Weaning your Kitten

Most people look up kitten weaning when they’re staring at a hungry, noisy little cat and wondering: Is it time for solid food, and how do I do it without upsetting their stomach? Timing matters. Weaning too early can leave a kitten undernourished; rushing the change can trigger diarrhoea and dehydration.

Weaning is a slow handover from milk (mum or kitten formula) to a complete, balanced kitten diet. The aim is simple: steady weight gain, good hydration, and a kitten that eats confidently from a dish while still getting what they need to grow. ^{1, 2}

When to start weaning

Most kittens start showing real interest in food at around 3–4 weeks. That’s when you can begin offering a soft “gruel” (wet kitten food thinned with warm water or kitten formula) in a shallow dish. ^{1, 5}

Weaning usually takes 2–4 weeks, and many kittens are fully transitioned to eating on their own by around 7–8 weeks. Even then, it’s best for kittens to remain with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks of age where possible, for normal social development. ^{1, 3, 6}

Signs a kitten is ready

• Teeth are coming through and they begin to mouth or nibble. ¹
• They’re more mobile and curious, and start investigating mum’s food or your hands during feeding time. ¹
• They can lap from a shallow dish (often messy at first).

What to feed: choosing the right food

Pick a commercial kitten food labelled as complete and balanced for growth. Kittens are obligate carnivores with tight nutritional requirements, so “adult cat food”, home-cooked diets, and unbalanced toppers can leave gaps. ^{7, 8}

On the label, look for a statement that the food meets a recognised standard (in Australia, the RSPCA notes checking for compliance with AS 5812 or an equivalent international standard such as AAFCO/FEDIAF). ⁷

Wet vs dry during weaning

Wet food is usually easiest to start with because it can be thinned to a smooth texture. Once they’re eating wet food reliably, you can introduce dry kibble by soaking it with warm water (or kitten formula for very young kittens) and gradually reducing the added liquid. ¹

Milk rules (important)

If a kitten still needs milk during weaning, use kitten formula, not cow’s milk. Cow’s milk can cause gastrointestinal upset in many kittens. ^{1, 9}

How to introduce solid food (step-by-step)

1) Start with a thin gruel

In a flat saucer or shallow dish, offer a small amount of wet kitten food mixed with warm water or kitten formula until it’s like porridge. Let them sniff first; you can dab a tiny amount on their lips or tongue. ^{1, 5}

2) Increase food, decrease milk

Over several days, slowly thicken the mixture (more food, less liquid). If the kitten isn’t gaining weight or isn’t eating enough on their own, continue supplemental formula while you seek veterinary advice. ¹

3) Offer small meals often

Young kittens do better with frequent, small feeds. A practical guide used by an Australian shelter recommends beginning weaning from around 4 weeks with wet food offered several times per day, while supplementing with formula until eating is consistent. ⁵

4) Introduce texture gradually

Once wet food is going well, offer softened kibble (soaked, not crunchy) and slowly work towards normal wet and/or dry kitten food as they mature. Many kittens complete this transition by around 8 weeks, though individuals vary. ¹

Gradually reducing milk intake (without stomach trouble)

A sudden diet change is a classic trigger for diarrhoea in kittens. Keep the pace gentle, and change only one thing at a time (texture, brand, or feeding method). If a kitten is orphaned or not nursing, follow veterinary guidance on formula volume and frequency, and reduce formula only when solid intake is reliable. ^{1, 5}

Monitoring weight and health during weaning

Weaning should look boring on the outside: steady appetite, steady growth, bright behaviour. Keep a close eye on weight and hydration, especially in small kittens where illness can move quickly.

• Weigh regularly (daily for very young or fragile kittens; otherwise every few days) and watch for a consistent upward trend.
• Watch stools: mild softness can happen during transitions, but watery diarrhoea is a problem.
• Keep water available in a shallow dish as soon as they show interest (often from around the start of weaning), even if they don’t drink much at first. ¹

See a vet promptly if you notice vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, refusal to eat, or poor weight gain. ¹

Helping a reluctant eater

• Warm the food slightly (not hot) to bring out the smell.
• Use a wide, shallow dish so whiskers and nose aren’t buried.
• Keep the area quiet and feed them away from bustling dogs, children, or vacuum cleaners; many cats prefer to eat without being startled. ⁸
• Keep it clean: wipe faces and paws with a warm damp cloth after meals, then dry them so they don’t chill.

Common weaning challenges (and what usually helps)

Messy, playful eating

Normal. Young kittens often step in the bowl before they learn what the bowl is for. Use shallow dishes, small serves, and easy-clean surfaces.

Diarrhoea

Often linked to rapid change, overfeeding, or unsuitable milk. Slow down the transition and speak with your vet, particularly if stools are watery, frequent, or the kitten seems flat. ¹

Kitten won’t try solids

Start thinner, offer a taste on your finger, and try again later. If a kitten is the right age but not eating and not gaining weight, that’s a reason to get veterinary help rather than waiting it out. ^{1, 5}

Final thoughts

Weaning is less a single switch and more a slow changing of the guard: milk fades, solid food takes over, and a kitten’s body keeps growing without missing a beat. Begin offering soft food around 3–4 weeks, aim for a complete, balanced kitten diet, and keep the change gradual. If weight gain stalls or the gut doesn’t cope, pause and get a vet’s guidance early. ^{1, 7}

References

1. PetMD — Weaning Kittens: When and How To Introduce Solid Food
2. AAHA — Nutrition and Weight: Kittens (2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines)
3. RSPCA NSW — Kitten care (staying with mum until at least 8 weeks)
4. RSPCA NSW — Caring for cats and kittens
5. Cat Protection Society of NSW — Considerations and care (feeding and weaning guidance)
6. RSPCA NSW — I found kittens! What should I do? (Jan 12, 2026)
7. RSPCA Knowledgebase — What should I feed my kitten? (Updated Nov 20, 2025)
8. AAHA — Nutrition and Weight Management (2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines)
9. Purina — Understanding When to Wean Kittens (cow’s milk caution; weaning age range)