Each species has a different period of lactation, from days to months or years. In the following article, we will talk about nursing newborn kittens and some basic aspects of nursing care. If you are curious to know when cats stop breastfeeding, read on!

Breastfeeding kittens

Breastfeeding is a very important period to ensure the correct development of kittens. During this period, the cat is responsible for protecting and caring for her babies, as they depend entirely on her. Mother’s milk has a very special composition and provides all the nutrients that the offspring need to be able to eat solid food.

Ingredients of breast milk:

• water . The primary component of milk is water, accounting for more than 80%. This ensures hydration of the body, without the need for additional water intake. When the gut is premature, excess water intake can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Fat Breast milk contains fat that is easily digested and absorbed. In addition, they are very useful because they transport many vitamins that are absorbed along with triglycerides in the intestine and become part of the cat’s body.
• Proteins It is a protein food so it helps in the development of internal structures and the growth of the cat’s body mass.
• Carbohydrates Breast milk contains sugars which are a very effective source of energy for newborn kittens.
• Immunoglobulins . Through milk, the cat transmits antibodies, that is, it transmits to cats protection from certain diseases in the environment, against which they are not born immune.
• Minerals Milk is a great source of iron, phosphorous and calcium, which is mainly needed for the healthy growth of youngsters.

When do cats stop nursing?

For kittens, it is essential that they feed on mother’s milk when they are newborns, as it is a source of protection for them from diseases and to be able to strengthen a strong and active immune system. The response of cats to stop breastfeeding has a physiological explanation, and until they are able to eat solid food their teeth start to come out.

So, at what age do cats stop breastfeeding? He is usually about one and a half, two months old (at 6-8 weeks of age). By this time, they will be able to walk, play and explore with some independence. In addition, the kitten will stop feeding its young because it hurts its nipples when sucking, and they will learn to eat other foods and continue the life cycle.

Special care during the cat feeding period

During lactation, the mother cat needs special care, because the success of her kittens depends on her. In the following list, we show you some basic things to help the gentle mother deal with this period:

1. Diet

She should be fed a diet focused on her condition , as feeding a nursing cat is a different matter. There are many commercial diets on the market that are designed to meet your nutritional needs while kittens are nursing. It is possible for a cat to lose its appetite and refuse to eat, but it is important that you help it and make the effort, because it needs a lot of energy to support its young.

2. Veterinary care

It is important to have a veterinarian supervise the process to monitor the kitten’s growth as well as monitor the cat’s health. If she has a problem during childbirth, it is imperative that she go to a specialist to see her and see if everything is OK. Also, if she has stopped eating for more than 24 hours, is very weak and/or has stopped producing milk, see her vet so he can quickly come up with a treatment plan.

3. Dietary supplements

If our cat has not been able to produce enough milk for the kittens, we can help ourselves with powdered milk for the kittens and bottle-feed them. The breastfeeding time will be the same as normally, up to two months, when the kittens stop breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a precious as well as a delicate moment. They must be carefully looked after and provided with every possible comfort for cats and their young to ensure that all is well.

Mother’s milk will always be the best food a newborn kitten can receive, to ensure healthy growth and development, at least until two months, when the kittens stop breastfeeding.

Types of cats