<P> Since kitten diets are very high in calories, ingredients must be implemented to ensure adequate digestion and utilization of these calories . Choline chloride is an ingredient that maintains fat metabolism . Biotin and niacin are also active in the metabolism of fats, carbs and protein . Riboflavin is also necessary for the digestion of fats and carbohydrates . These are the main metabolism aids incorporated into kitten diets to ensure nutrient usage is maximized . </P> <P> A combination of required nutrients is used to satisfy the overall growth and development of the kitten body, there are many ingredients that kittens do not require, but are included in diet formulation to encourage healthy growth and development . These ingredients include: dried egg as source of high quality protein and fatty acids, flaxseed as source of flaxseed oil which is rich in omega 3 fatty acid and aids in digestion, calcium carbonate as a source of calcium, and calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5) acts as a coenzyme in the conversion of amino acids and is important for healthy skin . </P> <P> Antioxidants help support the development of a healthy immune system through inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules, which are essential for a growing kitten . Antioxidants can be derived from ingredients, such as: carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, vitamin E and vitamin E supplement, and zinc proteinate . </P> <P> Kittens require a high - calorie diet that contains more protein than the diet of adult cats . Young orphaned kittens require cat milk every two to four hours, and they need physical stimulation to defecate and urinate . Cat milk replacement is manufactured to feed to young kittens, because cow's milk does not provide all the necessary nutrients . Human - reared kittens tend to be very affectionate with humans as adults and sometimes more dependent on them than kittens reared by their mothers, but they can also show volatile mood swings and aggression . Depending on the age at which they were orphaned and how long they were without their mothers, these kittens may be severely underweight and can have health problems later in life, such as heart conditions . The compromised immune system of orphaned kittens (from lack of antibodies found naturally in the mother's milk) can make them especially susceptible to infections, making antibiotics a necessity . </P>

When do kittens open their eyes and ears