Like most mammals, newborn kittens also start feeding on their mother's milk. The transition from milk to the stage where they start eating alone is called weaning. If your cat has had kittens or you are caring for orphaned kittens, you need to know what to feed them and what to do during this period of their life.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Wean the Puppy
Step 1. Determine when it's time to wean it
The process begins around the fourth week and is almost always completed by the time the kitten reaches eight or ten weeks of life. Once he opens his eyes, is able to see and can walk steadily, you can start weaning him.
The eyes and ears begin to open when puppies are around 10-14 days old. Between two and three weeks they begin to stand on their paws and take their first tentative steps, strengthening their muscles and learning to walk. In nature, when the mother sees that they start to move, the kittens go through the weaning on their own
Step 2. Purchase everything you need for nutrition
When you start depriving your puppy of breast milk, you need to get a milk replacer in the first few times. This product is made with the aim of offering the same nutritional value and the same type of flavor as breast milk. You also need to get high quality cat food to gradually introduce your cat to adult feeding. A good rule of thumb to check the quality of the product is to check if meat is the first ingredient described in the list. If so, it means that the food is rich in protein, which is ideal for the healthy growth of these animals.
Do not give the kitten cow's milk; it is not a valid substitute for the maternal one because the stomach of this feline is unable to digest it and would cause diarrhea
Step 3. Purchase a food container and a water bowl
You can choose them either in ceramic or plastic. The important thing is that the cat can easily reach the bottom of the plate. She can better assimilate formula milk and other foods if she can reach them easily.
Step 4. Do not abruptly push him away from his mother if possible
Kittens, like children, learn through observation. They watch their mother when she eats, uses the litter box or plays and will mimic many of her behaviors. If the mother is still with the kitten, try to keep them together for as long as possible or at least until she is 10 weeks old; at this point they will spontaneously separate.
- You can take him away from his mother for a few hours a day without a problem when he is about four weeks old. But make sure he has his own litter box, as well as bowls for water and food. Eventually, the puppy will become more independent and will gladly decide to break away from its mother.
- Don't worry if the kitten has become an orphan. These animals develop strong conservation instincts when needed. They manage to find a way to feed even if the mother is not present. Most people who raise orphaned puppies choose to wean them early on solid food, starting at about four weeks old. At this point, their stomach has developed sufficiently to be able to process food; it therefore becomes necessary to simply teach them how to eat.
Part 2 of 2: Weaning the Kitten
Step 1. Provide the puppy with the milk replacer
The first few times he will have to eat an average of 4-5 times a day. Give him about 80ml of this product and treats with each meal. He shouldn't have a hard time going all night without eating, but if you hear him rumbling and moaning, you can leave him some more food in the bowl before going to sleep.
If your puppy has been removed from its mother, you will need to find a way to ensure a natural feed by using a dropper. Fill it with the formula milk you purchased; grab the kitten firmly and slowly insert a few drops of liquid into his mouth at a time. Alternatively, some people dip a finger in the milk and let the kitten lick it
Step 2. Gradually get your cat used to the food bowl
This can be a difficult process for him; if he is used to sucking milk from his mother, he may find the use of the bowl somewhat unusual. Your job is simply to show him where the milk is. Dip a finger in the milk from the container and offer it to the animal. The puppy will recognize the smell; he will begin to smell and explore it.
Avoid pushing their head into the bowl, or you risk getting them to inhale the milk and could cause lung problems. If he is reluctant at first, go back to using the dropper or bring it back to the mother. However, at each meal try offering him the bowl first to encourage him to drink straight from the container
Step 3. Introduce it to solid foods
Once he gets used to licking the milk from the bowl, start offering him a porridge. To make it, combine high-quality, kitten-specific minced food with infant formula. The first time the consistency should be similar to that of oatmeal. Many people use a food processor to mix the two ingredients.
You can start feeding your cat this baby food and other wet foods when she is about 5 or 6 weeks old
Step 4. The transition to real solid foods occurs around the eighth or tenth week
At this point, you will need to stop feeding the baby food and start providing him with specific wet puppy food instead. When you start feeding him this way, you will need to get a separate bowl for water.
- To complete the transition phase, give the food less and less moist until it accepts the food in its original consistency. Always keep a bowl of water near the food plate.
- Make sure your kitten has the ability to eat about four times a day until she is six months old. At this age, you can limit yourself to giving him two meals a day.
- Check with your vet for methods of feeding your puppy. Some recommend allowing the cat to eat when and how much it wants, rather than setting a meal schedule. Proponents of this method claim that by doing so, even the most "fussy" specimens about food and who do not eat on time have the opportunity to feed properly. Generally speaking, if you find that this technique makes your cat happy, there is no problem. If your cat appears to be overweight, you should consider scheduling his meals and limiting his daily portions.
