If a cat doesn't feed newborns? - briefly
When a cat refuses to feed her newborns, immediate intervention is necessary to ensure the kittens receive proper nutrition through bottle-feeding or fostering. This behavior may stem from stress, illness, or inexperience.
If a cat doesn't feed newborns? - in detail
When a mother cat fails to feed her newborn kittens, it can lead to severe consequences for their survival and development. Newborn kittens are entirely dependent on their mother’s milk for nutrition, hydration, and immune support during the first few weeks of life. If the mother cat neglects her kittens, it may be due to various reasons, such as stress, illness, lack of maternal instinct, or complications during birth. In such cases, immediate intervention is necessary to ensure the kittens’ survival. Bottle-feeding with a kitten-specific milk replacement formula is essential, as cow’s milk or other substitutes are unsuitable and can cause digestive issues. Feeding must occur every 2-3 hours, including overnight, as kittens cannot regulate their body temperature or go long periods without nourishment. Additionally, proper hygiene is critical to prevent infections, and the kittens must be kept warm using a heating pad or warm blankets, as they are unable to maintain their body heat independently. Monitoring their weight gain and overall health is vital, as failure to thrive can indicate underlying problems. If the mother cat continues to reject her kittens, consulting a veterinarian is crucial to address any potential health issues and to receive guidance on proper care. In some cases, fostering the kittens with another lactating cat may be an option, but this requires careful introduction and supervision. Ultimately, human intervention becomes the primary means of ensuring the kittens’ survival and healthy development when the mother cat is unable or unwilling to fulfill her role.