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When to start weaning kittens?
Young kittens rely on their mother’s milk from birth until they are about 5–8 weeks old. By the time they reach 5 weeks, their premolars begin to appear, signalling that they’re ready to start trying some solid, meaty foods.
However, never force them to explore solid food—some kittens may take longer than others, so allow them to adjust at their own pace.
What type of food should I serve?
Kittens need plenty of nutrients to grow big and strong, so be sure to choose special kitten food, whether you prefer wet food or dry kibble. We recommend starting with wet food as it can be mashed for easy chewing and will help kittens to stay hydrated.
If you have a particularly fussy kitten, you can heat up the wet food a little for increased palatability. Note that if your kitten prefers dry food, that’s equally good, as long as you feed them high-quality kibble that’s formulated specifically for kittens.
How do I offer food to a kitten?
In the beginning, most kittens find it hard to eat from a bowl or even a plate. After all, eating solid food is a completely new skill for them! Start by offering your kitten some wet food on a spoon and see if they accept it.
If they do, feel free to try serving the food on a small plate next time, or offer their meal in a shallow little dish. Just make sure to regularly weigh your kitten to ensure that they get all the nutrients they need.
How to offer water to kittens?
When you’re starting to wean your kittens, it’s important to offer them not just food but also water. Serve the water in a shallow bowl or dish – never a deep one as a clumsy, uncoordinated kitten could drown in it!
Don’t worry if your kittens prefer to suckle for a little while longer. As the kittens grow older, mommy cat will naturally grow tired of nursing them and will push them away when they try to suckle. Just make sure to keep track of your kittens’ weight so you can rest assured that the little ones are happy and healthy!
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