Glossary

Weaning

The gradual switch from mother's milk to solid food, which usually starts at about four weeks and is mostly complete by eight to ten weeks.

Also called: kitten weaning, weaning kittens, transition to solid food

Weaning is the stretch of time in which a kitten moves from nursing to eating solid food. It typically begins around four weeks old, when the milk teeth appear and kittens start to show interest in their mother's food. Most are eating on their own by around eight to ten weeks, though some continue to suckle a little longer.

The process is gradual. A kitten can be offered a gruel of kitten food mixed with warm water or milk replacer in a shallow dish, then thicker mixtures, then wet food and finally dry kibble if used, see kitten food. Fresh water should be available. Most kittens are messy at first. The mother also begins to leave them for longer, which encourages independence.

Kittens should stay with their mother and littermates until they are at least eight weeks old, because they learn social skills from them, and many breeders and registries set 12 weeks. Ask your vet for a feeding plan if a kitten has been orphaned or is slow to eat, or if you notice diarrhoea or vomiting. Do not give cow's milk, which can upset a kitten's stomach.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

In the index now

Related terms

Kitten A cat in its first months of life, from birth until about six months to a year old, a time of rapid growth, learning and vaccinations. Neonatal kitten A kitten in its first two weeks, born with closed eyes and ears and unable to regulate its own temperature or toilet without its mother. Kitten food A food with more energy, protein, fat and minerals than adult food, made to support a kitten's fast growth. Wet food Cat food sold in cans, pouches or trays, containing roughly 70 to 80 percent water, which helps a cat get more fluid. Socialisation period The early weeks of a kitten's life, roughly two to seven weeks, when gentle handling and new experiences shape how friendly and confident it becomes.

Related guides

Found a very young kitten: what to do first What to do when you find a very young kitten outdoors: check for the mother, keep it warm, judge its age and call a vet or rescue before you try to feed it. Fostering cats and kittens What fostering involves, what a rescue provides, how to set up and keep fosters healthy and socialised, and when to call the rescue or a vet. Feeding a kitten: food, amounts and timing How to choose kitten food, how often to feed through the first year, wet versus dry, water and weight checks, and the signs that call for a vet. Why cats knead Why cats push their paws in and out on soft surfaces, what it tells you, how to handle sharp claws and when unusual kneading is worth a mention to a vet.