My 3-week-old kitten cries for food often. Should I feed or wait?

Question

My kitten is 3 weeks and 2 days old, which I've read is when they should start being fed less frequently (every 4-6 hours). So I've been trying to do that to prepare him for weaning, but every 2 1/2 - 3 hours he wakes up meowing like he is starving, what should I do for him? Do I feed him when he acts hungry like this or ignore him until it's time to eat? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 23 days old | 0.7 lbs

Rodrigo Roca, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello, in general kittens this young can be fed whenever they feel hungry. During this time they are growing quite quickly and nurse every 2-3 hours. He may be feeling hungry often because he isn't consuming as much food during his feeding times. If he is on formula ensure you are feeding the recommended amounts, but he can also have more formula if he wants it. Additionally, you may start introducing a little wet food now to see if this helps him feel more full. Alternatively, he may not be meowing because he is hungry, but rather because he wants attention. You can try playing with him or offering toys to see if this calms his meowing. Hope this helps and best of luck.

My 3-week-old kitten cries for food often. Should I feed or wait?

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