HOW TO FEED A RECENTLY WEANED KITTEN

During this stage, when the kitten is growing so fast, it is ideal to give them dry food (it can be softened with lukewarm water) 2 to 3 times per day. You should take away anything that they have not eaten after an hour of being given it, because at room temperature it loses flavour and can even decompose and lose its properties. Between six months and one year old, you should reduce the number of daily meals to two, of a moderate size. However, it is worth always leaving available to them a plate with a small amount of food.

Weaning is the transition from milk as food to solid food. So, lactation begins to decrease from the fifth or sixth week of life, at the same time as they begin to be interested in the food that their mother eats. They begin by licking the remains of food that are left around her mouth; then they sniff around the food bowl, until they eat solid foods for themselves.

For kittens changing their type of food and leaving the maternal nest is a cause of stress, which means that it is not a good idea to bring it forward unnecessarily. As a general rule, the right moment is usually between six and seven weeks of age.

It is a good idea, during lactation, to give the mother the same type of food that the kittens will receive after weaning. Specially formulated foods are appropriate for this, and provide both the mother and the kittens with all the nutrients they need. Between weeks 6 and 8, the kittens should be fully weaned and used to a normal diet, with food that is complete and balanced.

During this stage, when the kitten is growing so fast, it is ideal to give them dry food (it can be softened with lukewarm water) 2 to 3 times per day. You should take away anything that they have not eaten after an hour of being given it, because at room temperature it loses flavour and can even decompose and lose its properties. Between six months and one year old, you should reduce the number of daily meals to two, of a moderate size. However, it is worth always leaving available to them a plate with a small amount of food.