When To Wean Kittens To Solid Food

In order to begin introducing kittens to solid food you ll need to wait for the kittens to begin weaning naturally and then serve small amounts of wet cat food in a room with the kittens for them to begin eating.

When to wean kittens to solid food. Make the transition easier by mixing it with kitten milk replacer. A kitten 0 5 weeks old should be nursing or bottle feeding. When weaning kittens offer solid food every six to eight hours. The weaning process lasts approximately 2 to 4 weeks so kittens should be fully weaned by the time they are 8 to 10 weeks old.

Around 5 weeks of age the kitten s premolars will begin to emerge indicating that she is likely ready to start trying out some meaty foods. When you are weaning a kitten onto solid food it s important to use a food formulated specifically for kittens. Other kitten weaning tips. Always remove any uneaten food so that it does not spoil and to also reduce the chances of over feeding.

Always provide plenty of fresh water. Start at the right age kittens bodies are very sensitive to premature weaning so be careful about starting them too young. It should look like oatmeal and will likely never be featured on the cover of a cooking magazine. Kittens generally nibble solid foods at three to four weeks of age which is a great time to start setting out moistened kitten food for them.

These formulas have the higher levels of calories protein and calcium that growing kittens need. Just add one part warm not hot water to three parts dry or canned kitten food changing frequently to ensure freshness. Your four week old kittens can eat dry food but it may be tough at first. How long does it take to wean a kitten.

Don t use the cow s milk you drink or you ll likely end up with sick kittens on your hands. Generally when a kitten s eyes are open and able to focus and he is steady on his feet the introduction of solid food can safely begin. Buy this milk replacer at pet and farm supply stores and some grocery stores. If you are caring for a mother cat and her litter it s okay for the mom cat to eat the same kitten food while she s nursing.

Your kitten will also find the mix more palatable than just dry food alone.