Lactating

olskoolnodoubtr

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How can you tell when your cat is lactating? I have said before that I felt a sweaty substance on my cats nipples before. But I think it may have just been my imagination, or she was sweating. I haven't seen anything come out of her nipples though.
 

tnr1

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Impending Birth

As your queen nears her time for giving birth, she will exhibit a few signs that will give you clues to the impending arrival of kittens. The first stage of labor lasts from 12 to 24 hours, and may include the following "symptoms."

Nesting. She may start snooping around in closets and secluded areas for an appropriate place to bear her kittens. The time is ripe for you to prepare an area for her in a private place, with a box or basket lined with soft towels. She may decide instead to give birth on the cold, hard floor of your bathroom, but at least you have tried to accomodate her needs.
Increased affection. She may suddenly become very loving, and want to be near you at all times. Don't be surprised though, if a previously affectionate cat becomes withdrawn and seeks solitude. Either personality change may be completely normal.
Decreased Activity. Queenie may decide she'd rather sleep most of the time. She may also lose interest in food.
Milk Discharge from Nipples. Your cat's nipples will have become enlarged and pink about the third week of pregnancy; 24 hours or so before birth, she may show a milky discharge. This discharge may come even earlier in cats that have given birth several times.
Drop in Temperature. The normal temperature in cats is between 100.4F and 102.5° F. A dramatic drop in her rectal temperature is a sure indicator that birth is imminent
 

hissy

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Unless you cat is openly nursing and dripping it is extremely hard to pinch milk from her nipples. Only her little ones have the equipment necessary to draw her milk out easily.
 

bengalbabe

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no, I can never get milk out of my cats untill after the kittens come, and then it's still very hard. I guess there's a technique to it because the vet did it in front of me and got milk out. I've never been able to do it though even when I try to do it like he did.
 

hissy

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My vet can also get milk out of a nursing mother. he was raised on a farm and used to milk goats though.
Maybe that is why?
 

bengalbabe

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Originally Posted by hissy

My vet can also get milk out of a nursing mother. he was raised on a farm and used to milk goats though.
Maybe that is why?
I know, the way my vet did it is he started at the top and squeezed downward just like when your milking a cow! I still can't do it though even though I try the same way-lol
 

kumbulu

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What you're most likely feeling is a little colostrum (or pre-milk) coming from her nipples. Cats do not sweat, so it's definitely not sweat.
 
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olskoolnodoubtr

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Haha I thought so. I'm also highly nervous though too. She still won't let me touch her half the time. She gives me an evil look and walks away, unless she wants love.
 
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