Why a Mother Cat Won't Wean Her Kitten

Weaning generally takes a couple of weeks to complete. The mother̵7;s milk provides antibodies to the kittens and keeps them in good health. It is important for kittens to be with their mother during the weaning process, as they learn to play, eat and even use the litter box just by observing her. Weaning normally occurs on its own, with the mother cat taking steps to reduce nursing time. However, at times, the kittens may not want to stop drinking milk. It is not that a mother cat will not wean her kittens, but kittens who do not want to give up drinking their mother̵7;s milk.

  1. Weaning Process

    • Typically, the weaning process begins when the kittens are four weeks old and continues for another four to six weeks. Most kittens are weaned around seven weeks after their birth. This process is started by the cat itself, as she begins to spend less time with the kittens, and therefore they cannot drink as much. Some kittens may continue drinking milk until they are about 12 weeks old. Some mother cats continue to produce milk for 12 weeks after birth, and kittens will continue to nurse as long as milk is available.

    The Mother Cat During Weaning

    • The mother cat gradually stops nursing her young ones once they are comfortable with solid food. This is a natural instinct in the mother cat. Weaning allows the kittens to be separated from their mother for longer duration. Once nursing stops, reducing water and food intake for the mother cat facilitates drying up of milk.

    Weaning by Pet Owners

    • Pet owners can help the mother cat in the weaning process. Nursing is tough on the cat̵7;s body, and if the kittens are not weaned, it can make the mother cat weak. Pet owners can initiate the weaning process when the kittens are five weeks old. To reduce dependence on mother̵7;s milk, start introducing replacement kitten milk available in pet stores. Never give cow̵7;s milk as it causes digestive disorders or diarrhea. Place the milk in a shallow dish and dip your finger into it. Once the kitten starts licking the finger, guide it down towards the bowl. Do not push the kitten̵7;s nose into the dish, as inhaling the liquid can result in lung disorders or pneumonia.

    Feeding Meals

    • Once the kitten starts getting comfortable lapping milk from a bowl, mix some canned or dry kitten food available in pet stores along with the replacement milk until it reaches the consistency of cooked oatmeal. You can also feed formula food to provide the required protein content. Serve at least three to four meals every day. When the kittens start getting accustomed to the taste, texture and scent of the meal, reduce replacement milk feed gradually and introduce more and more solid food. By the time the kittens are eight to 10 weeks old, they should be eating dry food. In addition to dry kitten food, provide a shallow dish of fresh water in order to prevent dehydration.