Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat just gave birth, is thin, picky, not eating, and no milk?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 25 days old | 5.5 lbs

My cat gave birth a week ago. After giving birth, she became picky on food and thinner than the usual. I usually give her homemade food and dry cat food. She doesn't eat well like she used to, even if I give her fish or the dry food. She just eats she has no other choice. And I tried to squeeze a nipple but no milk came out unlike before. Is it because of her lack of appetite? What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 26th, 2018

She may not be feeling well or have an infection. You should take Minggay and her kittens to your veterinarian for an exam. You should also feed her with kitten food now as she will need the extra nutrition. Try some canned kitten food.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 4th, 2017
She is likely nutrient depleted and calcium depleted from nursing the kittens. First off you should have her eating kitten food only. She should have been on kitten food from her 2nd trimester up until the kittens are fully weaned (no longer nursing). Kitten food is high calorie and helps supply her with the extra energy that she needs.
Then I would recommend giving her a vitamin supplement from your local pet store. Pet formulated Calcium supplements should also be available to give her, either online or through your local pet store. Here are some that we use often in the clinic:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00063KI80/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491303428&sr=8-1&keywords=pet+calcium+supplement

If she still isn't doing well after making the diet change and giving supplements, then is best to have her examined by your veterinarian to have her tested for underlying illnesses that would require special treatment. I hope she feels better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on July 12th, 2017
If the little kitten was away from mum too soon it likely hasn't developed properly and its immune system could be compromised. They rely in their mummy for antibodies at first, and her milk is full of vital nutrients. She could have had a problem from birth, but I suspect she may have an infection somewhere. I would take her to the vet asap.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

My cat won't eat after giving birth, but drinks a lot. What to do?

Poor girl. If she is not eating food, then this is an indicator that she may have an infection. At this age, most of the kittens should be almost weaned off of her, so it is ok if she is not producing a lot of milk. You can start giving them kitten formula mixed with soft canned food at this point and help them wean completely off of mom. Here is one product to consider--> https://www.chewy.com/royal-canin-mother-babycat-ultra/dp/33913?utm_id=27615258&msclkid=fc531f6858681e024d0142b0586ef3e3&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping-Product%20Targets-Consumables&utm_term=4584826050804684&utm_content=Royal%20Canin Then it's best to take Thankom to your local vet for a proper exam to determine why she is not eating well and get her treated based on the underlying problem. I do hope that your pet Thankom is able to get well soon! Best of luck and take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my new mom cat so hungry and confused after giving birth?

It could just be that she isn't quite sure what to do. Just make sure she has plenty of food and water and a litter box available, as well as a comfortable place to put the kittens. If she isn't eating, seems lethargic, or has a rectal temperature over 103 or under 100, then she should be evaluated by a veterinarian to see what could be going on.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat had a stillborn kitten and won't eat. Is she sick or mourning?

The only way to be sure there are no kittens left is for your veterinarian to do an exam and likely an x-ray of her belly to make sure there's no kittens still present. It maybe she only had one kitten. But it is also possible she's not wanting to eat because she could be having complications of labor. I recommend having your veterinarian do an exam to make sure there are no further issues.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

How to help small newborn kittens survive if mom cat won't eat?

Make sure the kittens stay warm. If they are not nursing well or she is not producing milk then you can bottle feed them to help. She should be fed kitten food as it has more calories and nutrients to help her keep her weight up and produce enough milk

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My cat just had kittens and isn't eating her food. What should I do?

Just like humans, there are many reasons Lana may not be interested in food and it is impossible to know without a physical exam. It's possible there are still kittens inside the uterus. Uterine infections are also possible. Unfortunately, both of these can be fatal without treatment. It's also possible this is something like a less severe infection but one cannot know without an exam. Have her examined today and bring the other kittens with her. If she is not feeding the kittens, you will need to take over. Here is a link about normal feeding: https://www.petcoach.co/article/care-feeding-of-queens-kittens/ Here is a link about assisted feeding: https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-raise-orphan-kittens/ Additionally, have Lana spayed when the kittens are 12 weeks old. Spaying pets has significant health benefits, helps to control the problem of pet over population and Lana may have up to 30 kittens in a year. That's a lot of cats to care for. Please feel free to post and additional questions. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat gave birth. How to feed her, help her gain weight, and spay?

You can get her spayed now, that's fine to do. Speak to her vet about feeding her a kitten food to give her extra calories, calcium, and protein to make her gain weight. I would free feed her for now (leave food out all the time) so she can eat when she's hungry.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My new mom cat had kittens 3 days ago and won't eat. What should I do?

Poor Girl! Motherhood can be rough. Since it has been 3 days, I strongly recommend having your vet take a look at her. Since she is nursing, the kittens are depleting her of hydration and nutrients so waiting too long can make things worse. Having babies can mess up their blood values and cause issues. Your vet will likely run bloodwork. They will put her some meds that are safe for the nursing kittens if needed to help her feel better.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share