Separating kittens from mom (weaning)

[christinemoon]

Yes, it's the foster newbie with more questions.

As soon as I got mama home, she immediately stole her kittens from a soft-sided play yard and put them under the bed. Now they're over 3 weeks and I want to get them contained and used to having their bowls/ blankets/ litterbox in one area for when they start weaning and toileting.

She's an angel about letting me touch them, and even letting me take them from her. If I put them in the play yard, she jumps right out and then circles around, trying to get back in. If I unzip it, they all walk out or she takes them. I don't want her getting upset about the separation, and I don't want her neglecting them. But I do want to get them used to that yard, even if it's only for an hour or two at a time. I'm hoping to start offering formula and slurry in about a week, with her feeding in between.

Is this a good plan? Can anyone give pointers? Thanks.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi
These might help;
How Old Do Kittens Have To Be To Leave Their Mother? – TheCatSite Articles

Weaning: How To Get Your Kittens To Eat On Their Own – TheCatSite Articles

 

[christinemoon]

Hi
These might help;
How Old Do Kittens Have To Be To Leave Their Mother? – TheCatSite Articles

Weaning: How To Get Your Kittens To Eat On Their Own – TheCatSite Articles

Thanks for the answer! I'll have them until about 10 weeks, then give them back to the shelter I took them from.

But the feeding article will really help! I already have them in the pen, and have put mom in 2x to feed them and eat her food. She won't stay on her own.

 

[Furballsmom]

But the feeding article will really help!

I'm glad to help, let us know how things go