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Cats/newborn kitten/mother questions

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Expert: - 4/30/2007


Question
Hi there!  I'm glad I found this website.  I have a couple questions.  My current cat Annabell is the only female cat I've ever owned. Just two days ago she birthed a litter of 5 kittens.  Anna has been acting somewhat strange since then..kind of clingy and meowy towards me..is this a sign that she's just needing a little break from nursing?  I doubt she'd abandon nursing them and I'm curious if there's a chance of that.  Also is there a way to know if your mother cat is providing enough milk?  She had one kitten about a year ago but it died about a week after it was born.  I don't think it was eating but I don't know if that was due to her still being very young or just not producing enough milk.  Last question..how do I know if the mother cat wants help with nursing?  Sorry if this is wordy but I'm really wanting to know the answers to these questions.  Thanks for your time!

Answer
Hi Andy,

I hope I can help you. Feed her a good quality kitten food. She needs extra nutrition for feeding her kittens. The kittens should double in weight the first week. If they don't get some KMR or write back to me for the kitty glop formula. You can supplement her feedings with either one.  Cats sometimes will abandon their young if it is their first litter. I wouldn't worry about this. Sounds like she just needs the break from the kittens. Good luck with the little ones.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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