What do you feed a stray mom cat?
Make sure mom has access to plenty of wet and dry food. Nursing mother cats need to eat a high quality kitten formula food. If she is a picky eater, do not hesitate to try feeding her canned tuna, chicken or salmon.
Can another mother cat feed kittens?
Mama cats can be quite maternal and can easily care for little ones who aren’t related to her. In many cases, a mother cat will accept orphaned kittens fairly quickly with little trouble or fuss.
When to worry about a pregnant stray cat?
There is nothing to worry about if kittens begin appearing 30 to 40 minutes after contractions start. If mama appears to be in distress for more than 40 minutes without a kitten appearing, there may be a problem. This is the time to call the vet and ask for advice. Otherwise, let nature take its course.
What’s the best way to take care of a stray cat?
An alternative to TNR is trap, neuter, foster (TNF). The goal here is to make sure both mother and kittens get the care they need to both stay alive and thrive. After kittens have been weaned, mama can be neutered to prevent further litters.
What to do if mother cat rejects kittens?
Experts recommend removing any completely rejected kittens so mom doesn’t reject others in the litter. Some nursing moms develop mastitis, an infection of the mammary gland.
Why does a mother cat leave her kittens?
If the kittens seem well fed, are in a safe place, and fall asleep after crying for a short while, mom is probably around. It’s best to monitor a nest for a couple of hours to see if she comes back. If she doesn’t, she may be ill and unable to come back, or she may have been killed.
When does a mother cat stop feeding her kittens?
Most specialists recommend that kittens remain with their mothers until they’re 12 weeks old. By that time, some cats might start growling at their older kittens or “beat” them when they attempted to nurse. Even if the kittens remain with their mother, she will chase them away until they stop seeking her to feed.
There is nothing to worry about if kittens begin appearing 30 to 40 minutes after contractions start. If mama appears to be in distress for more than 40 minutes without a kitten appearing, there may be a problem. This is the time to call the vet and ask for advice. Otherwise, let nature take its course.
An alternative to TNR is trap, neuter, foster (TNF). The goal here is to make sure both mother and kittens get the care they need to both stay alive and thrive. After kittens have been weaned, mama can be neutered to prevent further litters.
How can you tell if a mother cat is feeding her kittens?
So, how to tell if a mother cat is feeding her kittens? If the kittens are restless, meowing, and constantly looking for a nipple to sick on, the mother might not have milk. Moreover, you’ll soon notice that they’re failing to gain weight.