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When to start feeding kittens kitten food

Posted: May 27, 2011

We have kittens :-) We don't know exactly when they were born but their size is that they sit on the palm of my hand. We know they are at least 4 weeks old, maybe 5 or 6. They are running around, bouncing, wrestling with each other and just little balls of energy. We're are learning which ones are the trouble makers :-) My question is they are still nursing from the mom. A couple have shown interest in eating kitten food from a can, which is what we are feeding the mother. After the mother eats she calls the kittens and they all come running and nurse from her. They've got teeth (sharp little ones too), and I am concerned about not feeding them because we want to make sure they are all getting proper nourishment. They've also (at least 3 I know of) have started using the gardens as their little litter box, so know some are going to the bathroom. I don't want them to get sick if its too early for them to eat soft cat food, but I don't want any of them to go hungry. Does anyone know at what age kittens start eating soft kitten food.

;

Introduce moistened dry food... - FelineFarmer

[ In Reply To ..]
We always start the little ones on dry kitten chow that has been moistened. This is done when they start showing interest, which is usually at about 5 weeks. It is not recommended that babies be pulled away from mom before 6 weeks (minimum age for weaning) so they will still have access to her for nursing.

Giving a kitten wet/canned food can be dangerous, as it can cause diarrhea which can be fatal. Also, it sounds like you already are aware that kittens need kitten food, not adult cat food.

Link to Google results which address your question.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&biw=1003&bih=592&q=starting+kittens+on+kitten+chow&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=

I agree with FelineFarmer. Those little babies are - so lucky to have YOU --kind heart.nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Thanks - please see my message very important - sympathetic cat woman

[ In Reply To ..]
At least it's very important to me :-) 2 of the kittens today ate the soft food (didn't realize until after I was rounding the others up they were going at it). Thank God they have been fine (this was about 12 hours ago and they've been playing and all stuff (and still nursing from mom), so that was the last of that.

Here's the important message. Since I wrote this message things have taken a turn (for the better for us). We are going to be moving and it looks like within the month. We have an inside cat who cannot stand other cats and there is no way they will ever live together and all of them be safe. As adorable as the kittens are and sweet the mother is (she was a stray that wandered into our back yard trying to keep warm this past winter) the best thing for them will be to bring them to a place that can adopt them out to loving homes. I've found a place I will be calling tomorrow when they open and explain our situation. They take strays and they don't adopt them out til they know the family who wants to adopt is good. I think this is the best thing for them and for us. I believe she brought her kittens to us because she knew we would do what is best for them, and this will be. The thought of them roaming around neighborhoods as a stray like she was is not good. As much as we've always wanted more cats, it's not fair to ours who we have had for 6 years go introduce another animal she clearly does not want around, and if we can't give these cute and sweet adorable cat and kitties the best home we need to trust that a place who does this every day will give them the best care. Well I have to call them tomorrow and find out what all has to be done. They are still nursing from the mother, so just unsure what they'll say and how long. The sooner we can bring them would be better because we have got a ton of stuff to do to move, and it won't allow me to grow any more attached, and they will get the best medical care and feeding and proper development. I know I will be crying when I drop them off, but it's the best thing for them.

Thanks everyone for all your advice. I can post again to let everyone know how it goes.

I think you're right! The best chance little feral kitties - have is to be socialized to humans, - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
so that they have a chance to be adopted out to loving homes.

Thanks to you, these kittens will be getting a chance in life that far too few feral kittens get.

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