Boosting a Mother Cat's Milk Supply: What to Eat?

Section 1: What to Feed a Cat with Insufficient Milk Supply?

When a cat's milk supply is insufficient, preparing a bowl of crucian carp or chicken soup can be beneficial. Additionally, supplementing with goat's milk powder can help increase protein intake.

Insufficient milk in a mother cat after giving birth is often due to inadequate nutrition, a high number of kittens in a single litter, or the cat being startled. In such cases, aside from feeding galactagogues to stimulate milk production, it's crucial to ensure the mother cat receives vitamins and trace elements to boost her immune system and enhance nutrient absorption. Pet owners can feed specialized pregnant or kitten food during the pregnancy and lactation periods to provide the cat with adequate nutrition. When the mother's milk supply is low, gentle massaging or warm compresses on the breasts can help unblock the milk ducts and increase milk production. If dietary adjustments and massage do not resolve the issue, the owner may need to purchase goat's milk powder for artificial feeding of the kittens to prevent developmental issues in weak kittens that might not get enough milk.

Section 2: Postpartum Care for Cats

1. During the first 3 to 17 days postpartum, due to the demands of lactation, the mother cat experiences significant nutrient loss, which can lead to hypocalcemia, characterized by symptoms like seizures, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. It's essential for pet owners to provide calcium supplements in advance. In case of postpartum seizures, immediate veterinary care is necessary to reduce the frequency of feeding to the kittens.

2. After giving birth, both the mother and the kittens need to be kept warm. The mother's energy expenditure is high, and her immune system is weakened, making her susceptible to catching a cold. If the mother cat has a severe cold, medication may be required, and she may need to temporarily stop nursing. This not only affects the kittens' milk intake but could also lead to breast engorgement or infection.

3. When opting for artificial feeding, it's generally recommended to feed the kittens every two hours, and also to stimulate defecation as the mother would.

This concludes the information on what to feed a cat with insufficient milk supply and related care. If you have any further questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert.