New Mother Cat not producing Milk

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crowinghen

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Shelter just called to see if I can take in more bottle babies because a young cat gave birth last night & isn't making milk for babies.  My instinct was to tell shelter I'd take the babies, but would like to take mom too, with hope that I can get her making milk.

Shelter said after 4 kittens were born she didn't show a lot of interest, but now she's licking and cuddling them.  That seemed like a hopeful sign.  She's people-friendly (from what I've heard) but not sure about this whole motherhood thing.  The shelter rotated the babies to other nursing moms for meals, and babies are holding on, but of course mom's milk would be best and safest. 

In the long run I'd much rather foster a mom and babies than bottle-feed a litter.  What do I do to encourage the mom to produce milk?  how will I be able to tell when she's doing better? 

I have a liter of frozen  goat colostrum I was going to try to get into the kittens, and thought I'd supplement the mom with some too if I can get her to take it.

Anything anyone has to suggest would be most appreciated.  Supposed to go pick them up in about 3-4 hours. 

Thanks!
 
talkingpeanut

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You're definitely right to take mom too! The kittens learn so much from her, and she will help to clean them. And her milk may still come in. Great instincts from you.

Some light massage may help the milk come in. Kittens suckling should also help. Can the shelter give her a shot to increase production?
 
StefanZ

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crowinghen said:
 
Shelter just called to see if I can take in more bottle babies because a young cat gave birth last night & isn't making milk for babies.  My instinct was to tell shelter I'd take the babies, but would like to take mom too, with hope that I can get her making milk.

Shelter said after 4 kittens were born she didn't show a lot of interest, but now she's licking and cuddling them.  That seemed like a hopeful sign.  She's people-friendly (from what I've heard) but not sure about this whole motherhood thing.  The shelter rotated the babies to other nursing moms for meals, and babies are holding on, but of course mom's milk would be best and safest. 

In the long run I'd much rather foster a mom and babies than bottle-feed a litter.  What do I do to encourage the mom to produce milk?  how will I be able to tell when she's doing better? 

I have a liter of frozen  goat colostrum I was going to try to get into the kittens, and thought I'd supplement the mom with some too if I can get her to take it.

Anything anyone has to suggest would be most appreciated.  Supposed to go pick them up in about 3-4 hours. 

Thanks!
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Yes, I agree, take the momma too. Esp is she tries to nurse them.  A caretaking mom is half the job, EVEN if she would never get the milk, or not get enough with milk.

But as said above, with a little luck she may get going.  its rare they never get any milk, although it happens they get it after the kittens are deliveried. Or get very liitle.

Good food of course.  Massage her tummy, if the kittens arent suckling.  Vitamine E is never wrong, so not her either. Calcium rich food.  Goats milk for example, is excellent for both mommas and kittens. Especielly if its raw - fresh or frozen. Youghurt, some cheese.  Or some calcium preparate.  Perhaps thoroughly crushed egg shell into a fine powder, sprinkle it some over her food.

Also, let her feel she is safe and loved.  This helps too!

Good luck!
 
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crowinghen

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Thank you both for your help!  I brought mom cat home an hour and a half ago, and now have them settled into their new enclosure.  It looks to me like she's possibly already making some milk, as her nipples feel full now.  I'm not sure how happy she was about being moved, and I hope it doesn't stress her out too much.  When I got to the shelter they were feeding the babies, but told me that they hadn't had a feed for 4 hours, and that they weren't crying when the staff came in to feed them.  My experience in this is limited, but I would have expected that, if they weren't getting milk from their mother, that they would have been awake and crying for a meal by then.  So I'm cautiously optimistic.  She has her usual kitten chow and a dish of goat colostrum in her enclosure now.  Will see in another couple of hours how everyone is settling in.  But have baseline weights on babies now, so can monitor going forward.  Not sure I want to feed unless they're fussing for food, so will hold off for now and see how she does on her own.  Thank you both for your insight!  Hope to have good news to report soon!
 
talkingpeanut

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All sounds well, and I'm so glad they are all safe together in your home now.  Please continue updating!  If you weigh them each day you will quickly know who needs additional food, if any.
 
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