Weaning is a fundamental step for dogs and cats. It should not be overlooked because problems can arise if it is not done correctly.
It is a gradual process that starts at around 4 weeks of age and finishes at 8 weeks, when kittens are considered independent.
That is why a kitten cannot be adopted before this time, as it is still dependent on its mother.
It is in fact a provision in the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code: « Only dogs and cats older than eight weeks may be subject to transfer free of charge or for a fee », according to article L214-8.
Thinking about weaning means thinking about a dietary transition. Other factors come into play during this stage of a kitten’s life, but nutrition is essential. I share with you the steps and my tips for successful weaning.
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1. Choose the right food at the right time
From birth until about 3 to 4 weeks of age, kittens feed exclusively on their mother’s milk. It meets their nutritional needs and provides them with water. This is the lactation period.
The start of weaning marks a change in diet. Kittens then begin to eat solid food. It’s the gradual emergence of their teeth that enables them to eat solid food.
I recommend that you always offer a diet appropriate for the kittens’ age. This helps meet their nutritional needs, which are necessary for their proper growth.
2. Gradually introduce solid food
You can start offering solid food to kittens from 4 weeks of age. It should be moist.
For example, I recommend offering kibble soaked beforehand in warm water.
Several small meals per day are necessary. Ideally, free-feeding allows them to eat throughout the day.
I recommend using a shallow dish, or an easily accessible container, to place the food in.
As the weeks go by, kittens will consume less and less milk, and therefore more and more solid food.
The food should be offered in increasing quantities as maternal milk consumption decreases.
3. Continue with solid food after weaning
Once kittens are eating only solid food and no longer drink their mother’s milk, you can continue with a solid diet specially formulated for kittens until adulthood, which is about one year.
Don’t hesitate to regularly check the condition of their stools and contact a veterinarian at the slightest concern. The same applies in cases of vomiting or loss of appetite.
4. Do not rush
Early weaning can cause stress, both in the mother and in the kittens! Behavioral problems may then occur, as shown by this study.
Indeed, weaning doesn’t only involve feeding. Kittens become completely independent: grooming, toileting, etc.
5. Also offer water
Water can also be offered around 4 weeks of age. However, kittens may not be interested, especially because solid food contains much more water early in weaning (moistened kibble, etc.).
Kittens will drink water on their own when the kibble contains less water.
Fresh water should still be made available during weaning and changed regularly. I recommend using a small, shallow dish.
Be careful, because a large water bowl could wet the kittens if they fall in. Since they are more susceptible to hypothermia, you need to make sure they don’t get wet.
Keeping the kittens clean and dry throughout the weaning period is necessary to prevent health problems.
6. Give small amounts
At first, you can offer food directly from your finger or use a spoon. You should normally see the kittens gradually eat the offered solid food on their own.
I recommend changing the food regularly. The kittens will probably end up walking in the dish!
For good hygiene of the food and kittens, I recommend offering small amounts, which helps avoid wasting the food.
7. Pay special attention to certain kittens
Sometimes the mother cannot properly nurse her kittens, either because she does not produce enough milk or because she cannot nurse at all.
A supplemental or replacement feeding is therefore essential. The same applies to orphaned kittens.
Be careful not to offer cow’s milk to kittens. It is not suitable for their needs and can also cause digestive problems. For more information, you can consult the article I wrote on the subject.
If you have orphaned kittens, I recommend seeking the assistance of a veterinarian. They can show you how to properly bottle-feed your kitten, especially if it is less than 4 weeks old. You can find my advice on feeding kittens here.
A kitten may also not eat enough if the other kittens prevent it from eating its fill through competition. They deserve special attention in order to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
8. The importance of weighing
Regularly weighing each kitten and monitoring changes in their weight in a notebook helps detect any potential problem. Indeed, weight loss can indicate a health issue.
It is recommended to weigh kittens daily until they are 2 weeks old. Then, twice a week until weaning.
These weighings may be more frequent if a kitten is ill. The scale should be appropriate and as precise as possible. Ideally accurate to within 1 gram.
Be aware that all these values are averages. It is therefore important to closely observe each kitten individually. Some will wean quickly; others will need support for a longer period.
In any case, I recommend seeking the support of a veterinarian.
Sources and scientific studies
Ahola M, Vapalahti K, et al. Early weaning increases aggression and stereotypic behavior in cats. Sci Rep. 2017.
Veronesi MC, Fusi J. Feline neonatology: From birth to commencement of weaning – what to know for successful management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2022.
