My cat had 5 kittens 8 1/2 weeks ago. We have given 2 of the kittens away already and will probably keep the other 3. My problem is I can't get them to stop nursing. I've been keeping them separated as much as possible but mom starts nursing every chance she gets. I feel awful doing it, but we really need to get mom spayed and we have to wait until her milk dries up. Mom keeps trying to get out of the house every time she can and I really don't want her pregnant again. The only way we can keep her inside is by keeping her confined to one small room which she hates but with our 3 little kids and 2 dogs, it's very easy for her to slip out. The kittens all are eating solid food and eating very well so that is not an issue and they've been eating for several weeks now along with nursing. Is our only option to keep them separated? If I give them kitten milk in a bowl, will that help curb the urges? I kind of thought most cats wean their kittens by 8 weeks but apparently I was wrong! She prefers to be outside with our other cat, but I can't let her out until she's spayed. Any tips or suggestions??