When Every Gram Counts: How I Spotted Trouble and Took Action for One Tiny Kitten

When Every Gram Counts: How I Spotted Trouble and Took Action for One Tiny Kitten

This morning started like any other — early, quiet, and full of coffee. But when I checked on Floppa and her 5-day-old kittens, I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks.

One kitten was clearly not thriving. He looked thinner, less fluffy, and was feeding with less enthusiasm than his siblings. While the rest were snuggled up and pudgy, this little one seemed almost fragile in my hands. As a cat mom, your instincts kick in fast — and mine told me: he needs help now.

Emergency Trip to Petco

Without wasting time, I headed to Petco and picked up two essentials:

Feeding Plan for a 5-Day-Old Kitten

At just 5 days old, a kitten cannot regulate its own temperature or feed without help. The general feeding guideline is:

  • Age: 0–1 week
  • Amount per feeding: 2–6 mL
  • Feedings per day: Every 2–3 hours (including overnight)
  • Milk temperature: Warmed to 98–100°F (body temp)
  • Position: Belly-down (never on the back!)

After warming up the formula and testing the nipple, I began his first assisted feed. He was slow at first, but after a few drops — he latched. It was a relief, and honestly, emotional. Every tiny swallow felt like hope.

Tracking Weight & Progress

I now weigh him before and after each feeding using a digital kitchen scale (in grams). A healthy kitten should gain about 10–15 grams per day. I’ve also created a tracking sheet to log:

  • Time of each feeding
  • Amount eaten (in mL)
  • Weight changes
  • Notes on behavior and energy

Want a copy of my feeding & weight log? Download it [here → coming soon]

💡 Tips for Anyone Raising Newborn Kittens

  • Always have KMR and a bottle on hand if your cat is expecting
  • Monitor kitten weight daily, especially in the first 2 weeks
  • If a kitten is cold, warm them up first — never feed a cold kitten
  • Trust your instincts — early action saves lives

Today reminded me how delicate life can be — and how even the tiniest actions can change a story. He’s not just a kitten… he’s a fighter. And I’ll be there every step of the way.

🧡 Follow our journey on Instagram @i.am.mainecoon or read more care tips here on the blog.

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