Hi, I have a mother cat who's kittens have just gone to new homes. She had 4 gorgeous kittens and we made sure they were eating well, using litter tray etc and kept them separate from mum (apart from the evenings) for 4 days before we let them go. Both she and they were all happy like this. Now they've gone though, she is very different. She won't eat and seems really sad. I've tried tempting her with her usual favourites but she isn't interested. I've never seen this before with other cats and other litters. Is it normal? How do I get her to eat or do I just give her a couple of days and see what she does. She is happy to be made a fuss of, purring and everything, but seems lost on her own. Her milk is drying up, as it has been for the last week or so, and her tummy is no longer feeling like cardboard but feels soft again. Any ideas?
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mum cat not eating
- Thread starter fragin
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Do you have a vet handy and phone her? I mean, if it is not the separation depression, but something physical...
Ask a vet is never wrong.
Feliway is perhaps worth trying.
Is she alone cat? She perhaps wants cat company now, as she got accustomed to have other cats around (=her kittens).
Ask a vet is never wrong.
Feliway is perhaps worth trying.
Is she alone cat? She perhaps wants cat company now, as she got accustomed to have other cats around (=her kittens).
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- #3
hi
I can contact my vet tomorrow morning. She is not alone, she has her sister and another cat around her so she has company! As well as my kids to keep her occupied............
Am baffled, it seems a coincidence that she is like this at the same time as the kittens going, but she had been apart from them for days before they went so really confused.
I can contact my vet tomorrow morning. She is not alone, she has her sister and another cat around her so she has company! As well as my kids to keep her occupied............
Am baffled, it seems a coincidence that she is like this at the same time as the kittens going, but she had been apart from them for days before they went so really confused.
How old were the kittens before they left? If her milk is only now drying up, it sounds as if they may not have been fully weaned. Momcats usually wean their kittens and then spend a few weeks teaching them to hunt, socialise etc before they are ready to leave her, and she is ready to let go of them. If they have left her early, then she is understandably upset and will take time to get over their loss.
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- #5
ok, have taken my cat to vet as she has now started being sick and still seems really low.
He has checked her thoroughly and says she has a bit of a fever (104.7) and has given her a penicillin injection and an injection to lower her temperature. He says there must be a bug going around as she is the 3rd cat he has seen today who has been brought in like this. Very strange. He says its nothing to do with the kittens going and her teats etc are all drying up fine.
The kittens were nearly 8 weeks when they went - they had been fully weaned and had been kept separate from mum for the last 4 days (other than the evenings when they played together). Obviously in the evenings they would have an occasional suckle but it wasn't needed other than for comfort. But cats will do that up til 6 months and beyond anyway given the chance! My vet was very happy with when the kittens went - he says 6-7 weeks is ideal as long as they are properly weaned and litter trained. I've never had any problems before with any of my other cats or kittens that have gone.
She's back to the vet on Tuesday for a checkup and to see if her fever is gone or if she needs further treatment so here's hoping she recovers quickly. And that the other cats don't catch whatever it is.........
He has checked her thoroughly and says she has a bit of a fever (104.7) and has given her a penicillin injection and an injection to lower her temperature. He says there must be a bug going around as she is the 3rd cat he has seen today who has been brought in like this. Very strange. He says its nothing to do with the kittens going and her teats etc are all drying up fine.
The kittens were nearly 8 weeks when they went - they had been fully weaned and had been kept separate from mum for the last 4 days (other than the evenings when they played together). Obviously in the evenings they would have an occasional suckle but it wasn't needed other than for comfort. But cats will do that up til 6 months and beyond anyway given the chance! My vet was very happy with when the kittens went - he says 6-7 weeks is ideal as long as they are properly weaned and litter trained. I've never had any problems before with any of my other cats or kittens that have gone.
She's back to the vet on Tuesday for a checkup and to see if her fever is gone or if she needs further treatment so here's hoping she recovers quickly. And that the other cats don't catch whatever it is.........
I've done a lot of research as of late (since my cat is expecting) which makes me NO expert...but most of it says you should wait till the kittens are 12wks+ so that they have learned everything they can from mom and siblings, mom should wean on her own mostly. But...if your vet seems please then that's great! Hope your mommy feels better...please let us know
I like knowing all i can for when my Nahla FINALLY has hers.
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6-7 weeks is much too young to be weaning kittens and sending them on to new homes. They have not been properly socialized or taught many things they need to learn from their mama and litter mates. Kittens taken away from their mamas that young tend to have behavior problems.
Anyway, too late now, but I hope you are going to get the poor mother spayed now, so she doesn't have to go through this again.
Anyway, too late now, but I hope you are going to get the poor mother spayed now, so she doesn't have to go through this again.
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- #8
I've been doing quite a bit of research on best times for kittens to leave their mums too, and there seems to be a real divide. Some say it is best to wait til 12 weeks or so, and to give them their first injections etc before they go. Others seem to say it is best for them to leave at 6-7 weeks as they then get properly socialised in their new homes whilst young. This is assuming they are eating and litter trained! When I got 2 of my cats who are sisters, they were just 6 weeks old and have had no problems, behavioural or otherwise since then. My vet advises me that 6-7 weeks is the best time for the kittens (who have been very gradually weaned since they were 3 weeks old) to find new homes and they have gone in pairs, and not on their own. They are not the first litter my cats have had (I have, at the moment, 3 adult cats) and I have had very positive feedback from everyone who has had the kittens before.
As the virus seems to be totally unrelated to the kittens going, I am probably going to allow my cat to have another litter once she has fully recovered as she is a very good mother and (usually) a very healthy cat.
I've gone on vets advice throughout, and love my cats, and certainly wouldn't do anything to hurt either them or their kittens.
As the virus seems to be totally unrelated to the kittens going, I am probably going to allow my cat to have another litter once she has fully recovered as she is a very good mother and (usually) a very healthy cat.
I've gone on vets advice throughout, and love my cats, and certainly wouldn't do anything to hurt either them or their kittens.
Good you did contacted the vet, and not only took it as a separation-depression.
Im wishing the mom good recovery,
and if you arent breeder, I recommend also a spaying.
When I was young, say 30 years ago, there was this great debate, if kittens should be sold at 6 weeks, or it was better to wait till they are 8.
I did side with those 8-weeks believers...
But the nowaday standard is at least 10, preferably 12 weeks. Dont hurt if even some longer... As it may easy be for a breeder if she also want to give them the full vaccinations including vet check up before they go.
Why still this talking about 6-8 weeks? Even a good vet?? I believe many are thinking on dogs. Dog puppies do manage better this 7-8 weeks separation.
Another reason is many people believes they must be young to really bond to their owners.
As we cat lowers knows, this is not thrue. Cats do bond and give you their friendship and love also as grown ups, if you are friendly and reliable. Preferably being their Mom or Dad. (if you are Owner or Master they do not bond as strongly)
I guess dogs too bond as grown ups, but I do know less about dogs so I cant swear on it.
Im wishing the mom good recovery,
and if you arent breeder, I recommend also a spaying.
When I was young, say 30 years ago, there was this great debate, if kittens should be sold at 6 weeks, or it was better to wait till they are 8.
I did side with those 8-weeks believers...
But the nowaday standard is at least 10, preferably 12 weeks. Dont hurt if even some longer... As it may easy be for a breeder if she also want to give them the full vaccinations including vet check up before they go.
Why still this talking about 6-8 weeks? Even a good vet?? I believe many are thinking on dogs. Dog puppies do manage better this 7-8 weeks separation.
Another reason is many people believes they must be young to really bond to their owners.
As we cat lowers knows, this is not thrue. Cats do bond and give you their friendship and love also as grown ups, if you are friendly and reliable. Preferably being their Mom or Dad. (if you are Owner or Master they do not bond as strongly)
I guess dogs too bond as grown ups, but I do know less about dogs so I cant swear on it.
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Awww, please don't make her do it again. It's so hard on them, and now she's had this illness. Why risk her health again?
Are you a breeder for a specific breed? Are you selling these kittens for profit? If you are not a breeder, and are selling for profit, that makes you a kitten mill. I am not trying to offend, I am just concerned about your cats, and all the cats you keep producing. Please do get them all spayed and neutered, the world has plenty of kittens already.
I rescued a five week old stray, and he did fine, too. Because I had two 8 year old cats to teach him how to be a cat.
Beginning to wean them at 3 weeks is, please forgive me for saying so, outrageous in my opinion, and again, sounds kind of "off" to me.
No,no, no... do NOT BREED her again unless you are a registered breeder and you are trying to continue a pure bloodline of some sort. For crying out loud!!! Ask anyone who works in animal welfare in the UK and they will tell you - unequivocally - every shelter in the place is over-run with unwanted kittens and cats.
If your cat is just a sweet moggie- well I can tell you that "sweet moggies" are dying every day because no one wants them. In the UK, in the US.. and elswhere around the world.
Please - get her fixed.
And yes - 6-7 weeks is too young. You have had two kittens that you got at that age w/no problems. That's good. However.... That is not a substantial survey/cross section of kitten to cat bad behavior. Again, ask some good rescuers. 8-10 weeks. 12 if you can keep them together that long. No reputable rescue I have ever associated with adopted out kits that young. In the state of Michigan, pet stores cannot sell pups and kits under 8 weeks. That is the LAW here.
Thank you. I will get off my soapbox now.
If your cat is just a sweet moggie- well I can tell you that "sweet moggies" are dying every day because no one wants them. In the UK, in the US.. and elswhere around the world.
Please - get her fixed.
And yes - 6-7 weeks is too young. You have had two kittens that you got at that age w/no problems. That's good. However.... That is not a substantial survey/cross section of kitten to cat bad behavior. Again, ask some good rescuers. 8-10 weeks. 12 if you can keep them together that long. No reputable rescue I have ever associated with adopted out kits that young. In the state of Michigan, pet stores cannot sell pups and kits under 8 weeks. That is the LAW here.
Thank you. I will get off my soapbox now.
PLEASE don't think we are trying to harass you. We just want whats best for your cats and to try and keep all those loveable little fur balls out of the local shelters and streets! That said....
IF your not a registered breeder you should NOT let your cats have multiple litters, please get them all fixed. It makes it easier and healthier on mom and will save some lives in the future!
I hope your momma is doing better and has a speedy recovery! Please stick around and give us updates.
IF your not a registered breeder you should NOT let your cats have multiple litters, please get them all fixed. It makes it easier and healthier on mom and will save some lives in the future!
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- #13
Thanks for all the comments. I'm happy to say that following a course of antibiotics, mum cat is now healthy and happy once again. The vet confirmed that it had absolutely nothing to do with kittens as he has treated a number of cats in my area with the same bug.
I had a long talk with the vet (not looking forward to my bill when it comes......) and he says that it does my cats no harm whatsoever to have a couple of litters of kittens (I certainly don't go on for years letting them get pregnant with no rest). As long as they are healthy to start with, he says it is fine for them. And he maintains that 6-7 weeks is the ideal time for the kittens to go, assuming they are weaned and litter trained. It seems there is no conclusive agreement any way, and vets have their opinions, just like us. I've checked up on the kittens that have gone to new homes, and they are all really happy and settled well with no toilet accidents or anything. He also told me that weaning is best started once the kittens have their eyes open, and can control their heads. I start them at about 3 weeks, but it is not in replacement of their mother, its literally just some very softened biscuit dabbed on their nose a couple of times a day, and them put to the dish beside mum while she eats her food. This way they get the idea, and when they are ready (which varies enormously), they start to eat it themselves, progressing on to the wet food and harder biscuit. Same as when they start eating properly, I will plonk them on the litter tray when I see them settling down in a corner of the house!
I don't let my cats have kittens with no thought. I know there are hundreds of unwanted cats out there (I've taken in several strays over the years myself). But there are also people who are desperate for kittens, rather than older cats, and cannot find them. It is usually friends, or friends of friends who ring me and ask if I have any. Especially people with children who want a child to be able to see a cat grow up with them. At the moment I have 3 cats, but I've had up to 7 (not including kittens) at any one time. I love cats and would never do them any harm.
Nor do I do this in any way for profit. As you all know, having kittens, and cats, is not cheap and, by the time you pay for good food, litter, toys, bedding, worming, flea treating, insurance, injections and vet treatment, you are normally the one out of pocket! But its worth it. One kitten from a previous cat went to a friend with an autistic son. The joy that boy has had from the cat over the last 2 years, and the bond it has helped him form with an animal is beyond measure. I see him regularly and it is wonderful to watch. And certainly the most spoilt cat I have ever known!!!
Really grateful for everyones help, and think these forums are great, but we all need to remember that there are several different approaches when raising kittens and cats, just as there are with kids! As long as they are healthy, well looked after and loved, they will flourish.
I had a long talk with the vet (not looking forward to my bill when it comes......) and he says that it does my cats no harm whatsoever to have a couple of litters of kittens (I certainly don't go on for years letting them get pregnant with no rest). As long as they are healthy to start with, he says it is fine for them. And he maintains that 6-7 weeks is the ideal time for the kittens to go, assuming they are weaned and litter trained. It seems there is no conclusive agreement any way, and vets have their opinions, just like us. I've checked up on the kittens that have gone to new homes, and they are all really happy and settled well with no toilet accidents or anything. He also told me that weaning is best started once the kittens have their eyes open, and can control their heads. I start them at about 3 weeks, but it is not in replacement of their mother, its literally just some very softened biscuit dabbed on their nose a couple of times a day, and them put to the dish beside mum while she eats her food. This way they get the idea, and when they are ready (which varies enormously), they start to eat it themselves, progressing on to the wet food and harder biscuit. Same as when they start eating properly, I will plonk them on the litter tray when I see them settling down in a corner of the house!
I don't let my cats have kittens with no thought. I know there are hundreds of unwanted cats out there (I've taken in several strays over the years myself). But there are also people who are desperate for kittens, rather than older cats, and cannot find them. It is usually friends, or friends of friends who ring me and ask if I have any. Especially people with children who want a child to be able to see a cat grow up with them. At the moment I have 3 cats, but I've had up to 7 (not including kittens) at any one time. I love cats and would never do them any harm.
Nor do I do this in any way for profit. As you all know, having kittens, and cats, is not cheap and, by the time you pay for good food, litter, toys, bedding, worming, flea treating, insurance, injections and vet treatment, you are normally the one out of pocket! But its worth it. One kitten from a previous cat went to a friend with an autistic son. The joy that boy has had from the cat over the last 2 years, and the bond it has helped him form with an animal is beyond measure. I see him regularly and it is wonderful to watch. And certainly the most spoilt cat I have ever known!!!
Really grateful for everyones help, and think these forums are great, but we all need to remember that there are several different approaches when raising kittens and cats, just as there are with kids! As long as they are healthy, well looked after and loved, they will flourish.
It is very nice you love your kitties and are able to find homes. I don't know how you do it. There are "free kitten" signs all over the place.
It sounds like you are not open to the suggestions that you spay your momma cat. That is too bad. I could not in good conscience, make her go through this again.
As for there being no kittens? There are kittens everywhere. Everytime you breed your cat, you are taking away the possibility of one of these other babies being adopted.
I think you do love your cats. But, IMO, and only my opinion, you are contributing to the problem of over population. It is at epidemic levels. No one I know would deliberately breed their cat, unless they are a breeder.
I ask you to please reconsider your decision.
It sounds like you are not open to the suggestions that you spay your momma cat. That is too bad. I could not in good conscience, make her go through this again.
As for there being no kittens? There are kittens everywhere. Everytime you breed your cat, you are taking away the possibility of one of these other babies being adopted.
I think you do love your cats. But, IMO, and only my opinion, you are contributing to the problem of over population. It is at epidemic levels. No one I know would deliberately breed their cat, unless they are a breeder.
I ask you to please reconsider your decision.
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Please do reconsider and stop making kittens. Thousands of kittens every day are euthanized in shelters. More are dumped on the street or in the woods, I just read the other day of some people who rescued a box of kittens that had been put in the middle of a busy road.
Every kitten you deliberately make, is the death of another kitten in a shelter, another kitten thrown out a car window.
And of course there is what you are doing to your cats. Mating hurts the female. Pregnancy is an incredible strain on her body. Giving birth hurts. Please just get your cats spayed and neutered and enjoy them for who they are. Your friends don't need you to be a kitten factory, there are plenty of kittens to go around.
As for your vet, holy moly, if I had a vet who approved of random breeding of cats, and of weaning at 3 weeks, and separation at 6-7 weeks, I think I'd report him for malpractice! I think your vet just likes your money, so will tell you what you want to hear.
I'm not in the habit of vet bashing, I love my vet, but there are some unscrupulous vets out there, sounds like you have one.
Every kitten you deliberately make, is the death of another kitten in a shelter, another kitten thrown out a car window.
And of course there is what you are doing to your cats. Mating hurts the female. Pregnancy is an incredible strain on her body. Giving birth hurts. Please just get your cats spayed and neutered and enjoy them for who they are. Your friends don't need you to be a kitten factory, there are plenty of kittens to go around.
As for your vet, holy moly, if I had a vet who approved of random breeding of cats, and of weaning at 3 weeks, and separation at 6-7 weeks, I think I'd report him for malpractice! I think your vet just likes your money, so will tell you what you want to hear.
I'm not in the habit of vet bashing, I love my vet, but there are some unscrupulous vets out there, sounds like you have one.
I'm going to play the devil's advocate and say it's your choice.
However, you need to understand the RISK you are taking and the risk you are putting kittens in with not spaying momma cat and breeding further. Do take what everyone said here and think long about it. They all bring up valid points.
We can't save everyone and everything. We certainly can't tell people to stop having children because there are millions of orphans in the world. But we need to understand in our hearts that we shouldn't be the cause of kittens becoming orphans.
However, you need to understand the RISK you are taking and the risk you are putting kittens in with not spaying momma cat and breeding further. Do take what everyone said here and think long about it. They all bring up valid points.
We can't save everyone and everything. We certainly can't tell people to stop having children because there are millions of orphans in the world. But we need to understand in our hearts that we shouldn't be the cause of kittens becoming orphans.
Spaying/Neutering is always the way to go. However, also playing Devils Advocate here, if you have responsbile people for the kittens to go to, that have already placed in interest in adopting the kittens, then I don't see a problem. As long as those people spray and neuter those kittens when they are old enough.
Don't make my mistake and leave it too late
Don't make my mistake and leave it too late
