The weaning of the kitten corresponds to the beginning of its independence and detachment from its mother. It must not start before four weeks and must imperatively continue at least until the kitten reaches eight weeks.
The weaning of the kitten is a primordial stage of its life. A too early weaning can have very serious consequences on his health and his balance. If the weaning is too fast, the kitten will not have had time to start his education and his adult life may be seriously disrupted.
When to start weaning a kitten?
weaning the kitten
Weaning is the beginning of the kitten's independence. It involves switching from a liquid food (whether breast milk or formula) to a solid food. Like any weaning, it is a transition period. Weaning is also an energetic necessity, which allows the mother to preserve herself. From four weeks onwards, the cat no longer produces enough milk to provide all the energy necessary for her litter. You should never start weaning before four weeks and always take your time.
Age and duration of the kitten's weaning
Weaning of the kitten cannot begin before four weeks of age. It will continue for about a month. Until four weeks of age, the kitten will only drink milk, either breast milk or formula if abandoned or orphaned. During this first period, the kitten only sleeps and eats. Then, he will start to wake up more, to explore his environment.
Pre-weaning
During the first month, the kitten feeds exclusively by suckling its mother. His diet consists only of milk and, if all goes well, during the first two weeks, he will double his birth weight. If he grows and grows well, it is not necessary to intervene. This pre-weaning period takes place between the mother and her kittens. From about four weeks, the kitten starts to have small teeth and he will very gradually need another food.
Weaning
After one month, we can start weaning. Normally, you have fed the cat with kitten food. They are richer in nutrients and when the little ones start to put their nose in her bowl, they will be able to enjoy them more easily. This weaning period lasts at least until the kitten is two months old. Moreover, the law prohibits the sale of a kitten less than eight weeks old.
How to wean a kitten fed with mother's milk?
From four to five weeks of age, the kitten will start discovering its environment. He will inevitably go to put his nose in his mother's bowl and nibble one or two kibbles. At the beginning, that will be enough. You can moisten the kibbles to make them softer. Little by little, the kitten will eat more and more food and drink less and less milk. This is called the vicarious period. The mother's milk is no longer sufficient to provide all the energy necessary for its growth. Weaning must be continued until the mother herself rejects her kittens, that is to say until about twelve or thirteen weeks of age.
How to wean an abandoned kitten or a kitten fed with artificial milk?
Kittens abandoned or fed with artificial milk must be weaned like those raised on mother's milk. You have given him kitten formula, and at about four or five weeks of age, he will start chewing the nipple. This is the signal to provide him with a plate of kibbles moistened with milk. As the days go by, you will decrease the amount of milk and increase the amount of kibble. The latter must be of very good quality and if possible with nutrients that promote immunity in order to give your kitten the best chances.