How soon can you feed a cat after it has been born? - briefly
Newborn kittens rely solely on their mother’s milk for the first 24 hours, and supplemental feeding should only begin if the mother is unable to nurse.
How soon can you feed a cat after it has been born? - in detail
Newborn kittens rely entirely on their mother’s milk for the first few hours of life. Ideally, they should begin nursing within the first one to two hours after birth. The mother cat’s first milk, known as colostrum, is crucial as it contains essential antibodies that provide passive immunity and protect the kittens from infections. If the mother is present and able to nurse, she will naturally guide her kittens to feed. However, if the mother is absent, unwell, or unable to produce milk, immediate intervention is necessary. In such cases, a high-quality kitten milk replacer, specifically formulated to mimic the nutritional profile of cat milk, should be used. Feeding should begin as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour, to ensure the kittens receive vital nutrients and hydration. A syringe or a small nursing bottle designed for kittens can be used to feed them. The milk replacer must be warmed to approximately 100°F (38°C) to mimic the temperature of the mother’s milk. Newborn kittens require frequent, small feedings every two to three hours, including overnight, as their stomachs are tiny and cannot hold much milk at once. Proper hygiene is essential during feeding to prevent contamination and infections. It is important to monitor the kittens’ weight gain and overall health to ensure they are thriving. If any concerns arise, consulting a veterinarian is critical to address potential issues promptly and ensure the kittens’ survival and development.