Feeding Kittens.?

Question

I posted on here the other day asking about weither my cat was going into labour, it was a false alarm and she is still pregnant, But after she has given birth when do you start feeding the kittens solid kitten food?

Answer 1

I would wait 'til about six weeks just to be safe, unless mom cat no longer wants to nurse them.

If the kitties don't want to eat kitten food, you can try the following:

--Mix milk or kitten formula with baby food into a gruel,

and/or...

--Mix canned kitten food with milk or kitten formula.

--Get your kittens to eat the above off of a dish or spoon.

--Gradually reduce the amount of formula/milk each day until the kitten is only eating kitten food.

Your kittens may experience temporary diarrhea. Any changes in diet can cause this, because kittens have very sensitive tummies. Bottle feed your kittens while you wean them to ensure that they get enough to eat. And, of course, reduce the bottle feeding as they eat more solid food.

And yes, feeding milk is perfectly fine as long as you don't give it to kittens who are over 12 weeks old. This is why:

Kittens produce the enzyme called lactase that helps with digesting milk sugar (lactose). It's found in all milk, including cat's milk. Since kittens drink their mother's milk, they must be able to digest lactose.

But as the kitten ages and starts eating other foods, he/she begins to lose the ability to produce lactase, which means that he/she will start having trouble digesting lactose. Therefore, milk will be hard to digest. This usually happens to kittens beginning at around 12 weeks old.

Since this is the case, cats over 12 weeks are generally lactose intolerant. Just like lactose intolerant people, cats will often get gas and diarrhea, and (for some) vomiting, if they're given milk. So you shouldn't give cats, past the age of 12 weeks, any milk unless it is lactose-free. But, as I said, it's perfectly fine up until that point.

Also- Another thing you could give your kittens is rice milk. Grains should usually be avoided. However, white rice can help with digestive problems. So rice milk is a good choice if fed very sparingly.

Answer 2

Try to use something smaller, such as a dropper. Let the kittens suckle on their own, never force it into their mouths. When we (or any mammal), swallows, our tracheas close so that we don't get food down our airway. If the kittens are not actively suckling, they may be getting food down their airway. This can cause infection and is commonly caused aspiration pneumonia. If you do see milk come out of their noses, you can use a bulb device (like a turkey baster, but smaller), to suck it out. You can purchase these at the supermarket or drug store, in the aisle with other newborn items. Keep an eye on their respiratory rate and effort. If they seem to be distressed (increased rate and effort), take them to the vet right away. If they seem comfortable, you should be alright. Never feed them if they are cold (<98.0 for newborns). The food will just still in their stomach. And I'm sure you know to express them often. Another tip: if the kittens develop diarrhea from the formula, dilute it more than the directions say to. Many of those formulas are too concentrated for neonates, and you may have to build up to full strenth formula. Good luck. Raising newborns is hard work but can be very rewarding. These kittens are lucky to have an owner like you.

Answer 3

You need to start at about 4 -5 weeks, you'll know when, as mum will start leaving them for longer and longer.

You need to buy some kitten food, mix it with WARM water or WARM cats milk, mash it all up, making sure that it is more liquid than solid. try to tempt them by putting a little bit on the paws (so they natuarally lick it off) keep doing this and then gradually reduce the amount of milk/water - takes a little while but in about 7 days they should all be running as fast as their little legs will carry them when you put the bowl down :0)

Answer 4

Cats are excellent mothers. Mum knows best, she'll start pushing them away when they're ready and in all probability she'll bring them over to the food dish. When you see signs of that, try putting down another dish of kitten food, which will give them all they need and be easier for them to eat initially.

Don't be tempted to give them ordinary milk, after a while cats become intolerant of it and it'll give them tummy troubles.

Answer 5

Make sure you should give your kittens kitty food, sometimes adult cat food is way too hard. Solid kitty food contains the right amount of fat and nutrients fit for kittens. You can get them in markets, you can get the Purina kitty food.

Answer 6

its really up to the mum and kittens really, but by 5 to 6 weeks try the kittens on kitten food and milk , that will give them a great start in life... good luck with your new kittens......

Answer 7

i think the mother cat will lead them to it. she'll naturally push them away when they're old enough. where i live there's a lot of stray cats and that's what i see. they'll also go hunting on their own to catch insects and other bugs. that's if they're outdoor cats.

Answer 8

4 to 5 weeks, mum will be fine till then.

Answer 9

the mother will bring them to the dish when they are ready

Answer 10

they will copy their mum at around 4wks old!