At what age the kittens start to be independant eat alone or can eat ordinary food other than feeding bottle.?

Question

somebody i know gave me 4 small kittens that he found in his backyard to take care of. I have no experienceb but to me they seem to be 2 or 3 weeks. I went to nearby pet store and bought feeding bottle and milk. After one week on only milk, I thought they might need additional food supply, and their milk is so expensive. i bought soft food can from walmart written on in for kittens and cats. But my kittens didn't accept it. i thought i might need to smash it, and i did together with milk in the blender. They like it, but i have to give it to them with the bottle. I just enlarge its hole. Now i got tired of them. Too much work to feed them with feeding bottle around 5 or 6 times a day. How to let them leave the bottle and eat from their own bowl, as this will be much easier for me than feed one by one and the other 3 cried for food waiting for their turn. I tried with them, but they didn't accept and kept meow for food through the feeing bottle. Please advice! and help me! PLEASE

Answer 1

They aren't going to eat on their own this early. They really do need to be bottle fed. Are there any rescues, or a humane society, in your area that you can contact? Try that. If that doesn't work, can you try to hang in there until they start eating on their own? They should be ready to eat on their own between five and six weeks old.

I truly do understand your frustration, as kittens eat extremely often. Taking care of just one can be a hand full.

If you can hang in there, it's ok to keep feeding them milk (without the kitten food). 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.

Feed the milk until they're at least five weeks old. I would say six weeks- But, if weaning them at five weeks will lighten the load on you enough to get you to hang in there, go ahead and start weaning them at five weeks. Start offering them kitten food at this point (five weeks old). Continue to bottle feed the milk to ensure that they get enough to eat. And, of course, reduce the bottle feeding as they eat more solid food.

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.

And, as I said- Continue to bottle feed the milk to ensure that they get enough to eat. And, of course, reduce the bottle feeding as they eat more solid food.

Your kittens may experience temporary diarrhea. Any changes in diet can cause this, because kittens have very sensitive tummies.

Answer 2

I know it's hard, stressful and expensive. It's only a few more weeks and they will be eating on their own.

The crying is normal. In nature all would suckle at the same time. If there wasn't enough milk the strongest would get it.

By crying they are saying feed me, feed me, thinking of you as mommy.

If you can hang in there, you will be doing a great thing for these poor kittens. If you really can't do it, call local rescues and see if there are any cat feeders out there who can take the kittens.

Purrs,
The Cat Lady

Answer 3

My kittens couldn't eat any food until they were 7 weeks old. They started getting interested in their mom's food at about 6 weeks and would try to eat it and choke. The vet told me they should start at 6-8 weeks. All they eat is the dry kitten food and water now. They are 13 weeks old.

Answer 4

Patience! They should be able to start eating on their own in 1 week or 2, depending on how old tehy are. Usually they eat at 4 weeks old. Meanwhile, after their meals, you should rub their behind with a soft wet cloth to help them pee and poop. I know it is tiring, I also have 4 kittens here that I feed with a bottle because they were abandoned, but it is worth it! Please be patient for another week or two!

DON'T GIVE THEM RAW MEAT, IT MAY GIVE THEM TOXOPLASMA, WHICH IS DANGEROUS FOR SMALL KITTENS AND FOR PEOPLE.

Answer 5

I would suggest you call your local rescue center and they will take them in and fine loving homes. Kitty's normally start eating at about 5-6 weeks when they are all actively running round. but if they have been deprived food as baby's it can affect there bone growth. Maybe the Kitty's weren't abandoned maybe there mum went to get food????? call the local rescue center please and don't just let them outside, as they will soon become pregnant and there are to many stray cats

Answer 6

I had a very tiny kitten years ago he used to suck milk from a saucer...lol Give the kittens raw mince.or some canned fish.. they have to have calcium for their bones.. If they are too much trouble please take them to a shelter

Answer 7

It depends..