Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

How to get my 5-week-old foster kitten to eat from a dish again?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 8 days old | 0.5 lbs

I have been trying to wean my five week old foster kitten from the bottle for almost two weeks now and today was the first time she ever ate the pate and formula gruel off a shallow dish. She ate a good amount and seemed to like it. However, since then (early this morning) she has refused to eat off the shallow dish again and will only take the bottle. How do I get her to eat off the shallow dish again like she did this morning?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on May 14th, 2018

Be patient! She will catch on, just give her more time. It’s ok if you still use the bottle for a few days. However at 5 weeks old she has teeth and should have no trouble eating moist/canned kitten food or moistened kibble at this stage. Good luck!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 12th, 2018

    No you are not. Weaning is a process. I would start by putting just some canned kitten food spread across on a paper place and putting all 4 of her feet in the food 3 times per day. She probably won't actually eat much of it for the first few days and you will still need to supplement her with the bottle. She will start to lick her feet and should start to develop a taste for the food. Once she starts to eat a little bit of it, start to cut back on how much formula you are offering her. Within 2 weeks, she should be eating mostly canned food and you shouldn't be offering her any more formula. I hope this helps and makes the transition a little easier.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 17th, 2017

    You may need to transition more gradually to kitten food. Start by making a gruel of the kitten formula and canned kitten food or kitten chow soaked until it is softened and mushy, and place small amounts in her mouth at a time. Once she is used to eating the gruel you can slowly start to thicken it be using less and less formula, until you can eliminate it altogether.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored