My cat had 5 kittens, and they are now 4 weeks old, when she starts to wean them will she show then where the food bowl is or do I need to introduce them to the bowl?
2007-04-20 21:41:29 · 6 answers · asked by blue s 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
How far away is the food bowl?
If they are exposed to the food and water bowl by being in the same room as themselves then they will find it and eat when they are ready. Not every kitten will be going on solid food at the exact same time.
As far as weaning let that come naturally. She will probably nurse them to the age of 14 weeks if they are kept together but less and less each day and the milk supply gradually dries up.
Careful don't be surprised if she goes right back into heat. If she is not pedigree and you are not a professional breeder then may I suggest that you have her spayed?.
2007-04-20 21:52:14 · answer #1 · answered by chicki 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you see that the kittens are quite autonomous, or even before, what you can do is put baby kitten food in the food bowl, or even some boiled boneless chicken cut in small pieces. It is OK for the mother too. So it will be easier for them to start eating it. When they are ready, I suppose the mother will show them or they will just follow her example. You can take them near the bowl and show the too, but don't force them. nature usually works at her pace!
2007-04-21 04:50:27 · answer #2 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It just depends on the kittens. If they haven't started raiding her food dish by about 6-7 weeks old, you may have to show them where the kitten food is. Keep an eye out, they'll eat it all and poor momma cat won't get enough. Good luck with the babies!
2007-04-21 04:52:22 · answer #3 · answered by Lunacat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they are old enough to get around, and she starts spending more and more time away from them, you should make the soft kitten food available. Put it in their box, or area, and they will find it themselves, and begin to lick at it and eventually eat it.
Most cats let their kittens nurse even while they are eating solid food, though--- just not as often. In nature, of course, she would begin bringing them animals she'd killed-- but I've never seen a mother cat actually bring the cat food over to her kittens.
2007-04-21 04:53:05 · answer #4 · answered by Rani 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The kittens will figure it out on their own. Keep in mind that many times even after they start eating kitten food on their own they still will continue to nurse.
2007-04-21 07:31:40 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both...keep an eye..they are still too young to eat that food.
2007-04-24 21:43:06 · answer #6 · answered by Pepper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋