How to Wean a Stubborn Kitten?

by Jayley
How to Wean a Stubborn Kitten

You may have come across a group of cats or kittens who are very stubborn. They won’t wean despite your attempts. This makes you wonder how you can keep them happy and comfortable.

Transitioning a kitten from its mother’s milk to solid food is regarded as one of the most important milestones in its life. During this period, they require extra attention to ensure they receive the nutrients they need to be independent.

A stubborn cat can be weaned by showing them food and using the finger method, which will give them a feeling of their mother cat’s nipples. You might also be eager to transition them to a new diet and remove their mother’s milk. In this article, we’ll teach you how to do this.

Why Do Kittens Not Want to Wean

What is the Best Way to Wean your Stubborn Kitten?

The period when a cat transition from its mother’s milk to its own food is known as the “weaning period.” The animal needs to receive the nutrients it needs in the right amount, and it is also important to keep it on track to gain independence. A stubborn kitten can be weaned [1] following these steps.

Remove the Stubborn Kitten from their Mother Frequently

For a couple of hours a day, remove the stubborn kitten from its mother to reduce its dependence on her milk and other nutrients. You will then prepare a variety of food, water, and litter for the kitten. Once it realizes it can survive, it will be more comfortable leaving its mother behind.

Use an Alternate That Can Imitate the Mothers’ Nipple

You can imitate the nipples of a cat by using your fingers. This method works well with young cats that rely on their mother’s milk for nourishment.

You can gently nudge the kitten’s lip to encourage it to eat solid food. You can also place small pieces of food on your finger and gently push them toward the cat’s lip to help the animal learn to eat.

Mix Water into Their Food Moderately

Some cats are very stubborn. You can give them food made from water and a semisolid mixture. This will help decrease their level of aggression and provide them with the consistency they need.

When it is time to feed your cat a meat meal, it won’t be hard for them to transition from milk to the new food. You can gradually decrease the amount of water mixed with the food to help your pet adjust to its new diet.


Why Do Kittens Not Want to Wean

A kitten won’t wean because it does not think it is the right time. If you notice that your cat is not nursing her babies, it could be that they are not ready yet. The mother may still believe they require more time, as she knows they are best served by nursing them at a slower rate.

Kittens undergo a process known as weaning, which involves gradually transitioning from their mother’s milk to solid food. This process helps them become more self-sufficient and allows breeders to find new homes for their offspring.

Mother cats typically wean their young. Although this method is not always feasible, it is the preferred technique, and the mom cat is expected to perform it.

If a cat is not fed by its mother, it may eventually develop separation anxiety. This could result in other behavioral issues and anxiety, and it might even lead to the development of other problems. You might be asking why this is necessary, but there are times when it is absolutely necessary.

How Many Days Does it Take for a Kitten to Wean?

The amount of time it takes to nurse a cat is dependent on its condition. For instance, if they are bottle-fed, it might take up to four weeks.

It can take a lot of patience to wean a cat, and it is also not possible to rush it. The development of their physical and mental capabilities determines when they will finally be ready.


When is the Right Time to Wean a Kitten?

Nursing a cat to solid food usually starts when it is around four or six weeks old. It ends when it reaches eight to ten weeks old. It should not start at an early age for an orphaned animal. You can safely nurse a cat if its eyes are open and stable on its feet.

On the other hand, While bottle feeding is required for babies until they are around four to five weeks old, it is also important to start the process of gradually transitioning them to a more natural diet. A few signals indicate that the baby is ready to start the transition.

The process of nursing a kitten usually begins when it is around four weeks old. It can last until eight to ten weeks old, though it should not start too soon for an orphaned animal. A kitten can be safely fed solid food after its eyes have opened and it is able to focus.


How to Understand a Stubborn Kitten?

Some cats do not get to move away from their mother’s teat. They stick to milk as it is their primary source of nutrition. There are several reasons why this happens.

Different Personality

Some cats are reserved and won’t be pushed around, while others are more inclined to go with the flow. This is why owners must view their pets as individuals. Some cats need special attention to start being more independent, while others require repeated training.

Surrounding Awareness

A cat can notice changes in its surroundings. For instance, a new type of meal may cause a problem for a new pet. It may also be hard to convince the animal to eat solid food if it is uncertain. To avoid this, wean the animal slowly and carefully.


Things to Consider when Weaning a Kitten

Start in Around Four of Age of the Kitten

You should start giving your pet milk at a young age, as it will eventually help nourish them until they are old enough. But, some cats may need more time due to their size or weight, and you should carefully follow the animal’s lead when it comes to weaning. If you notice any changes, immediately give your pet back to its milk.

Prepare Proper Food Before Weaning

Make sure that the food you provide for your kitten is made for them, as it will help them grow and develop. High in protein, fat, and calories, wet food is best for them as it contains moisture to keep them hydrated and healthy. You can also choose nutritious kitten food for those who prefer to eat dry.

Read also: The Best Soft Food for Cats with Bad Teeth to Buy


Conclusion

Some cats are stubborn [2] and require more patience than others. So, you should give them the attention they need and let them rest as you wean them, and you should check on their energy and health to ensure they are doing well. It is also important to consult the vet if there are any complications.

Furthermore, most cats are created equal. Some are created special, and others aren’t. So, treat them as if they’re your own. Also, be patient with them and pay special attention to the difficult ones.

Reference:

1)https://www.petmd.com/cat/centers/kitten/nutrition/evr_ct_weaning_kittens_what_to_feed_a_kitten

2)https://pets.thenest.com/cats-stubborn-3823.html

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