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Should I separate a stray kitten that only bottle feeds from its mom?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 6 days old | 3 lbs

I nursed a sick kitten back to health by bottle feeding (her)Brownie. It turned out she couldn't feed from her mother. They are both strays and the mother cat brings her kitten only at night and that is when I can feed it. When Brownie comes, she is often very excited and friendly and VERY hungry. Should I just take the kitten in away from her mother? She was born March 16. I would feel so guilty if I took her kitten away and made her worry but she can only eat through the bottle. What should I

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 21st, 2018

No, do not take her away from the mother. Mothers do not only feed their kittens, they teach them how to be real good cats, who is dangerous, and who isn't, what animals to hunt, how to have good body hygiene, etc. Brownie should now be old enough to where you can offer her canned kitten food and I am sure her Mama will like to be fed also.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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