Weaning is the process where a newborn transitions from their mothers’ milk or formula to solid food.

Generally, the mama cat aids the kitten by gradually moving away from them to get them more accustomed to the solid food that she provides. However, during instances where the mother is not available or is unable to provide for them, a foster will have to intervene.

The kitten will have to be bottle fed kitten formula for 4-5 weeks of age prior to weaning. Please note to refrain from giving them any other type of dairy products as they are typically lactose intolerant. Refer to How To Feed A Newborn for a guide on how to feed neonatal kittens and what they can and cannot be fed.

Step 01:

When beginning the weaning process, make sure that you are able to provide around the clock supervision to monitor any changes in the kitten’s health after introducing semi-solid or solid food. If any negative changes are indicated, such as changes in behavior or faeces, immediately halt the weaning process, consult a vet, and return to bottle feeding in the meanwhile.

Step 02: 

Weaning requires patience and a calm environment. It is very new to the kitten, therefore it can be a slow process till they can get familiar with their new diet.

Start introducing semi-solid food in small quantities to gage their reaction. Some kittens will not be keen on new food items at first, and that’s okay! You can start by gently giving them small quantities on the tip of your finger or by taking a small sample and dabbing it on the corner of their mouths, to introduce the taste.

Step 03:

Prepare shallow bowls for easy access and wet kitten food or dry kitten food. Wet food is the most recommended as it provides them with the nutrients needed and is generally easier to digest, while also providing the hydration they need. However, dry food can be fed by mixing a small quantity of it with a generous amount of water or kitten formula to make a paste, ensuring that there are no large chunks that they may not be able to swallow.

Step 04:

You can start reducing the formula/water ratio with the wet food/dry food ratio, and eventually, you will have a fully weaned and independent kitten! 

Feed them formula till they are completely weaned, and introduce them to water as soon as they stop having formula. Remember to keep it in a shallow bowl, and let them get accustomed to it.

Always observe their eating process and the quantities of food given. Ensure to feed adequate amounts so the kitten does not go hungry. You do not want to make the food too watery due to health hazards. Similarly, ensure that they have a balanced diet, with the right amount of protein, fats and nutrients.

Do not keep a large quantity of water or food as it will be a health hazard if they overfeed. Further, avoid giving large quantities of rice frequently, and avoid foods that have been cooked or fried in spices, as well as raw fish or meat.

To provide a sample guideline, the timeline and process  could be as follows;

At 4 weeks, they can be given Me-O Creamy Treats. At about 5 weeks, mashed boiled boneless fish can be given, to introduce them to semi-solid foods. At about 6 weeks, they can be introduced to solid kitten food, such as Drools, Me-O or Whiskas. The Me-O Creamy Treats should ideally be mixed with the fish and solid food if they take a liking to it, to make the transition easier. At 7-8 weeks, when they transition to solid foods, the formula should be swapped for water.

The kitten should be accustomed to solid foods at around 7-8 weeks of age. They will generally have to be fed about 4 times a day. At 3 months, they can be fed 3 times a day. Past 6 months, they typically only require 2 meals per day. By then, they will know their eating limits, so it would be alright to leave extra pet food in their bowls when giving their meals, to snack on in between.

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