Weaning Shirt For Momma?

christinesfosters · Mar 20, 2019

I have a foster momma with her 3 kittens who are just over 6 weeks old. They eat some wet food and dry food but must still be getting a majority of their calories from mom because they're gaining weight great but not eating much. I don't have somewhere to put mom to separate them and I wouldn't want to completely separate them yet anyways. So I was thinking of making some kind of shirt that covers her nipples so they can't nurse. Has anyone tried this? She's a very calm and easy going cat, I don't think she'd mind too much.

She's a witch · Mar 20, 2019

christinesfosters said:
I have a foster momma with her 3 kittens who are just over 6 weeks old. They eat some wet food and dry food but must still be getting a majority of their calories from mom because they're gaining weight great but not eating much. I don't have somewhere to put mom to separate them and I wouldn't want to completely separate them yet anyways. So I was thinking of making some kind of shirt that covers her nipples so they can't nurse. Has anyone tried this? She's a very calm and easy going cat, I don't think she'd mind too much.

hi! Why would you want them to stop getting her milk? For once, that's cheaper for you

And this is super important for kittens to stay with mom and siblings until they are at least 12 weeks, otherwise you risk their behavioral issues like biting humans' hands, legs etc. Good luck!

christinesfosters · Mar 20, 2019

The shelter I'm fostering for adopts out at 8 weeks so I'd like for them to be more independent by that time.

She's a witch · Mar 20, 2019

christinesfosters said:
The shelter I'm fostering for adopts out at 8 weeks so I'd like for them to be more independent by that time.

this breaks my heart

It's way too early for them, especially if they are to be adopted as single kittens, without another cat's company. Would you consider keeping them longer if you can convince your shelter this is a best way to increase these kittens well being and reduce potential problems with their behaviours? You can see some more details below:

white shadow said:
.

September 15, 2017
Delayed weaning reduces behavioural problems in cats

Based on the study conducted at the University of Helsinki, the recommended weaning age of 12 weeks should be raised by at least two weeks. Delaying weaning is an easy and cost-efficient way of improving the quality of life of cats....

The study used the results from the health and behaviour survey Professor Lohi's group had previously conducted on nearly 6,000 cats, currently the most extensive cat behaviour database in the world. According to the survey, many behavioural problems are more common than expected. More than 80% of cats were reported as exhibiting mild behavioural problems, while serious behavioural problems were reported for 25% of all cats. Feline behavioural problems can include shyness, stereotypic wool sucking, excessive grooming and aggression.....

LINK: Delayed weaning reduces behavioural problems in cats
(my emphasis)

12 + 2⁺ = 14⁺
.

Kflowers · Mar 21, 2019

They'll still be cute at 12 weeks and less likely to be returned to the shelter.

Genesis123 · Mar 30, 2019

I agree that re-homing them, at eight weeks, is early, but (whatever... if that's your group's policy, my opinion won't matter).

But, I would not try the "shirt" thing. My experience has been-- the kittens stop nursing when they are ready -- and the mother, at some point, will say "enough is enough -- you're big enough not to need me, anymore" -- and she'll growl and/or swat at them when they try to nurse (except for a few weak moments, perhaps, when she gives in). I would, certainly, let the mom be a mom to them, as long as she feels it necessary.

Weaning Shirt For Momma?

christinesfosters

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She's a witch

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