Lactating cats are not much different from most cats. However, mother cats have some special needs that must be met. Make sure your cat gets enough food and a safe place to live. Also, pay attention to the health of both the mother and kitten to make sure they are developing well.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Feeding
Step 1. Give the pregnant cat enough food to gain weight
Generally, the mother cat will lose weight while breastfeeding. To prevent the mother cat from losing too much weight, feed her more food in the later stages of her pregnancy. Do not give the mother cat too much food in the early stages of her pregnancy. This can cause the mother cat to be overweight and complicate the birthing process.
A mother cat will gain 40 to 50 percent of weight in the later stages of her pregnancy
Step 2. Increase the feeding portion of the mother cat
After giving birth, make sure the mother cat gets a larger portion of food than usual. The mother cat needs more calories because she has to breastfeed and provide energy for her kittens. The amount of food that should be given to the mother cat depends on the size of the kittens.
- Generally, a cat who is nursing two kittens needs 2 to 2.5 times more calories than usual.
- A 5 kg cat nursing 4 kittens needs 603 calories per day. A 7-kilogram cat nursing 4 kittens needs 850 calories per day.
Step 3. Make sure the mother cat can eat easily
The easiest way to ensure that the mother cat is getting adequate nutrition is to provide food at all times. Make sure the cat's feeding bowl is always full and easily accessible. Wet foods are a good choice because they contain more protein. However, if your cat is used to dry food, or if the wet food spoils too quickly, you can also give him dry food.
Step 4. Make sure the mother cat eats a special diet for nursing cats
Not all cat food has the same nutritional content. Purchase food that contains special nutrients for nursing cats, or food that is suitable for cats of all ages. To ensure quality, look for cat food that is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Step 5. Make sure the mother cat gets enough protein intake
Lactating cats need an abundant protein intake to maintain their health and the nutritional intake of kittens. Usually, quality cat food is a good enough protein intake for the mother cat. However, if the kitten is too noisy and active, the mother cat may not be getting enough protein.
If in doubt, you can also give the mother cat food for the kittens while they are still breastfeeding. Kitten food is higher in calories, calcium and protein
Step 6. Let the mother cat nurse her kittens for 7-9 weeks
Most kittens suckle for 8 weeks. However, you or the mother cat can introduce solid food when the kitten is 4 weeks old. Kittens may think of solid food as a toy, but sooner or later they will eat it.
Step 7. Give the kitten a milk substitute if necessary
If the kitten looks thin and noisy, it may not be getting enough milk, or the mother cat may have trouble producing milk. You can buy cat milk substitutes at pet stores. You can give your kitten a milk substitute using a bottle, dropper, or other method. Consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your kitten's health, and to find out a suitable milk substitute.
Part 2 of 3: Providing a Comfortable Place
Step 1. Make room for the mother cat
A mother cat needs a place to put and care for her kittens, and she may start looking for this place while she is pregnant. You can provide rooms, closets, cages, or even boxes. The place should be quiet, safe, and away from distractions or dangers (other pets, vehicle noise, etc.).
Step 2. Change cat bedding regularly
Place a towel or blanket in the cat's "nest". After the cat gives birth, you should change the bedding regularly. Initially, you may have to change it every day, but in general, bedding should be changed frequently to keep the nest dry and clean.
Place several layers of towels as bedding. Take a wet or dirty towel so that the clean towel underneath is on top. This will facilitate and speed up the process of changing bedding
Step 3. Let the mother cat move the kittens
In the wild, mother cats move their young to escape predators. As long as it's still safe, don't be surprised if the mother cat takes her kitten to a different place.
Step 4. Socialize with the kitten
Initially, the mother cat will be very protective of her kittens. Over time, you can touch, play with, and hold the kitten. If you interact with humans often, your kitten will get used to it more. This will also help the kitten separate itself from the mother cat.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping Cats Healthy
Step 1. Give flea medication if necessary
Kittens infected with fleas are at risk of developing anemia. However, flea medication should be given to the mother cat, and not the kittens. Most flea remedies should not be used on kittens. Talk to your vet to find out how to get rid of cat fleas.
- You can prevent fleas by changing your cat's bedding regularly.
- If your kitten has fleas, bathe it in warm water and a mild dish soap that doesn't contain anti-bacterial. Use a fine comb to pick up lice. Dry the kitten after bathing.
Step 2. Check the health of the mother cat
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are diseases that can infect cats. One way to spread these diseases is through cat milk. After 1-2 weeks of age, kittens can be examined or treated at the vet if necessary. Testing for FeLV and FIV early can indicate a kitten's chance of contracting the disease as well.
Step 3. Remove worms from mother and kittens
Hookworms, bracelets, and tapeworms can cause health problems for cats and their kittens. See your vet to find out the best method and schedule a deworming for your cat.
Tips
- Talk to your vet if you have questions about caring for a nursing cat.
- Lactating cats can be neutered.
