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When to wean kittens to solid food?

Updated: 8/9/2023
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10y ago

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Some People say 4 to 8 weeks and I believe that is technically true, but not necessarily the best thing for the kittens. Four weeks is too early if it can be avoided. It is more usual for kittens to start on solids at about 6 to 8 weeks, but still need the care, mothering, and nutrition from the mother.

For a kitten to have its needs properly met, it needs at least 10-12 weeks with the mother. I have a mom cat that is still nursing at 16 1/2 weeks. I have not interfered and tried to let nature take its course, and the kittens are still nursing, even though they are healthy and eating solid food for some time now. This is usual, and there are many benefits to this, as they are still attached to the mom. She sometimes isn't in the mood, but eventually lets them nurse a little each day.

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11y ago
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12y ago

It depends on the kittens, but the usual age that a kitten is fully weaned is after 8-10 weeks. Some kittens will start eating solid food younger than this, but its normal for the weaning process to take a few weeks.

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11y ago

Kittens usually begin the weaning process around 6 to 8 weeks of age. They begin by taking an interest, or picking at, their mother's solid food. At this age they will still be suckling and getting nutrients from their mother, but putting a tiny bit of mashed up wet food down every few hours will entice them to eat.

It is normal for the weaning process to take several weeks. During this time the mother cat will be slowly feeding the kitten less milk, and the kittens will gradually be eating more solid food.

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10y ago

Kittens usually begin the weaning process around 6 to 8 weeks of age. They begin by taking an interest, or picking at, their mother's solid food. At this age they will still be suckling and getting nutrients from their mother, but putting a tiny bit of wet food down every few hours will entice them to eat. You could see if they will lick food off your fingertip or off their own paws. This first stage can take several days.

Mashed up wet food, or wet food that is throughly mixed with a little water or kitten milk (never cow's milk) is the best type of food for them right now. It is easy for them to eat and digest. It is advisable not to try dry food as, even softened with water, kittens may still not be able to eat it. Be sure to feed them from a plate and not a bowl, as it is easier for the kittens to pick up the food. As kittens have tiny stomachs, it is recommended to feed little and often - around 6 meals a day is a common schedule for kittens learning to wean and ones that are newly weaned. Of course, allow them to get milk from their mother as much as they want. The mother cat will wean them off of her milk when she feels ready.

Gradually, over the course of several weeks, decrease the amount of water/milk in the food as the kittens become more confident with eating. The weaning transition should not be rushed.

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15y ago

6 to 8 weeks old

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10y ago

whenn theyre pink

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Q: When to wean kittens to solid food?
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Continue Learning about Zoology

What helps a mother cat produce milk for her kittens?

Cats nurse kittens until the kittens are about four or five weeks old. At this age, kittens begin to wean and are able to eat soft kitten food. The mother cat's teets will dry and retract slightly. The only true way to tell if a cat is still nursing kittens is through observation.


When does a mother cat wean kittens if their outdoor cats?

Cats will start to wean their kittens at about 5 weeks of age, but they still need to nurse until they are at least 8-10 weeks old, and they need to stay with each other and their mother until they are at least 12 weeks old.


How do you get a kitten to eat kitten food?

Answer:First you start out by just giving them luke warm Kitten Replacer Milk (KMR). When the kittens are around six weeks old you can start adding little bit of wet cat food. As they get older and you start to wean them onto more solid food. Don't give them hard food straight away; use this:Take some cat food and kitten milk. Put it all in a blender until it isn't clumpy anymore, then warm it for 30 seconds or less and then give it to them. After they have gotten used to it, gradually make it chunkier until they are eating solely kitten food. After that the kittens should start eating there food graciously. I have 5 6-week old kittens and I just started this recipe and it is cheap and affordable. They should love it and you could use leftover meat like cooked chicken or turkey as a treat.Answer:Kittens around six to eight weeks old can start to be introduced to solid food as this is around the time they start to be weaned off the mother's milk. Try mashing up some good quality wet/canned food (look for a brand with a high named meat content and no grain, such as Felidae or Blue Buffalo to avoid tummy upsets) for them. Mixing the food with a little bit of KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) at first helps the kittens get used to solid food. Gradually, over the course of several weeks, decrease the amount of water/milk in the food as the kittens become more confident with eating.


When should a mother cat be spayed and will she leave the kittens?

It is recommended to spay a mother cat when the kittens are weaned, but be sure to check when your vet is most comfortable to spay her. The spay will not cause her to behave any differently to her kittens, but is advised to wait until the kittens are on solid food as the procedure can disrupt, or even stop, milk flow.


Why do kittens need to eat food that is labeled specifically for kittens?

Kittens need large amounts of energy. About two to three times more than an adult cat. Kittens also need a lot of protein. Make sure the food you offer is made for kittens. Your pet will need to eat kitten-formula food until she reaches maturity, at about one year of age.

Related questions

Cat has been growling and biting at her kittens?

Cats often bite one another to show who is the boss. Mother cats can also bite and growl when they are disciplining the kittens. Are these kittens ready to be weaned? Maybe she is trying to wean them so they will learn to eat solid food.


When can cats eat solid food?

Most kittens can start to eat solid food at around 6-8 weeks of age.


At what age can I wean my baby bunnies?

At 4 to 6 weeks they should start to eat solid food and drink water.


What helps a mother cat produce milk for her kittens?

Cats nurse kittens until the kittens are about four or five weeks old. At this age, kittens begin to wean and are able to eat soft kitten food. The mother cat's teets will dry and retract slightly. The only true way to tell if a cat is still nursing kittens is through observation.


My 2 month old kitten only eats canned food - she wouldn't go near solid food even when it's mixed with canned food- how can I get her to eat solid food?

its a kitten. kittens eat soft food.


What is the best way to wean a kitten from milk?

Kittens usually begin the weaning process around 6 to 8 weeks of age. They begin by taking an interest, or picking at, their mother's solid food. At this age they will still be suckling and getting nutrients from their mother, but putting a tiny bit of wet food down every few hours will entice them to eat. You could see if they will lick food off your fingertip or off their own paws. This first stage can take several days. Mashed up wet food, or wet food that is throughly mixed with a little water or kitten milk (never cow's milk) is the best type of food for them right now. It is easy for them to eat and digest. It is advisable not to try dry food as, even softened with water, kittens may still not be able to eat it. Be sure to feed them from a plate and not a bowl, as it is easier for the kittens to pick up the food. As kittens have tiny stomachs, it is recommended to feed little and often - around 6 meals a day is a common schedule for kittens learning to wean and ones that are newly weaned. Gradually, over the course of several weeks, decrease the amount of water/milk in the food as the kittens become more confident with eating. The weaning transition should not be rushed.


How long does it take to wean a baby?

It takes about six to eight months. But it can be sooner or later, depending on the mother of owner. But don't try to wean them before four months otherwise, they could have mental problems later on.


When does a mother cat wean kittens if their outdoor cats?

Cats will start to wean their kittens at about 5 weeks of age, but they still need to nurse until they are at least 8-10 weeks old, and they need to stay with each other and their mother until they are at least 12 weeks old.


How do kittens get food?

With its very fast legs and hands, it can run very fast. Then once as it reaches its prey, it attacks it. Or in another situation, the cat can sneek up on its pray and JUMP at it out of no where. (if this cat is not rased in a home)


Can you use the word ween in a sentence?

only if ween is a word and last time i checked it is not in the dicsonary. but if u really want to then go for it. i would what ever ween means. -cick chick-


How do you get a kitten to eat kitten food?

Answer:First you start out by just giving them luke warm Kitten Replacer Milk (KMR). When the kittens are around six weeks old you can start adding little bit of wet cat food. As they get older and you start to wean them onto more solid food. Don't give them hard food straight away; use this:Take some cat food and kitten milk. Put it all in a blender until it isn't clumpy anymore, then warm it for 30 seconds or less and then give it to them. After they have gotten used to it, gradually make it chunkier until they are eating solely kitten food. After that the kittens should start eating there food graciously. I have 5 6-week old kittens and I just started this recipe and it is cheap and affordable. They should love it and you could use leftover meat like cooked chicken or turkey as a treat.Answer:Kittens around six to eight weeks old can start to be introduced to solid food as this is around the time they start to be weaned off the mother's milk. Try mashing up some good quality wet/canned food (look for a brand with a high named meat content and no grain, such as Felidae or Blue Buffalo to avoid tummy upsets) for them. Mixing the food with a little bit of KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) at first helps the kittens get used to solid food. Gradually, over the course of several weeks, decrease the amount of water/milk in the food as the kittens become more confident with eating.


When is a kitten weened?

Kittens usually begin the weaning process around 6 to 8 weeks of age, although some will start as young as 4 or 5 weeks old. They begin by taking an interest, or picking at, their mother's solid food. At this age they will still be suckling and getting nutrients from their mother, but putting a tiny bit of wet food down every few hours will entice them to eat. You could see if they will lick food off your fingertip or off their own paws. This first stage can take several days. Mashed up wet food, or wet food that is throughly mixed with a little water or kitten milk (never cow's milk) is the best type of food for them right now. It is easy for them to eat and digest. It is advisable not to try dry food as, even softened with water, kittens may still not be able to eat it. Be sure to feed them from a plate and not a bowl, as it is easier for the kittens to pick up the food. As kittens have tiny stomachs, it is recommended to feed little and often - around 6 meals a day is a common schedule for kittens learning to wean and ones that are newly weaned. Gradually, over the course of several weeks, decrease the amount of water/milk in the food as the kittens become more confident with eating. The weaning transition should not be rushed.