Weaning is an important stage in the kitten’s growth during which it gains independence and gradually detaches itself from its mother. Weaning often refers to the transition from a diet only milk to a solid diet. But this phenomenon is part of a larger learning process that allows the kitten to be more autonomous and to develop its sociability.

It is a process that often happens naturally and smoothly when the mother is present. There are a few tips to know if you have the care of young orphaned kittens.

Before the age of 1 month, kittens feed only on breast milk.

Weaning begins around 4 weeks and lasts 4 to 6 weeks. It is therefore considered that kittens are weaned between 8 and 10 weeks.

The process often begins naturally when the kittens are large and curious enough to explore their surroundings. They will then reproduce the actions of their mother: grooming, using the litter, going in the bowl, etc.

At this age, their teeth also start to come out. They will therefore tend to nibble when they suckle their mother. The cat will then gradually accept them less, which encourages them to look for food elsewhere. 

If you are caring for orphaned cats by bottle-feeding them, pay attention to this nipple-biting phase. This is the signal to start gradually introducing a solid diet.

Kittens will often take an interest in the bowl by mimicking the behavior of their mother who feeds on it.

Get him used to the bowl

You can stimulate this interest by simply putting formula in a bowl. To pique their curiosity, have them lick the milk off your fingertips by presenting them with a bowl low enough so that they can access it. Be careful, do not put the kitten’s head directly into the bowl to prevent it from swallowing askew.

Be sure to use kitten formula, available commercially or from your veterinarian. Avoid cow’s milk which can create digestive disorders on some cats.

Introduce solid food

Once the kitten has gradually learned to lap in a bowl, you can introduce it to solid food. For a gradual transition, start by offering him a mixture of infant formula and kibble or mash so that he gets used to these new tastes and textures. Gradually decrease the amount of milk in the mixture. After 5 to 6 weeks of age, you can leave solid food open. 

Prioritize kitten food that is smaller and higher in energy to meet the needs of these growing kittens. It is also recommended to give this type of kibble to the lactating mother in order to provide her with enough energy to feed her litter.

Between 8 and 10 weeks, the kitten should be completely used to feeding on its solid food. 

As said before, weaning is part of a kitten’s development process that will greatly influence its behavior and socialization when it becomes an adult. It is therefore important to respect this step and to let it happen as naturally as possible when the mother is present to take care of her kittens. 

Food weaning is completed around 8 weeks. But the kitten remains in the learning and education phase alongside its mother and her litter until the age of 12 to 14 weeks. 

It has also been proven that weaning too early, before this 12-week limit, increases the risk of developing behavioral disorders in adult animals such as aggression or anxiety. 

It is therefore advisable to keep the mother with her little kittens until the age of 12 weeks. It is generally observed that it is at this age that the mother begins to actively reject her kittens.

As a reminder, in France, the rural code prohibits the sale or giving of cats under the age of eight weeks.

It is also necessary to take advantage of this sensitive period which forges their future character to make them discover different experiences (socialization with other humans or other animals for example).