Expert: Karen Craft - 6/15/2008

Question
My cat gave birth to 6 kittens 3 weeks ago.  Every time they feed she is meowing like she is in pain, she also gets up while they're feeding and moves around because (I'm assuming) she is in so much pain.  Her nipples are raw and bleed (there's dry blood all around them).  
I was wondering if this was normal?   
And, if so, what could I do for her to ease the pain?
If not, what is wrong and how could I fix it?


Thank you!

Answer
Hi Courtney,

No this is not normal. Get her to a vet ASAP. It could be something called mastitis. Basically it is an infection of her mammary glands. She needs antibiotics to take care of this. In the meantime I am attaching my recipe for something called Kitty Glop. Feed this to the kittens. It works great. After you feed them put them back with mom so she can take care of their other needs. Get a kitten nursing bottle and feed them about 5 times a day around the clock. Good luck and here's another link that provides a lot of good info on raising kittens yourself.
http://www.kittenrescue.org/handbook.htm

Ciao, Karen


KITTY GLOP




INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten, )
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.