Weaning Kittens - Kitten Lady

Kitten Weaning Supplies

You’ll want:

• Wet kitten food: Make sure the food is labeled specifically for kittens. Kitten food is higher in calories, fat and protein that the kitten needs to help grow big and strong. Wet food is the healthiest choice for kittens to start off with, as the moisture content will help them stay healthy and hydrated.

• Dry kitten food: Some kittens may prefer dry food, and it’s a great idea to introduce them to both so that they’ve got experience with each texture, and can express their preferences.

• Shallow food dishes: Choose a kitten-friendly dish with a low lip so that they can easily access the food.

• Baby spoons: You may find it helpful to use soft baby spoons as you’re weaning!

Introducing Food for the First Time

Once you’ve confirmed that the kitten is old enough to start the weaning process and you’ve accessed the right supplies, it’s time to give them their first bite!

Place a small amount of wet food in or near the kitten’s mouth. Observe the kitten’s level of interest and capability. Does she want to try more? Is she able to take a big bite, or is she latching onto it as if she is nursing on the meat? Can she eat from the dish, or does she only understand it from your fingers or a spoon?

Meet her where she is. If she’s excited about the food, but doesn’t understand the dish, bring the food to her mouth with your hands or a spoon. Whatever gets her trying the food—that’s enough for now.

After one or two bites, she might lose interest. That’s normal! Don’t push them to eat more than they want during the first meal. Think of how human babies try food: they may take one bite of something new, then nurse on mom. Kittens are the same. Let them take as many bites as they’re willing, but continue allowing them to nurse after.

Eventually, they’ll want so many bites that they eat full meals of wet food, and no longer want to nurse! It’s normal and healthy for this transition to take several days.

Supplemental Feeding is Essential

Throughout the process, it’s essential to supplemental feed with a bottle (or allow them to keep nursing with mom, if mom is present!) Supplemental feeding ensures that your kitten is getting all of the calories and nutrition she needs during this slow transition.

Step by Step: How to Give a Weaning-Age Meal

Step 1: Offer wet food

• Place a bit of wet food in or near the kitten’s mouth.

• Observe her capabilities and meet her where she is. If she needs hand or spoon feeding, that’s perfectly fine!

Step 2: Offer supplemental nursing

• Once the kitten has eaten all she’s willing to eat of the meat, allow her to nurse so she can stay nourished and healthy.

• Bottle babies should be offered a bottle after every meaty meal until they are eating successfully on their own.

• Nursing kittens should retain access to their mama until they are eating successfully on their own.

Step 3: Weigh and monitor

• You’ll know a kitten is eating successfully on her own when she’s far more interested in solid food than nursing, and when she’s gaining weight each day.

• A healthy weaning kitten will gain at least 10g every day.

Remember: there's no such thing as "tough love" for kittens! They are babies, and quickly become sick if they aren’t getting enough hydration or nutrition. Supplement for as long as needed.