my 1and a half year old cat had kittens 13 days ago. for the first week she was feeding them and cleaning them, also sleeping with them. Getting into the end of week two she seems restless. She doesn't sleep with the kittens anymore, she just feeds them and goes. Is she still interested in them? Do i need to step in?
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nursing mother cat leaving her babies
- Thread starter j balderas
- Start Date
The best way of determining whether they are getting enough food is to weigh them daily--how is their weight.
Has she had kittens before?
Your mother cat can go into heat really fast after delivering kittens. Whatever you do, don't let her outside.
Has she had kittens before?
Your mother cat can go into heat really fast after delivering kittens. Whatever you do, don't let her outside.
I second Ritz' comments.
It is normal the mom does not spend every moment with the kittens now. but the best way to make sure that she's feeding them enough is to weigh daily. and they should be gaining at least 10 grams a day ( = about an ounce every 3 days) . If not, you may need to keep the mom in the room with the kittens, and even go in and encourage her to nurse every few hours.
Make sure she is getting enough food. at this point she might be needing twice her normal amount, and she should be on a quality kitten food or "all life stages" food, preferably mostly wet food, to help keep well hydrated and because it is usually more animal protein and fat that she needs.
Her food needs will continue to increase until kittens start to eat some regular food.... usually the weaning process starts around 4-5 wks and then gradually over several weeks they nurse less and eat more.
The other issue is they do need to be kept warm. They still can't really regulate their body temp so well under 3 wks . So they need to be in an environment with temp in the 80s, or have a pet heating pad on low heat ( but with room for them to be able to move off it if they get too warm.
And yes absolutely you need to keep her inside and away from tomcats. A cat can get pregnant again even though she is nursing , but it would not be healthy for her or the kittens.
It is normal the mom does not spend every moment with the kittens now. but the best way to make sure that she's feeding them enough is to weigh daily. and they should be gaining at least 10 grams a day ( = about an ounce every 3 days) . If not, you may need to keep the mom in the room with the kittens, and even go in and encourage her to nurse every few hours.
Make sure she is getting enough food. at this point she might be needing twice her normal amount, and she should be on a quality kitten food or "all life stages" food, preferably mostly wet food, to help keep well hydrated and because it is usually more animal protein and fat that she needs.
Her food needs will continue to increase until kittens start to eat some regular food.... usually the weaning process starts around 4-5 wks and then gradually over several weeks they nurse less and eat more.
The other issue is they do need to be kept warm. They still can't really regulate their body temp so well under 3 wks . So they need to be in an environment with temp in the 80s, or have a pet heating pad on low heat ( but with room for them to be able to move off it if they get too warm.
And yes absolutely you need to keep her inside and away from tomcats. A cat can get pregnant again even though she is nursing , but it would not be healthy for her or the kittens.
Basically what they said. It is quite normal that she is spending less time with them, even a lot less. However, you have to weigh them each day and make sure they are gaining. If you are in the USA they should be gaining between.2 and .9 ounces per day, if not the grams given above are correct. Also make sure you have them in a warm place- they still can't regulate their body heat and are relying on mom or you for that.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #5
thank you everyone for your responses they are very helpful I have been feeding her Avoderm canned cat food is that good quality food?
also yes this is her first litter, when can I get her spayed?
Their weight seems where it's supposed to be. Here's some pictures
Their weight seems where it's supposed to be. Here's some pictures
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #6
Adorable...
Yes, Avoderm is a pretty good brand.
You can get mother cat spayed as soon as she is done weaning the kittens, I believe.
BUT she can get pregnant (come into heat) pretty quickly--before weaning. So, don't let her outside or around a male cat.
Yes, Avoderm is a pretty good brand.
You can get mother cat spayed as soon as she is done weaning the kittens, I believe.
BUT she can get pregnant (come into heat) pretty quickly--before weaning. So, don't let her outside or around a male cat.
