Only 4 nipples "working"?

My mama cat has 6 nipples, but only 4 of them seem to be in action. The bottom 4 are large, the hair is missing from around them where the kittens are suckling, and they're definitely all in use. The top 2 nipples are regular sized, and there's no fur missing as though they've never been used.

Is it normal for 2 nipples to not work? It could certainly also explain why only 3 of the 6 kittens survived.

I'm probably one of the last people to be answering this question - but I was once told that if the kittens don't use the nipples they dry up. No idea whatsoever if that is true or not.

Originally Posted by white cat lover

I'm probably one of the last people to be answering this question - but I was once told that if the kittens don't use the nipples they dry up.

No idea whatsoever if that is true or not.

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But would they start out like that? The 3 kittens are always fighting for the "good" nipple, and little fatso eats enough for at least 2 kittens

I was told when my cat had one kitten that the kittens will choose which nipple they like and use that one and that one only. I know my ONE kitten only nursed off the top nipple from day one until he was about 4 1/2 mo old never touched another one even when the bottom 2 were so swollen with milk. I had to do hot compresses on the bottom ones etc. tried to get him to nurse off them and NOPE only that top one.....

My kittens seem to go to different nipples - it just depends on what's available. Fatso goes to the closest nipple on the top (depends on which way mum is lying), calico tries to get whatever fatso is suckling on, and the boy will take whatever his sisters aren't fighting over.

My five go to the same one everytime without fail--and will fight to whatever extent necessary to get to that nipple (push whoever is blocking their way off their own nipple--quite humorous)

Leslie

Myne go tothe same nipple every time.
its funny four nipples are full of milk and some are niot. kujo and princes go for the same nipple everytime kujo always win so princess go to her second choice

Originally Posted by sarahp

Edit: OOPS = title is wrong - I meant to say "Only 4 nipples working".

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All set.