When To Wean Kittens Off Milk

As much as possible they should exclusively rely on their mother s milk up until they are four weeks of age.

When to wean kittens off milk. 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. By five to six weeks of age he should. Begin by offering milk replacer in a. Before beginning the weaning process when it s at all possible kittens should be exposed to some mother s milk especially within the first 12 to 24 hours of life.

Mother cats produce milk for about 12 weeks and kittens may try to nurse the entire time. Generally orphaned or hand fed kittens can begin weaning slightly earlier at about three weeks of age but otherwise the process is essentially the same. You ll also want to be sure to purchase high quality cat food which will be introduced to the kitten gradually. Gradually transition to a gruel created by mixing a commercial milk replacer with high quality kitten food.

It is designed to replicate the nutritional value and to a degree the taste of its mother s milk. Certainly by five weeks old all of your kittens should be taking an active interest in more solid food. As the kitten slowly grows accustomed to eating gradually reduce the amount of milk replacer you use. Use your best judgement and follow the kitten s lead to determine the appropriate age to wean.

Begin by offering milk replacer in a dish teaching the kitten how to lap from the dish. When the kittens are between 3 and 4 weeks of age it is time to begin the process of weaning them. A kitten 0 5 weeks old should be nursing or bottle feeding. Generally orphaned or hand fed kittens can begin weaning slightly earlier at about three weeks of age but otherwise the process is essentially the same.

The first milk or colostrum contains antibodies that the kitten can only absorb during this time. When you first start weaning your kitten off of its mother s milk you ll want to buy milk replacer. During their first three weeks kittens nurse and nap almost continuously. Kittens derive important antibodies and nutrients from their mother s milk.

You can however start weaning the kittens at three weeks if you sense they are ready. The process of weaning usually starts when kittens are about three to four weeks old and takes two to three weeks to complete. This will mean that the food has a higher percentage of protein which growing cats need to be healthy. If you see any changes in the kitten s health or energy during this process.

It is time to teach the kittens to eat from a dish. If you are bottle feeding an orphaned kitten or one whose mother isn t able to feed her weaning can begin as early as three weeks. I often begin by offering milk replacer do not give cow s milk to kittens in a very shallow dish. Once you start to wean your kittens it s a good idea to try and feed them about four times a day if it s practical for you breakfast lunch tea and bedtime.