weaning???

hi there im probably worrying bout nothing but boots kittens will be 6 weeks old on wednesday and only one of them is eating food the rest aint interested at all shouldnt they be eating by now???

It is fine, as long as she is still feeding them. Usually at about 4 weeks one of the more aggressive males will start eating solids. Then the others follow soon after.

Are you offering kitten kibble moistened with water or kitten formula? That is what my babies seem to like. Offer it on your finger if they don't seem to notice it in a low bowl.

Are they using the litterbox yet?

Just a precautionary measure...if you soak dry kibble to moisten it, don't leave it out terribly long, as it quickly becomes bacteria haven. I'm a bigger fan of mixing formula with a bit of wet kitten food, and leaving it in a lid. This will stay fresh a bit longer, and kittens tend to take to it a bit better. Gradually reduce the amount of formula in the "slop", and add more wet food as time goes by, until they're all eating wet kitten food with no formula. Really, since momma is still nursing them, they're probably not ready, and that's okay. As long as they see her eating her food, one of the bolder kittens will eventually try it, and the others will follow...she'll show them what to do!

yeah its moistened kitten food im putting out only the white one is eating it she aint using litter tray or going on her own to do toilet and mum is still feeding them all they seem to go over sniff then walk away lol

It is odd that at 5-1/2 weeks they aren't using the litterbox or eating. Maybe let Boots out of the room for an hour or two, to let their appetites grow. Then offer them fresh food.

Wookie is right about cooties in the food. I generally throw away the food every 12 hours, and put out fresh. It does waste, but I wouldn't feed a tiny child spoiled food and I don't want to do it to a kitten!

Are the kittens exploring the litterbox yet? I'm sure they will get this soon...before you know it they will be eating and pooping!

they have had a sniff of the litter box but thats been it i think ur right i should let boots out of the room i have been closing her in because she escaped outside once by accident luckily i caught her straight away ive just been mega paranoid that she could get out again as its so warm the doors and windows are open

Originally Posted by boots

they have had a sniff of the litter box but thats been it i think ur right i should let boots out of the room i have been closing her in because she escaped outside once by accident luckily i caught her straight away ive just been mega paranoid that she could get out again as its so warm the doors and windows are open

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I would put Boots in another room so she doesn't escape again.

Katie

Definitely keep Boots safely indoors when separated. Or if the kitty room is the safest place for her, put the kittens in a laundry basket and bring them out into another room. Even if it is just a bathroom, while you get a shower, it will be a new experience for them, and might build up an appetite, if they can't nurse around the clock!

thanks for your advice ill give that a try ill let you know how it goes xx

hi there just to let u know i took all your advice on board and am happy to say the little b**gers have finally taken the hint and are all eating they are pooping around the litter box but im sure they will get there only thing is there going behind the tv or in small corners to pee very frustrating that is i think they just like to be awkward for me heheh but im enjoying every minute of this bringing these gorgeous lil kittys up till they go to there new homes only thing is im attached and i know im going to have problems with letting them go im dreading it already i am thinking of voulenteering at the local cats protection after this as its really opened my eyes and made me realise there is poor cats out there that dont have the love my boots and her babys been getting thanks for everyones advice and help this is a excellent site and im so glad i came apon it helped me out soooo mutch thanks you guys u are all brilliant

shell xxxx