How Soon Can Kittens Eat Dry Food
Some mother cats will begin to push the kittens away at this point but some will allow nursing to continue indefinitely.
How soon can kittens eat dry food. Generally when a kitten s eyes are open and able to focus and he is steady on his feet the introduction of solid food can safely begin. Between the fourth and sixth week gradually transition the weaning kittens to dry food supplementing with formula if needed. When do kittens start eating solid food. Begin by feeding your kitten soft or wet canned food.
Kittens can begin eating solid food at around four weeks old. Buy this milk replacer at pet and farm supply stores and some grocery stores. As they grow used to eating solid food and their teeth continue to develop begin to mix in dry food softened with a bit of water. Your four week old kittens can eat dry food but it may be tough at first.
By the time the kittens are eight weeks old most easily eat dry kitten food although some may take a week or two longer. Discard any uneaten portion. At first add a lot of water and then reduce the amount of water as the kitten matures. Dry food can be left out for longer periods.
After the first four weeks of mother s milk a kitten gradually transitions to kitten food and is completely weaned at about eight weeks. Canned food should be left out for your kitten no longer than 20 30 minutes maximum. How long does it take to wean a kitten. Make the transition easier by mixing it with kitten milk replacer.
Most kittens will still want to nurse even after they are on dry food. Breastfeeding a kitten lasts about 9 weeks and when their teeth begin to come in after about four weeks they can begin to eat food. Proper feeding is a big part of the health equation. The weaning process lasts approximately 2 to 4 weeks so kittens should be fully weaned by the time they are 8 to 10 weeks old.
However if you make the decision to leave dry food available at all times for your cat it is imperative to make certain your cat is not overeating. A general schedule for kitten weaning might be. We must feed them with food appropriate for their age. Don t use the cow s milk you drink or you ll likely end up with sick kittens on your hands.