momma's looking awfully thin

My cat had 6 kittens a week and a half ago.  She was always a slim cat, but now she's super thin, as in, her hip bones are protruding.  She's producing enough milk - the kittens are growing like gangbusters.  She doesn't seem sickly.  But I'm concerned.

She's never eaten anything but dry food.  Some tuna fish, though she'd prefer just to drink the juice rather than eat the meat.  She's been eating kitten food for months, because we've been trying to breed her, and the first two cycles didn't take.  That's my theory as to why there isn't a runt out of a litter of 6 - she's been getting tons of extra nutrition. 

I've been trying to give her tuna and turkey, and she eats it a little bit.  She's not eating any where near as much as when she was pregnant.  Should I be concerned about how thin she is?  Like I said, no one's complaining, and no one's acting sick.

Is there anything else I can try to get her to eat more?  She won't touch canned food.  She's drinking tons.  Am I being paranoid?

Thanks for the help!

What dry food are you feeding her? Is it kitten food or at least a high quality all-stages food? I know some people will also give mom KMR (kitten milk replacement) to supplement her nutrition.

I was wondering the same thing.

I would be concerned about how thin she is; her milk may not have the necessary nutrients in the necessary quantities if she is malnourished (under weight).  And, it's hard giving birth, so she may have used up extra calories that way.

In so far as getting her to eat more:  you could try toppers (parmesan cheese, fish flakes) or KMR, yeah I know it's for kittens but mother really needs the calories.  If it is a decreased appetite situation, you might want to check with your vet and ask for an appetite enhancement.

What kind (brand/type) of dry food are you feeding?  I would get the highest quality you can find, and buy the kitten version if one is available.

She is eating Purina Kitten Chow.  Not the best probably, but definitely kitten food.

I'll look into the kitten formula.  I doubt she'll drink it, because she won't have anything to do with milk or cheese.  But it's worth a shot.

If she does keep getting smaller I'll call the vet. They're probably sick of me by now - I've been calling them about every other day!

What breed is she?

I've noticed that most nursing mothers do tend to look a bit straggly. But normally they eat a lot more than usual. If she isn't eating enough something else may be wrong. When was the last time she was de-wormed?

I would get her on something better for food. Even Iams or Purina ONE kitten foods would be better, if selection is limited.