After how many days will a cat start feeding kittens? - briefly
A cat will typically start feeding her kittens immediately after birth, as lactation begins naturally to provide essential colostrum.
After how many days will a cat start feeding kittens? - in detail
A mother cat, or queen, begins nursing her kittens almost immediately after birth, typically within the first hour. This is crucial for the survival of the newborns, as the first milk, known as colostrum, is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients that provide immunity and nourishment. The queen instinctively cleans her kittens and stimulates them to nurse by licking them and guiding them toward her teats. During the first few days, kittens rely entirely on their mother’s milk for sustenance, and the queen will nurse them frequently, often every 1-2 hours. The milk production is regulated by the kittens’ suckling, which triggers the release of hormones like prolactin and oxytocin in the mother. As the kittens grow, the frequency of nursing decreases, but the queen continues to feed them until they are weaned, which usually occurs around 4-6 weeks of age. During this period, the kittens gradually transition to solid food, but the mother’s milk remains their primary source of nutrition. The timing of weaning can vary depending on the queen’s health, the size of the litter, and the kittens’ development. It is essential to monitor the kittens’ weight gain and ensure they are thriving during this critical phase. If the queen is unable to nurse due to health issues or other factors, immediate intervention, such as bottle-feeding with a kitten milk replacer, is necessary to ensure the kittens’ survival and proper growth.