Postpartum Care
- Continue Feeding a High-Calorie Diet. Your cat should be kept on a higher calorie (pregnancy or kitten) diet for as long as she is lactating (nursing her kittens).
- Keep the Area Private and Quiet. ...
- Monitor Nursing and Lactation. ...
- Keep Male Cats Separate From Your Female Cat After She Gives Birth. ...
- Consider Spaying and Neutering. ...
What do mother cats eat after giving birth to kittens?
While she is lactating and feeding her kittens with milk, the mother cat will need the protein and nutrients that the kitten food offers her. However, once the kittens have weaned (usually around 6–10 weeks after birth), you can transition the mother cat back to an adult food.
How do you take care of a pregnant female cat?
Pregnant cats: Feed the suggested amount on the packaging. Continue to feed a kitten food to the mother until her kittens are weaned. Nursing cats: Leave food available for the mother at all times after the kittens are born.
How can I Help my Cat gain weight after giving birth?
Do not overfeed your cat to the point of obesity. Give your cat a food high in calcium. It’s important that your mother cat consumes food containing plenty of calcium shortly after giving birth. Calcium will increase the mother’s milk production, which in turn will encourage bone growth in the developing kittens.
How to care for a newborn kitten before birth?
Before Birth. Proper care for a mother cat begins long before she gives birth. To properly nurse her kittens, momma cat needs to be in good physical condition. She'll need a nutrient- and calorie-dense food such as good-quality commercial kitten kibble.
Should I give my cat food after giving birth?
Continue to feed a kitten food to the mother until her kittens are weaned. Nursing cats: Leave food available for the mother at all times after the kittens are born. This will ultimately help to wean the kittens to a regular food and provide the mother with high-energy food she will need during this time.
How often should I feed my cat after giving birth?
Kittens will nurse every 1-3 hours for the first three weeks. Only when they hit four or five weeks old will they be ready to start weaning off mom and onto wet food.
What can I give my cat to produce more milk?
There is nothing specific you can give Bella to increase her milk supply. I would give her a kitten formulated food, as diet can sometimes help. You likely will need to supplement the kittens with KMR (kitten milk replacement).
How much food should a nursing cat eat?
The exact amount of food a nursing cat needs will vary in proportion to its litter size. Cats nursing more than two kittens typically need 2 to 2.5 times more calories than usual. A 10-pound cat nursing 4 kittens needs approximately 603 calories per day.
How do I take care of my cat after giving birth?
After your momma cat gives birth, you'll want to keep the space clean, quiet, and free of any other animals. Weigh the kittens as soon as mom will allow and continue weighing them daily. Do not take the kittens away from mom while weighing. Instead, bring your grams scale right next to the nest and weigh them there.
Can I touch newborn kittens?
Vets recommend not touching kittens unless you have to while their eyes are still closed. You can check on them to make sure they're healthy and gaining weight, but try to limit direct physical contact. The kitten's mother will also let you know how comfortable she is with you handling her babies.
What do I do if my cat doesn't have milk?
The most commonly available type of kitten formula is called KMR, which stands for "kitten milk replacer." KMR comes in cans or cartons and is available to buy in most pet supply stores and on websites that sell pet supplies. There are other brands of kitten formula available as well.
How do I know if my cat has enough milk for her kittens?
The best way to determine if your cat is producing milk is by observing the kittens. Newborns spend long hours nursing - up to 8 hours per day - with sessions lasting up to 45 minutes. When the mother's milk is being let down, the kittens will each latch onto a preferred nipple and stay there.
Can cats drink breast milk?
Kittens have an enzyme in their stomachs that allows them to break down lactose from their mother's milk, but adult cats don't have this enzyme and lose the ability to digest milk sugars. Instead, the lactose in the milk may cause an upset stomach when it begins to ferment.
Is tuna good for pregnant cats?
Harmful Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat: Tuna, Milk, Raw Fish, and More.
Can cats eat eggs?
Absolutely not, says the American Verterinary Medical Association. That's because, just like humans, cats can contract salmonella or E. coli bacteria from consuming raw eggs (or raw meat). Symptoms of poisoning from these pathogens vary but can include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Can I give my pregnant cat milk?
At the beginning of her pregnancy, you should feed your queen a fat-rich diet, specifically designed to support gestation and, later, the production of milk to feed her kittens.
What do I do when my cat's giving birth?
Most of the time, cat owners should not interfere with a mother cat that is delivering because in most cases, mother cats instinctually know what t...
What are the signs that your cat is in labor?
Signs of labor in cats include clear or colored vaginal discharge, intense abdominal straining, and the appearance of kittens. A cat that is about...
How long can cats be in labor?
Cats have three stages of labor, and labor can last anywhere from 16 hours to 3 days in most cats, depending on how many kittens are being delivered.
Should I leave my cat alone while giving birth?
Most of the time, cat owners should not interfere with a mother cat that is delivering because in most cases, mother cats instinctually know what t...
What to do after a cat gives birth?
After your cat has given birth, she'll usually provide the warmth and nutrition that her kittens need. Keep a careful eye on her, while maintaining a respectable distance, to make sure they are all safe and well. Help! My cat has had kittens during lockdown!
What to do if kittens don't start feeding?
If the kittens don't start feeding, ask your vet for advice. You may need to start giving the kitten a substitute milk - but follow the instructions carefully. Remember, newborn kittens cannot go more than a few hours without milk. If the queen is calm and settled, you may wish to quickly and quietly check each kitten.
How to get kittens to suckle?
Keep the room temperature warm and the bedding clean and dry. Feeding - the kittens should start to suckle from their mother almost immediately. If they haven't started after half an hour, gently guide them towards the teats. If the kittens don't start feeding , ask your vet for advice.
What does it mean when a kitten's mammary gland is off colour?
mastitis - infection of a mammary gland that becomes hot, painful and engorged. The queen may be off colour. Talk to your vet if you notice any unusual behaviour. If you need to take the queen to the vet, ask if you should transport the kittens with her.
How old should kittens be to be pregnant?
Ensure they stay indoors until they can be neutered by a vet - remember, kittens can get pregnant from four months of age. Don't advertise your kittens on Facebook.
What to do if the Queen refuses to give birth to a kitten?
if the queen seems to ignore or reject one of her kittens, putting some of the birthing fluids on the kitten may help her to accept it. if the queen is not comfortable in her environment, she may try to move the kittens in her mouth to a preferred location.
What happens after birth?
See also - Hand rearing. When to call the vet. After birth, there are a few problems that can occur: bleeding from the vagina or unusual vaginal discharge. prolapse of the uterus (womb) - straining can occasionally cause the uterus to be pushed out.
What is it called when a cat gives birth?
When cats give birth, it is called queening. The queening process looks very similar to birthing in humans. When a cat gives birth, it is called queening. Most cats give birth to kittens in the same way that humans give birth: they deliver kittens including the placenta and the umbilical cord through the birth canal and out the vagina, ...
What temperature does a cat have to be before giving birth?
The mother cat will usually refuse food starting 24 hours before giving birth, and her body temperature may drop under 100 degrees F. Pregnant cats in stage one rarely have discharge from their vulva.
How do cats go through labor?
Stages Of Labor In Cats. Cats go through several stages of labor, starting when the uterus starts to contract, the cervix relaxes, and the cat’s water breaks. Just like humans, cats go through several stages of labor when they are about to give birth. The first stage of labor happens when the uterus, the hollow organ inside a cat’s belly where ...
How to keep kittens in nesting box?
The nesting box should have sides that are tall enough to keep the kittens in for the first few weeks. Provide mother cat with a litter box and food and water bowls that are in the same area as the nesting box. If the mother cat isn’t nursing or is sick, then you will need to bottle feed the kittens.
What does it mean when a cat is hot and red?
sore abdomen. vomiting. panting. muscle tremors or spasms. inflamed nipple/mammary gland, may be hot, red, and have discharge (mastitis) In addition to supervising your mother cat, you’ll want to keep an eye on the kittens to ensure that they’re healthy. Newborn kittens need to stay warm and well fed.
How long does it take for a cat to deliver kittens?
This surgery is done under general anesthesia by a DVM. Normal gestation (the length of a cat’s pregnancy) lasts 63-65 days. Mother cats typically know what to do when it is time ...
How long does it take for a cat to labor?
Stage one lasts anywhere from 6-12 hours on average (up to 36 hours in first time mothers).
How to feed a pregnant cat?
How should these foods be fed to pregnant or nursing cats? 1 Pregnant cats: Feed the suggested amount on the packaging. Continue to feed a kitten food to the mother until her kittens are weaned. 2 Nursing cats: Leave food available for the mother at all times after the kittens are born. This will ultimately help to wean the kittens to a regular food and provide the mother with high-energy food she will need during this time.
How should pregnant cats be fed?
How should these foods be fed to pregnant or nursing cats? Pregnant cats: Feed the suggested amount on the packaging. Continue to feed a kitten food to the mother until her kittens are weaned. Nursing cats: Leave food available for the mother at all times after the kittens are born.
Why are kittens high in protein?
Increased protein for growth and development of the kittens. Increased fat to meet the high demand for calories of the mother. Increased calcium and phosphorus for bone growth of kittens and milk production of their mother. High digestibility to provide more calories in a smaller amount of food.
How long does it take for a cat to be pregnant?
Typical gestation (pregnancy) averages 63-65 days. 2 We recommend that you see a veterinarian weekly during pregnancy and nursing to assess weight and food intake. Please speak with your veterinarian to determine how often your cat should be examined during pregnancy and after the birth of her kittens.
What is the most energy-demanding stage of a cat's life?
Nursing is the most energy-demanding stage of a cat’s life. Nursing cats have 2 to 6 times the energy requirements of a healthy adult cat.
Can you feed a pregnant cat Hill's Science Diet?
It is extremely important to feed your pregnant or nursing cat a food that provides the increased nutrition she needs. We recommend feeding Hill’s® Science Diet® Kitten Food formulas as soon as you discover your cat is pregnant. These formulas are rich in essential nutrients and support development of the kittens during pregnancy.
What to feed a nursing mother cat?
A nursing mother needs extra nutrition and calories, so feed your cat a high-quality kitten-formula food. Offer plenty of wet and dry food to the mother, and increase the amount of food that you offer so that she always has access to it. Always have fresh water available, too.
How long does it take for a cat to give birth?
It can take your cat from two to 24 hours to give birth, so you may need to carefully monitor the birth for a while. Keep an eye on the process without disturbing the mother cat, though, by entering the room quietly and staying away as much as possible. While it's best to let your cat handle the birth herself, sometimes you may need to intervene.
How to cut a cat's cord?
If your cat has just given birth and doesn't do this, you should cut the cord using sterilized scissors and tie it off about an inch from the kitten's body. Make sure that the remaining cord attached to the kitten is short so that the mother cat doesn't chew on it.
How to help a nursing mother?
Increase the mother's nutrition. A nursing mother needs extra nutrition and calories, so feed your cat a high-quality kitten-formula food. Offer plenty of wet and dry food to the mother, and increase the amount of food that you offer so that she always has access to it. Always have fresh water available, too.
Can a cat handle a kitten's birth?
While it's best to let your cat handle the birth herself, sometimes you may need to intervene. As the kittens are born, they'll be in a thin membrane sac, and your cat should remove this sac immediately. If she doesn't, you'll need to tear it open with your hands so that the kittens can breathe.
When to feed a pregnant cat?
Switch her to a wet kitten food at about the midpoint of her pregnancy, which is around the 5th week. As her kittens grow, your cat will eat smaller portions of food, but she’ll want to eat more frequently, ...
How to help a cat gain weight after giving birth?
Give the cat a dish of this food three times daily, spaced at regular intervals . If you notice the cat continuing to gain weight after giving birth, you may need to cut back on the food.
What is a pregnant cat called?
A pregnant cat is referred to as a “queen.”. Thanks! Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Throughout your cat’s pregnancy and nursing, make sure that she always has access to clean, fresh water.
How long does it take for a cat to eat kitten food?
A cat’s pregnancy typically lasts from 58–70 days. Plan to switch your queen to the nutritious kitten food by about the 5th week (35 days).
Why is it important for a cat to eat calcium after giving birth?
It’s important that your mother cat consumes food containing plenty of calcium shortly after giving birth. Calci um will increase the mother’s milk production , which in turn will encourage bone growth in the developing kittens. Check the nutritional information on canned cat foods to find one that is high in calcium.
When can you transition a cat back to adult food?
However, once the kittens have weaned (usually around 6–10 weeks after birth), you can transition the mother cat back to an adult food.
How long does a cat stay in heat?
The cat will remain in heat for about 10 to 14 days. If your female cat is in heat and is allowed to go outside, she’ll attempt to attract and mate with male cats. Naturally, there is a high chance that she’ll become pregnant because cats are spontaneous ovulators.
How long does it take for a kitten to eat after birth?
The queen may not be interested in food immediately after the birth but should resume eating within 24 hours, if she hasn’t, seek veterinary attention. The socialisation of the kittens is important, but avoid handling the kittens as much as possible for the first two weeks.
How to clean a cat after birth?
Immediately after the birth: Quickly transfer the mother cat and her kittens to a soft blanket or towel, remove the soiled bedding and replace it with clean. Line the bottom of the nest with newspapers or puppy pads and place soft blankets on top. Kittens eat and sleep for the first two weeks of life and during this early period ...
What does it mean when a kitten cries?
Disinterest in a kitten or kittens: Not nursing or responding when a kitten cries, pushing a kitten or kittens away. Acute metritis: Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, foul-smelling discharge. Mastitis: Swollen and painful mammary glands, fever, the milk may be blood-tinged.
How many placentas should be in a kitten?
Keep a close eye on the queen and count the number of kittens and placentas. There should be one placenta per kitten. If there are more kittens than placentas, seek veterinary help as a retained placenta can lead to a uterine infection.
How to keep kittens warm?
Kittens are unable to regulate their body temperature, therefore ensure the temperature of the room they are housed in is warm. Provide water, good quality food, and a litter tray within close proximity to the nest.
How long do kittens sleep?
Kittens eat and sleep for the first two weeks of life and during this early period the queen will only leave them to eat, drink or toilet. Place the nursing box in a quiet area of the house, free of drafts.
How many calories should a nursing mother feed her kittens?
Nursing mothers with more than two kittens need between 2 and 2.5 times the calories they needed at the time of mating (page 5). Feed a highly palatable, high-calorie food during this time, your veterinarian can recommend the best product to meet the queen’s needs. Ensure fresh, clean drinking water is also available.
