Is my mother cat producing enough milk for her newborn kittens?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on March 10th, 2017

  You can weigh the kitten before and after nursing to ensure that she is gaining weight - she should also gain weight each day, so if she isn't, this means that she isn't getting enough milk. If you're unsure, I would recommend bottle-feeding her with kitten milk replacer every 1-2 hours in addition to allowing her to nurse on her mother.

  

  14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 15th, 2019

  Monitor the kittens for any signs of distress as this is likely the best way to know if she is producing milk. Kittens who are hungry will be excessively vocal and move around more. Well fed kittens will latch onto the nipple and nurse and fall asleep. You can also weigh the kittens every day as they should gain weight on a daily basis. When in doubt, have her checked by the veterinarian.
  I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  27Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 28th, 2017

  The best way to know whether or not the kittens are getting enough milk is to weigh them daily. You should use a gram scale (food scales work great) and the kittens should be gaining about 10-15 grams per day. If their weights are stable or if they are losing weight they may not be getting enough milk and ou should take the mother and kittens to your veterinarian to make sure everyone is healthy. Bottle feeding with a kitten milk replacer might be recommended.

  

  7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 27th, 2019

  I can understand your concern here. It is possible that not all of her mammary glands are producing milk, but that a few are. If the kittens are constantly crying after latching, and not seeming to settle, then that could be a clue that they are not receiving enough milk. You can also monitor them for regular peeing and bowel movements. If they are going regularly, typically after every feeding, then they are getting enough milk from the mama cat.
  If you suspect that the kittens are not getting enough milk, then I would suggest trying to supplement their feedings with kitten milk replacement formula from your local feed store or pet store.
  I do hope that Bubz and her kittens do well here moving forward. Best wishes and take care!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful