Why Isn't My Cat Feeding Her Kittens?

It can be distressing for cat owners when their cat doesn't feed her kittens. While mother cats usually know how to care for their kittens, there are several reasons why a mother cat might not be feeding her kittens. This could be due to illness, poor nutrition, or a large litter size. In some cases, the mother cat may be stressed or feel unsafe, which can interfere with her ability to nurse. Additionally, some kittens may have medical issues that make it difficult for them to latch and feed. If a cat owner notices that their cat is not feeding her kittens, it is important to consult a veterinarian, as they can help determine the cause and provide guidance on how to care for the kittens.

Mother cat may be ill or malnourished

If a mother cat is ill or malnourished, she may be unable to care for her kittens. In some cases, an illness will prevent her from producing enough milk for her kittens. Conditions such as mastitis can affect a mother cat's ability to nurse, and dehydration and malnourishment will also impact her milk supply. It is therefore important to ensure that pregnant and nursing cats have access to high-quality, nutrient-dense food and water at all times.

Mother cats who are ill or malnourished may also reject their kittens due to the stress of intruders near the nest and a lack of resources. This is more common in young and/or inexperienced mothers. If a mother cat is unwell, she may sense that her kittens are unhealthy and choose not to "bother" with them, saving her energy for her own recovery.

If you suspect that a mother cat is ill or malnourished, it is important to consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian may recommend bringing the mother and all of her kittens in for an exam, as the problem may be with a particular kitten or multiple kittens rather than the mother cat herself.

Kittens have medical issues or deformities

Kittens with medical issues or deformities may be rejected by their mother. Mother cats may reject kittens with a medical issue or anatomical defect. The mother cat may detect or suspect a health problem in one or more kittens and refuse to nurse that individual. She may put the sick kitten out of the nesting box in an instinctive attempt to protect the other kittens. The problem could be an obvious congenital abnormality, a major illness, or something more subtle.

Kittens with medical issues may have trouble latching and getting adequate milk from nursing. These problems can be exacerbated in large litters of kittens when there is more competition for time and space to nurse. If the mother cat has a large litter, she may not have enough teats to feed all of her kittens at the same time. She may also not produce enough milk to feed everyone, and the larger, stronger kittens may outcompete the smaller ones.

If you notice that the mother cat is rejecting a kitten due to a medical issue or deformity, do not place the rejected kitten back into the nesting box as this is unlikely to be successful and may stress the mother further. Instead, consult your veterinarian on the proper way to bottle-feed and keep the rejected kitten warm. Make arrangements to have the kitten examined by your vet as soon as possible.

It is important to monitor the kittens' weights daily using a gram scale. Kittens should be bottle-fed kitten milk replacer (KMR) or goat milk every two hours, and the amount fed should be approximately 3 to 5 milliliters (up to 1 teaspoon) per kitten per feeding. Most kittens will stop suckling when they are full, so if a kitten unlatches from the bottle, it is likely full. Additionally, stop feeding if you notice formula coming out of the kitten's nose or if you feel that its belly is distended.

If you have seen your veterinarian and it has been determined that ongoing bottle-feeding is necessary, it is important to plan ahead for the coming weeks. Kittens should be easily identifiable from one another so you can accurately keep track of which kittens have been fed, how much they have eaten, and monitor their weights and any other signs of illness. The easiest way to do this is to place collars on them to tell them apart, ensuring that the collars are small enough so as not to interfere with nursing or mobility.

Remember that your veterinarian is the best source of information when it comes to kitten care. Ask your vet for guidance on the amount and frequency of feedings, how to help the kittens urinate and defecate, and how to keep them clean and warm.

Owner intervention

Consult a veterinarian:

It is important to first consult a veterinarian, especially one with experience in cat reproductive health. They can examine both the mother cat and the kittens to identify any medical issues that may be causing the feeding challenges. A veterinarian can also provide guidance on proper care and interventions.

Provide adequate nutrition for the mother cat:

Ensure that the mother cat has access to high-quality, nutrient-dense food at all times. Nursing cats require a sufficient intake of nutrients to produce enough milk for their kittens. Dehydration and malnourishment can lead to a decrease in milk supply.

Minimize stress for the mother cat:

Create a warm, private, and quiet environment for the mother cat and her kittens to bond and nurse. Keep the area clean and comfortable, providing easy access to food and water. Minimize handling of the kittens, especially during the first two weeks, as this can cause stress for the mother and remove her scent from the kittens, leading to potential rejection.

Monitor the kittens' weight and health:

Weigh the kittens daily using a gram scale to ensure they are gaining weight appropriately. Kittens should never be losing weight. Monitor their overall health, including urine and bowel movements. If any kitten appears weak, slow to gain weight, or has infrequent urine and bowel movements, consult your veterinarian.

Supplement with bottle-feeding:

If the mother cat is unable to produce enough milk or is rejecting some of the kittens, you may need to intervene by bottle-feeding kitten formula. Kitten milk replacer (KMR) is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of newborn kittens and can be purchased from pet supply stores or websites. Do not feed cow's milk or human baby formula, as these can lead to serious health problems in kittens.

Socialize the kittens gradually:

While minimizing disturbances during the first two weeks, gradually introduce socialization for the kittens from the age of two weeks. This will help them get used to being handled for short periods, which can reduce stress for the mother cat and decrease the risk of rejection.

Spay the mother cat:

If the mother cat fully rejects her kittens, consider having her spayed to prevent future litters that may face similar challenges. Cats can go into heat quickly, especially if the kittens are not nursing.

Large litter size

A mother cat may reject her kittens if the litter is too large. If there are not enough teats for all the kittens to feed at the same time, the mother may reject some kittens to save milk for the others. The larger, stronger kittens may outcompete the smaller ones, and the mother may reject any that are ill or become too weak. In this case, it is best to bottle-feed the kittens that seem small, are nursing less often, or are separated from the rest of the litter.

If the mother cat has a large litter, she may also not produce enough milk to feed all of her kittens. This can be exacerbated if the mother is still very young and is still growing herself. In this case, she may lack the energy reserves to produce enough milk for a large litter. If the mother cat is very thin, she may not have enough energy to produce milk for a large litter.

If you suspect that the mother cat is rejecting her kittens because the litter is too large, it is important to contact your veterinarian for advice. You may need to supplement the mother's milk supply by bottle-feeding the kittens. This can be done with kitten milk replacer (KMR) or goat's milk, which can be purchased from most pet supply stores. It is important to feed the kittens at least every four hours and to ensure they are gaining weight.

Cat is a new mother

If your cat has recently given birth, congratulations! You're now the owner of a new mother cat, also known as a queen. This is an exciting time, but it can also be a little overwhelming, especially if this is your cat's first litter. Here are some things to keep in mind and instructions to ensure the health and well-being of the new mother and her kittens:

Provide a Comfortable Space

It is important to create a comfortable and private space for the new mother and her kittens. Set up a large box with soft, clean bedding in a warm, quiet, and private area. Make sure the mother cat has easy access to food and water so that she doesn't have to leave the kittens unattended for too long. Cats in the wild would need to leave their kittens to hunt for food, but as a domestic cat owner, you can minimise this by providing food and water close by.

Monitor Interactions

In the first two weeks, it is best to minimise interactions with the mother cat and her kittens. Maternal instincts are strong, but too much interference can cause stress and even lead to rejection of the kittens. Allow the mother and her kittens to bond and relax without too much disturbance. If there are other pets in the household, keep them away from the mother cat and her kittens to avoid any additional stress.

Signs of Rejection

In some cases, a mother cat may reject her kittens. This can be due to various reasons, such as illness, poor nutrition, or the detection of a health problem in one or more of the kittens. If you notice any of the following signs, the mother cat may be rejecting her kittens:

• She ignores certain kittens and refuses to allow them to nurse.
• She moves one or more kittens to a different location from the nest.
• She hisses at or tries to bite the kittens.
• She doesn't seem interested in spending time with her kittens or leaves them for prolonged periods.

What to do if the Mother Cat Rejects her Kittens

If you suspect that the mother cat is rejecting her kittens, it is important to consult a veterinarian. They can examine the mother and kittens to check for any medical conditions, infections, or after-birth complications that may be causing the rejection. In the meantime, you may need to step in and care for the rejected kittens yourself. This may include bottle-feeding them with kitten formula and providing motherly care, such as helping them urinate and defecate after each feeding.

Nutritional Needs

It is crucial to ensure that the mother cat has access to high-quality, nutrient-dense cat food, especially while she is nursing. Very young cats may lack the energy reserves to produce enough milk, so it is important to provide them with the necessary nutrients to support their own health and the growth of their kittens.

Weaning Process

Kittens are typically weaned from their mother's milk onto solid foods between four and eight weeks of age. At this stage, you can start introducing canned kitten food while gradually reducing the amount of milk offered. By the time they are eight weeks old, they should be fully weaned and exploring their world separately.

Remember, each situation is unique, and it is always best to consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about the health and well-being of the new mother cat and her kittens.

Frequently asked questions