (pate texture) as the primary food source
Dry kitten food softened with warm water
4-5 small meals daily
Fresh water available at all times
Optional: meat-based baby food for picky eaters

A Detailed Feeding Schedule for Kittens

Meal Timing and Portions

Early Morning (7am): 2-3 tablespoons wet kitten food
Mid-Morning (11am): 1-2 tablespoons wet food + small amount of softened dry food
Mid-Afternoon (3pm): 2-3 tablespoons wet kitten food
Evening (7pm): 1-2 tablespoons wet food + small amount of softened dry food
Late Evening (10pm): 2-3 tablespoons wet kitten food

Signs of Healthy Eating

Steady weight gain (use a digital kitchen scale to track)
Active between meals
Regular bathroom habits
Bright, alert behavior

Essential Items for Kitten Care

Feeding Supplies

High-quality wet kitten food (pate texture preferred)
Dry kitten food for gradual introduction
Meat-based Gerber baby food (for fussy or sick kittens)
Shallow food and water dishes
Digital kitchen scale for weight monitoring

Housing and Comfort

Enclosed space (airline crate, wire crate, or mesh playpen)
Heat source (snuggle safe heating disk, heating pad, or rice socks)
Soft bedding (fleece or towels)
Non-clumping litter (clumping litter can be dangerous if ingested)
Age-appropriate toys (mouse toys, crinkle balls)

Health and Hygiene

Dawn fragrance-free dish soap for flea baths if needed
Pyrantel for intestinal worm treatment (available at pet supply stores)

Health and Vaccination Timeline

For kittens at 5 weeks and beyond:

Monitor weight daily – healthy kittens should gain 0.25-0.5 ounces per day
First FVRCP vaccine due at 6-8 weeks
Second FVRCP vaccine 2-3 weeks after first dose
Rabies vaccine at 3 months
Spay/neuter eligible when reaching 2 pounds (typically around 8 weeks)

Socialization and Next Steps

By 5 weeks, kittens are ready for:

Introduction to solid foods
Litter box training
Beginning socialization with humans
Play and exploration time

For feral or under-socialized kittens:

Evaluate socialization progress by 6-7 weeks
Consider TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) if not suitable as house pets
Ensure mom cat is spayed through TNR program to prevent future litters

Frequently Asked Questions About Kitten Care

What should I feed my five week old kitten?

At this age, kittens need wet kitten food (pate style) as their main diet, with softened dry food gradually introduced. Feed 4-5 small meals daily, adjusting portions based on appetite and weight gain.

How often should I feed a 5 week old kitten?

Offer 4-5 meals daily, spacing them roughly 4 hours apart during waking hours. Each meal should consist of 2-3 tablespoons of food.

Can 5 week old kittens eat wet food?

Yes, wet food is ideal at this stage. Choose a pate-style kitten food, which is easier for them to eat than chunks or shreds. You can also begin introducing softened dry kitten food.

How do I know if my kitten is eating enough?

Monitor these signs:

Steady weight gain (use a digital scale)
Active behavior between meals
Regular bowel movements
Bright, alert demeanor
No crying or excessive hunger

What consistency should kitten food be?

For 5 week old kittens, food should be soft and easily lickable. Wet food should be pate consistency, and any dry food should be softened with warm water until mushy.

Note: This guide provides general care instructions. For specific medical concerns or complicated cases, consult a veterinarian. For additional kitten care resources, visit The Kitten Lady or the National Kitten Coalition

Want to give a kitten a forever home or need help to find a home for socialized kittens? Contact the Humane Society of Charlotte about our cat and kitten adoption program. If you’ve found a stray mom cat, ask about our TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) services to prevent future litters.