When to start
Weaning usually begins at around four weeks of age, when kittens are steady on their feet and start showing curiosity about what their mother is eating. Before this point they should rely entirely on nursing or, for hand-reared kittens, on milk replacer. Starting too early can overwhelm an immature digestive system, so let the kittens' interest and coordination guide the timing. There is no need to rush, as every litter develops at a slightly different pace. If a kitten seems reluctant well past four weeks, keep offering gently and mention it to your vet at the next check.
Introducing gruel and wet food
Begin by offering a soft gruel made from a quality kitten food mixed with warm water or kitten milk replacer into a smooth, soupy consistency. Let the kittens lick it from your finger or a shallow dish, and expect them to walk through it and wear it more than eat it at first. Over a week or two, gradually thicken the mixture and reduce the added liquid until they are eating moist kitten food on its own. Offer small amounts several times a day and always keep fresh water available nearby. Choose a food formulated for growth so the kittens get the extra energy and nutrients they need.
Keeping the queen involved
Weaning should be a gradual handover, not a sudden separation, so keep the queen with her litter throughout the process. She continues to nurse between solid meals, which comforts the kittens and lets her milk production taper naturally as their demand falls. Her presence also teaches valuable lessons, as kittens often learn to eat and to use the litter box by copying her. Allowing her some time away from the litter each day helps her wind down milk production comfortably. Forcing an abrupt end can distress both mother and kittens and risks an uncomfortable, engorged queen.
Full weaning and monitoring
Most kittens are fully weaned onto solid food by around seven to eight weeks of age, eating independently and nursing little if at all. Throughout, weigh the kittens regularly and expect steady gains, as a stall or drop in weight can be an early sign of trouble. This is also the stage when kittens reliably learn the litter box, so provide a low-sided tray with fine, unscented litter within easy reach. Keep the feeding and toileting areas clean and separate to encourage good habits. If any kitten refuses food, loses weight, or has ongoing diarrhoea during weaning, consult your vet.