When should i start weaning & litter training kittens ????

[crazydrunkevilhamster]

Ok so the kittens are 25 days old today & are ridiculously big & fluffy .
So I started to look in to when I should start weaning them etc but everywhere keeps saying different ages
I have tried today to see if they can lap yet but that just ended up with all three going for a bit if a swim in the bowl
So when should I wean/litter train them ??
Also could do with top tips on the best way to do all these as im a complete novice

*I did have pics up but they all disappeared & it won't let me upload anymore

So I can only repay you for advice with & instead of cute pics of my kittens

[IAmNotAMindReader]

Take your cues from their mother. Have some kitten food in and as soon as they start following her to her food bowl and showing interest try them on a bit. Another cue will be their mother will become less and less tolerant of them trying to feed from her.

With regards litter training the same here, its mostly their mother which sorts it. There will be accidents but have trays ready and down and eventually a few adventurous souls will leave a deposit.

[cozietoesie]

Hi crazy

As IAmNotAMindReader said, Mum should sort it all out really. Your task (as far as the food is concerned) is to have a supply of fresh, fairly liquid, kitten glop around for them to try when they wish - preferably in a low profiled flattish container to make it easier for them.

I'm afraid you're in for a messy week or two so keep some kitchen towel handy. Just thank your lucky stars she didn't have 8 !

[DiaryOfAWimpyMum]

I always helped mine along, around the 4 week mark, they start wandering around copying mum (as said) you have to introduce the food first for them to be able to poo, I would buy in either a nice strong smelling kitten food warmed in microwave, or coley and warm it with some kitten milk and put their noses in it.

Then put them in the litter tray and move their front feet, most looked at me as if to say 'wtf is she doing with my feet' but it seemed to work.

[MumnGran]

Kittens who are with Mum often learn to eat simply by copying.
Still there is nothing wrong with helping things along
There is a fairly definitive article on weaning at the GCCF site here:

//www.gccfcats.org/pdf/articles/Weaning(BKilroy).pdf

... the info also covers litter training.
This is the most fun stage! hope you are having lots of fun

[cozietoesie]

Good article. That little (seal point?) kit makes me feel quite broody.

[crazydrunkevilhamster]

Thanks that article is great