Expert: Karen Craft - 7/16/2009

Question
My Mamma Cat had Kitten a week ago, she has 3 kittens, when checking on them today she seems to have a gorged nipple or a infection. Can they get gorged same as a human mom? I have never had this problem with any of my other mother cats?  And can they get depressed if they lose a kitten?

Answer
Hi Becky,

You should get her checked out. The infection in the nipple needs to be treated. It could be mastitis. Here's a good link with excellent info on it. http://www.cat-world.com.au/MastitisInCats.htm

Yes, cats can get a little depressed. But not over a period of time. If the mom cat has lost a kitten and is showing signs of what you call depression then she needs to be seen by a vet right away. This may be another sign that she has mastitis.

And if your vet wants her not to nurse anymore I'm attaching my recipe for Kitty Glop. This stuff is great to feed kittens. Just make sure you put the little ones back with the mom when they are done feeding so she can take care of them. Good luck.

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 unflavored 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.