How do I transition kittens to solid food safely?
Written by
John Williams
Reviewed by
Prof. David Walsh, Ph.D.Kittens' palates undergo a gradual change throughout their early lives, and a progression in texture over four to six weeks is necessary for a successful transition to adulthood. Start with a mix of formula and wet food to help your cat become accustomed to the food. Progress to moistened kibble, then transition to dry kibble. This is the amount of time I commit to every litter since 2015, because hurrying this will mean kittens will reject food and risk malnutrition.
Weeks one through nine begin with "mush consistency." Mix one part kitten formula with three parts wet food. Serve it at 100°F (38°C), as close to the temperature of mother's milk as possible. Use shallow dishes to facilitate access. These combinations should be offered five times a day, and all the while progressively eliminate bottle feedings. Kittens learn the licking motion first.
Week 1-2: Mush Introduction
- Formula-wet food mix with oatmeal consistency
- Feed every 4 hours while awake
- Reduce bottle feeds by 25% daily
- Check for minimum 5g weight gain per feeding
Week 3-4: Texture Advancement
- Transition to moistened kibble softened in formula
- Gradually decrease liquid content each day
- Introduce shallow water dishes for hydration
- Monitor chewing development and swallowing
Monitor daily weight gain religiously. Weigh before morning feedings on an accurate digital scale. Each kitten should be gaining at least 10g (0.35oz) daily. My 2020 litter averaged out at 14g gains using this method. Loss of weight from one day to the next indicates a need for immediate adjustment. Also, check stool consistency twice a day.
Food refusal? Don't panic! Go back two days. If they're not taking their food and they've previously taken that texture... Keep your atmosphere attentive to aroma using formula warming, and hand-feed them small acorns of the mixture on your finger until they learn. I have one who took three blitzes to get, and then I put more effort into all my other adoption kittens and turned the trick!
Conclude the change when you are certain of independence; however, do not remove the bottles until your kittens are feeding without assistance, and continue to nourish them for another four weeks. Their weight should be taken until they are twelve weeks old. My first early-weaned kittens turned out to be fine, vigorous cats, and had splendid digestion as a result of this treatment.
Read the full article: Kitten Weaning Age: 3 to 8 Weeks Guide
