Guide to Caring for Nursing Cats and Their Kittens

• Provide the nursing mother cat with 600-800 calories of kitten food daily to support her own health and nourish her kittens.
• Prepare a quiet, dimly lit birthing area for the mother and her kittens, equipped with a shallow water dish, soft bedding, and a separate litter box.
• Arrange for a veterinarian visit for the mother and kittens once they reach 3 weeks of age to receive necessary vaccinations such as flea and heartworm prevention.

Ensure proper feeding for a pregnant cat to support weight gain. Expectant mother cats often lose weight during nursing, necessitating a pre-birth dietary increase. Care for your expecting cat by providing approximately 600 calories per day for a 10 lb (4.5 kg) cat. For cats weighing 15–20 lb (6.8–9.1 kg), aim for 800-1,000 daily calories.

• A pregnant cat's body weight may rise by 40 to 50% by term.
• Overfeeding prior to the last trimester may lead to excessive weight gain, potentially complicating delivery. Thus, adhere strictly to recommended feeding guidelines.

Offer increased portions of kitten food to newly nursing mother cats. Following delivery, continue the elevated feeding regimen implemented during pregnancy. Since the mother is now nursing, she requires additional calories to support her kittens. Opt for kitten food, rich in calories, protein, and fat, to meet these needs.

• If the mother is nursing more than 2 kittens, increase her caloric intake to 2 to 2.5 times her usual amount. For instance, a 10-pound cat nursing 4 kittens requires approximately 603 calories daily. A 15-pound cat nursing 4 kittens needs around 851 calories daily.
• Excessive noise or restlessness from the kittens may signal inadequate protein intake. Switch to a higher protein cat food for the mother.
• To ensure nutritional adequacy and food quality, opt for products certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Provide unrestricted access to food and water for your cat. Allowing your cat to eat freely ensures she receives adequate nutrition. Keep food and water bowls accessible outside the birthing area, consistently filled and freely accessible. Wet food is preferable for its digestibility and hydration benefits.

• If your cat prefers dry food or if wet food spoils quickly, offer both options, supplementing dry food with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of water to aid digestion.

Commence weaning the kittens once they start walking. Kittens generally nurse for about 8 weeks. Begin introducing solid food around 4 weeks, when they become mobile and their eyes open. Ensure the birthing box contains 3 full dishes: one with “gruel,” one with dry kibble, and one with water.

• To create kitten gruel, blend equal parts dry kitten food with kitten milk replacer until it reaches an oatmeal-like consistency.
• Monitor the mother's teats for signs of swelling, redness, bruising, or inflammation, which could indicate a mammary infection. If observed, promptly seek veterinary attention.

Consider milk replacement if the kittens are malnourished. If the kittens appear thin or vocalize excessively, it could indicate inadequate milk production from the mother or insufficient nursing. Commercial cat milk substitutes are available and can be administered to kittens using various methods such as a bottle or dropper. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about the kittens’ nutrition and for recommendations on milk replacements if needed.

• Typically, kittens fed solely on milk replacer should be fed every 3-4 hours until they reach 2 weeks of age, then every 6-8 hours.
• Follow the instructions on the milk replacer packaging for proper mixing and feeding guidelines, as each product may vary. Typically, a syringe is used to administer the milk replacer.

Provide a secluded, dimly lit space for your cat. A mother cat requires a quiet area to establish a nest for her kittens, often seeking one out before giving birth. Offer options such as a spare room, closet, or carrier tucked away in a tranquil spot. If the area is spacious, place a sizeable cardboard box lined with puppy pads or old blankets covered with newspaper to contain messes.

• Ensure the sides of the box are 8–12 in (20–30 cm) high to keep the kittens secure while allowing the mother easy access.
• Priority should be given to creating a quiet, hazard-free environment without disturbances or threats (e.g., other pets, traffic).
• Avoid relocating a mother and her kittens indoors if the mother is feral or has already established an outdoor nest, as this can cause significant stress to the cats.

Regularly change the cat’s bedding. Following the birth of the kittens, maintain cleanliness by frequently changing the bedding to keep it warm and dry. Initially, daily changes may be necessary, but subsequently, adjust as needed to uphold a tidy and hygienic nest. Ensure the blankets are relatively flat to prevent accidental smothering of the kittens.

• Place multiple layers of towels at once, allowing for the swift replacement of wet or soiled layers with fresh, clean ones.
• In addition, provide a low-sided litter box nearby, accessible yet separate from the birthing area.

Allow the mother to relocate the kittens as needed. In nature, mother cats frequently move their offspring to safeguard them from potential threats. If your cat decides to transport her kittens to a different location, support her decision as long as it’s safe. Provide an alternative birthing box if she appears restless.

• Anticipate changes in your cat’s behavior as she nurtures her kittens. She may exhibit signs of aloofness, moodiness, or protectiveness, which are normal responses. Respect her space—she will likely return to her usual demeanor soon.

Introduce the kittens to human interaction at 3-4 weeks old. By this time, the kittens are robust enough for handling. Initially, respect the mother cat’s protective instincts and only interact with the kittens as permitted. Socializing them with humans from an early age facilitates their transition away from dependence on their mother.

• Provide toys suitable for kittens in the environment to encourage exploration and interaction.
• If feasible, keep the litter together until they reach maturity, typically around 7 weeks old. This promotes healthy socialization among the kittens.

Regularly assess the kittens’ development. Kittens are susceptible to various health issues, including fading kitten syndrome, malnutrition, and maternal neglect. To mitigate these risks, monitor their weight daily using a scale to ensure they double their birth weight within the first 10 days. Additionally, observe each kitten for signs of illness such as lethargy, crusty eyes, diarrhea, excessive vocalization, or visible injuries.

• Kittens are considered neonates until they reach 2 weeks old, relying heavily on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and mobility.
• Between 2-7 weeks, kittens undergo significant sensory development and mobility, transitioning to a more independent stage. They also begin the weaning process, grooming themselves, and socializing.
• By 6-8 months, kittens mature into adult cats, necessitating spaying or neutering.

Monitor the mother cat for postpartum complications. Female cats are susceptible to various health issues following childbirth. Conduct daily checks for signs such as vaginal bleeding, uterine prolapse, reduced appetite, vomiting, or impaired mobility. If any abnormalities are detected, promptly seek veterinary assistance for examination.

• In cases where the mother neglects assisting kittens with waste elimination, gently stimulate the kitten’s lower abdomen, genitals, and anus with a warm, moist cotton ball until defecation occurs.

Inspect the kittens for flea infestations regularly. Fleas pose a significant risk of anemia, especially to young kittens. After reaching 3-4 weeks old, carefully examine their fur for fleas. Although conventional flea treatments are unsuitable for young kittens, address any flea issues promptly by treating the mother with appropriate medication and consulting a veterinarian for the kittens’ care.

• If fleas are present on the kittens, bathe them using a mild, non-antibacterial dish soap solution and warm water. Use a flea comb to remove the fleas and ensure thorough drying after the bath.

Schedule deworming for the cat and kittens when they reach 3 weeks of age. Common parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms can pose health risks to cats and their offspring. Seek guidance from your veterinarian regarding suitable deworming methods and schedules to ensure the well-being of your feline companions.

Arrange a veterinary examination for the mother and kittens to screen for diseases. Diseases such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can affect cats of all ages. Maternal transmission of these diseases to kittens through nursing is possible. Schedule a visit to the vet when the kittens are around 1-2 weeks old for evaluation and appropriate intervention if needed. Testing the mother for FeLV and FIV beforehand can provide insight into the kittens' susceptibility to these illnesses.

• Consider spaying your cat to prevent future litters, thereby reducing the stray cat population. Spaying can be performed even if your cat is pregnant or nursing.
• Don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian if you encounter any questions or concerns while caring for your nursing cat.