Why does the cat not feed the kittens? And what to do?

The reasons for this situation may be different.

The most unambiguously difficult option: the cat mother died or you don’t know where to look for her. Whether your pet did not survive a difficult birth, whether there was an accident, or whether you just stumbled on a bag with discarded kittens on the street – that’s it, you got it. You will have to replace your mother.

So, you have newborn kittens in your arms.

If it is possible to put them with another lactating cat, you are in luck. There are times when dogs feed adopted children.

If not, then proceed as follows.

Kittens should be placed in a warm soft nest. An old travel bag, box, or something similar will do. An oilcloth spreads to the bottom, then a stove bench is made from improvised means. Small animals still do not keep the temperature well, so it is necessary to put a heating pad or at least change bottles of hot water wrapped in a towel – about 40 degrees, not higher.

What will be required from consumables?

Clean soft diapers, ready-made or from old bed linen. They will cover the nest. Cotton wool or cotton pads. Needed to wash the kitten and massage the tummy.

Chlorhexidine – treat the navels until the skin is tightened.

Pipettes, syringes (no needles), feeding bottles.

How to feed kittens?

Ideally – the first 10 days – every two hours. Then at night increase the intervals. A one-month-old kitten, already receiving complementary foods, can sleep without feeding from 12 at night to 6 in the morning. In the daytime, the break can be 3-3,5 hours.

The kitten is held so that the head is higher so that it does not choke on milk. Weakened babies may not take the pacifier. Then the first days you will need to very carefully pour the milk mixture into their mouths from a pipette or syringe without a needle. It is convenient to use two-cube syringes and squeeze one division of the mixture into the kitten’s mouth. Just be careful – some batches of syringes have a very tight piston, there is a risk of pouring too much, and the kitten may choke.

What to feed kittens?

Now you can buy good ready-made mixtures that will make your life much easier. If there is no way to immediately purchase them, then you can try to make food yourself. The simplest recipe is half a liter of boiled cow’s milk, egg yolk, a teaspoon of honey or sugar. Or dilute dry baby food. But still, it is desirable to get to the veterinary pharmacy later – ready-made mixtures are more balanced and contain all the necessary elements.

What portions to feed?

Approximate calculations are as follows (dosage per day):

• the first 5 days – at the rate of 30 ml of the mixture per 100 g of the kitten’s weight;

• 6-14th day — 40 ml per 100 g of weight;

• 15–25th day — 50 ml per 100 g.

But, as in the case of human children, the issue of food volumes should be approached wisely. The main thing is that the kitten grows and develops normally. If he ate the prescribed portion and continues to squeak and demand supplements, give him this supplement. If he eats badly, reluctantly, he will have to cram at least what is supposed to be.

After feeding, take a cotton pad or a piece of clean cloth, wet it with warm water and massage the tummy clockwise until the baby empties the bladder and intestines.

Other cases are usually an easier option, and the situation can be corrected with the help of your efforts and the veterinarian.

Possible problems:

1. Mother cat has no milk

   As a rule, after the prescribed treatment, lactation appears / is restored.

2. The cat (usually primogeniture) is stressed, she runs away from kittens

   Slowly, over and over again, put the babies to the nipples. Milk arrives, bursting the mammary glands, the cat will feel relief, and feeding will improve.

3. Complications after childbirth. The cat is not up to offspring

   Treatment will be prescribed by the veterinarian who examined the animal. He will also determine whether the cat will be able to feed newborns.

4. Too big litter

   Sometimes a cat gives birth to more kittens than it can feed. Instinctively, she repels the weakest.

   It will require monitoring and, possibly, supplementary feeding of babies.

And do not forget that a nursing mother needs extra care and attention, as well as enhanced nutrition.

No matter how difficult it is, the month will fly by quickly, and you will be able to play and tinker from the heart with your cute, still clumsy, but already very curious pets.