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HELP!!??? Weaning problems? - Someone please respond!!

966 views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  Lilly 
#1 ·
We have (4 ) 6 week old kittens. The mother cat is 11-12 months old. Prior to her becoming pregnant and giving birth she was a very light eater. I understand that she is expected to eat considerably more than she did prior to becoming pregnant and giving birth but she just constantly seems to be starcing. She is eating at least 4 cans of the average sized very good quality wet food. She also is fed a dry food meant especially for kittens - we probably fill this bowl at least a few times a day. We have also been giving her cat milk and plenty of water.

In the past week I have been introducing the kittens to special food for them. However whenever I put out the food in the saucer for them Nellie- the mom- runs over and eats all of that food as well. This is always immediately after she has already eaten a substantial amountof food we just gave her. The kittens look at the food but never have the opportunity to go back and re-explore the food as I have read they should. Before their interest in the new food is peaked or even sparked, Nellie has devoured their food.

Is this normal? How will they ever be able to discover it for themselves if Nellie doesn't give them a chance to do their thing with it? Are we feeding Nellie enough? We have tried separating her from them when we put this food out but she does not like being away for long enough that they experience their new food. Any ideas or tips??? I originally posted this about 1 week ago. Still no better luck with getting th kittens to try the food before the mother cat eats it all. Still looking for some answers, help and or advice.
 
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#2 ·
My cat recentely had kittens as well. they are only 3 weeks old right now. I also noticed a big increase in appetite while pregnant and nurseing. That is very normal I think.
If I remember correctely.. the last time we had kittens I would keep mom away while I was trying to feed them. I mixed cat formula with baby rice cereal at first and I dipped their noses in it to let them taste it. While mom was locked out of the room they would eat it,as soon as mom was let in the room she would eat it. So I would defenately suggest keep her away.
Also, when they star eating food other than milk mom is going to start backing off taking care of them. She may still let them nurse(mine did) however she isnt going to clean up their bathroom anymore. I would suggest putting them in a litter box after they eat. Try to make sure the litter box is a little used (not dirty, just enough to have a smell) this way they know what to do in their. This sometimes takes a while. Keep your eye out for little cat messe behind couches or in dirty clothes..ect.
I hope this answered some questions for you!
Oh my gosh I just looked at the date of your post, your kittens are probably all gone by now! Did you end up getting them weaned ok? How did it go?
 
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