How to help kittens make an easy switch from milk to solid kibble

Isn’t it cute seeing tiny kittens suckle at the nipples of a mama cat? Up until four weeks after birth, they can get all their essential nutrients from breast milk. After they are a month old, they often try out their first bites of solid food, although they still drink from mommy. Usually they switch automatically, but sometimes you have to help them a bit. How?

Do your little kitties have trouble switching to solid kibble? Then pour some warm water over their meal. This makes it softer and the scents and aromas come out, making them think the new food is the cat’s meow. Definitely start with a cat food that is adapted to the size and needs of your kitten.

At the same time, you should certainly not wean kittens too early or let them switch to solid food overnight. In principle, this should only happen when they are no longer dependent on their mother for food. Until the eighth week after birth, many kittens will, of course, eat solid food by themselves as well as drinking breast milk.

When breast milk is not enough for kittens

A cat may not be able to produce enough milk for all its kittens. Or at all, if the cat dies before her little ones are able to eat on their own. Then you have to help nature along. A difficult, but certainly not impossible, job.

In this case, give the kittens kitten milk. This is a milk substitute in the form of a soluble powder, with a very rich composition that is very close to that of breast milk. This way the kittens will have a healthy upbringing. You can also give kitten milk to the nursing mother cat. After all, this stimulates her milk production.

The first two weeks after birth feed the little ones kitten milk from a drinking bottle. From week three onwards, they can eat the porridge from a plate or bowl. Make sure to clean the bottles and jars thoroughly after each use, because at this age kittens are still very vulnerable.

Are you having trouble feeding? Or have the kittens or the mother cat lost a lot of weight? Then be sure to contact your vet.

Until the eighth week after birth, many kittens will, of course, eat solid food by themselves as well as drinking breast milk.

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