|
|
| Public Forum |
Proceed to Auspet's
New Discussion Forum |
Pet
Directory |
Classifieds
| Home
| LinkXchange
|
 Click here to make Auspet.com your default home page |
|
 Auspet - Message Boards
 Cats - all types
 Need help with Mama cat and kittens!!
|
 UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Need help with Mama cat and kittens!! |
|
LovingEeyore New Member  Posts: 1 |
posted 10-05-2003 05:34 AM
 
My 4 year old cat had her second litter of kittens 4 weeks ago. She had 4 but one died. I noticed last night that around one of the nipples it is very hard. It's a pretty big area. And when you touch her belly or side she tries to bite you so it must hurt her too. When you look at her belly you can see 4 nipples really well. Is this the nipple that the 4th kitten should be eating from...is it drying up?? I don't have any experience with this Mama cat thing. Should I do anything for her? Also, the kittens are 4 weeks old and they just started coming out ofthe box by themselves. Is this the time I should put out a litter box? They are outside but are on my porch. I don't think they can make it off the porch safely yet. And should I start them on food? Do I have to try and teach them to use the litter box and eat the food or will their mama do that?? Please help! Any help, opinions, and input would be greatly appreciated here!! Thanks!!! IP: Logged |
|
Cat Member  Posts: 141 |
posted 10-05-2003 06:36 AM
Hi As for the kittens, they will learn how to use the litterbox from the mother. As for feeding them, they shouldn't have kitten food until they are at least 8 weeks and then introduce them slowly. Just like a human baby, kitten can't digest foods that young and it could casue problems like diahhrea. As for the mother, it sounds like she may have a blocked duct in one nipple, which can be very painful. Milk will buildup but can't be realeased. If this is the problem and it isn't treated, it may get infected and will be very painful. My horse once had mestitis and I had to milk her to release the milk. I wouldn't know how to milk a cat so maybe call your vet and see if they can offer you more info. Good luck IP: Logged |
|
charmedagain Member Posts: 790 |
posted 10-05-2003 06:43 AM
hi there.. my mum started weaning her cats kittens when they were about 4 weeks old they had 4 small meals aday... your momma cat sounds like she may have mastitis, which happens when the kittens don't use that teat for feeding. you can try massaging the teats and this will soften it backup. but a trip to the vets would be batter as usually they need to have that teat covered up so the kittens cant feed from it incase of infection, but gentle massage should be enough to release the milk again and take down the swelling this will be painful to your cat and a careful watch should be kept on her, because if there is an infection her temprature will start to rise... so i would go for the vet check to make sure she is ok. your kittens should be fully weaned by the time they are 8weeks old, water is best given rather than milk along with there kitten food.. keep us posted of your cats progress and good luck with the new aditions... IP: Logged |
|
beepbeep Member Posts: 97 |
posted 10-05-2003 10:20 AM
I wouldnt start the kittens on dry food for atleast another week, and as for the litterbox that will come naturally for them as long as they see mother using it. For the mother cat I would call her vet to see what he/she says about the irritation. I wouldnt want her in anymore pain then she already is. Good luck with her and the kittens.
[This message has been edited by beepbeep (edited 10-05-2003).] IP: Logged |
nern Moderator Posts: 1591 |
posted 10-05-2003 12:50 PM
Yes, you can start introducing soft food to the kittens now. You can use canned food or dry food that has been soaked in warm water to make it mushy. They will still need to nurse from their mother but should also show some interest in eating kitten food. You can also put out a small, low litter pan (it needs to be low enough for them to easily be able to get in and out of it). My kittens started showing interest in soft food around 4wks of age (they continued to nurse also)....at this time they were starting to follow their mother into the litter box. By 8wks they were fully litter trained and were eating dry kitten food. IP: Logged |
|
nern Moderator Posts: 1591 |
posted 10-05-2003 12:58 PM
Here's a nice site on kitten developement and weaning: http://www.angelfire.com/il/kimlance/development.html IP: Logged |
All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Contact Us | Auspet.com
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
| Home | Contact us | Advertise here | Jobs at Auspet | |
| © 1999-2017 AusPet.com |