Here's a breakdown:
* First few weeks: The mother feeds her kittens milk.
* Around 6 weeks: The mother starts bringing back partially digested food to the den for the kittens to eat. This allows them to get used to solid food and learn about prey.
* By 8-10 weeks: The kittens start learning to hunt alongside their mother.
Bobcats are carnivores, so their diet, and therefore what they feed their young, primarily consists of:
* Rabbits: These are a favorite prey and make up a significant portion of their diet.
* Rodents: Mice, rats, squirrels, and other small rodents are also common prey.
* Birds: Bobcats will hunt birds, especially ground-dwelling birds.
* Other small mammals: Deer fawns, young raccoons, and other small mammals can also be part of their diet.
It's important to note that bobcat mothers will often regurgitate food for their kittens, especially when they are very young. This allows the kittens to get the nutrients they need and learn about the different types of prey.