Hi, my name is Alie, and I'll properly introduce myself elsewhere, but for right now I need to ask about the lactation of a pregnant cat. Can a pregnant cat lactate and nurse a kitten before she gives birth to her litter? I'm asking because my Sadie gave birth May 16th, and I think I may have a runt on my hands. And I'm getting concerned that he may be in need of special attention (I'm calling him Six because he was the sixth and last kitten born). Now, I've built a little homemade incubator for him, but since I have another cat who is currently pregnant (Chai), I'm wondering if I can give him to her to nurse. This may sound strange, but despite my efforts to keep Chai (pregnant cat) out of the nursery room and kittening box I have set up for Sadie (nursing cat), she manages to get in; when she does, she assumes that Sadie's kittens are hers and takes care of them (which Sadie doesn't seem to mind at all). If I give Six (the runt) to Chai, will she lactate and be able to nurse him even though she hasn't had her kittens yet? Or should I hand-raise him? Side note: I've decided that this is the last time my queens will get pregnant; I'll be having them both spayed as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for any information and/or advice you can provide.
Thank you in advance for any information and/or advice you can provide.