When should a kitten be weaned off its mother's milk?
When should a kitten be weaned off its mother's milk?
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Some kittens will begin tasting their mother’s cat chow as early as three weeks of age; others refuse anything but mother’s milk until two months. But by week five, most kittens are nursing less, and exploring their new world more. This is a good time to introduce them to solid food. Offer high quality canned kitten food on a flat dish several times a day—and expect their first attempts at eating to be messy!
Kittens should still nurse until they’re at least eight weeks old. If mother and kittens are all in good health, nursing can continue until twelve weeks. Mother will gradually wean the kittens herself. Kittens should gain around four ounces per week. If they fail to gain weight, or develop diarrhea, see your veterinarian.
– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series