Feeding a Nursing Cat: How Much, What and for How Long
Producing milk is one of the most demanding jobs in a cat's life. A mother with a litter of four or five kittens may be feeding a family that doubles its weight in about a week. To keep up, she needs plenty of calories, protein and fluids, along with a calm, clean place to nurse.
How much is enough?
During peak lactation, usually weeks three to five after birth, a queen may need two to four times her normal calorie intake. The exact amount depends on litter size, and on the queen's own condition. Rather than calculate, many vets suggest free feeding the queen with kitten or all-life-stages food while she nurses, so she can eat whenever she wants. If she is large and the litter small, watch to be sure she is not gaining too much. Weigh her weekly. See cat feeding chart by weight.
What to feed
- A complete and balanced kitten or growth and reproduction food. The extra protein, fat, calcium and other nutrients support milk production.
- A mix of wet and dry. Wet food adds fluid, which is vital for milk, and dry food is easy to leave out. Offer both.
- Fresh water, in several bowls, near the nest and her food. Many nursing cats are very thirsty. See how to get a cat to drink more water.
- No milk. Cow's milk can upset stomachs. See can cats drink milk.
Do not give supplements unless your vet advises. A complete diet normally supplies enough, and too much calcium can upset her own calcium balance.
Make meals easy
A nursing mother does not like to leave her kittens for long, especially in the first week. Put food, water and a litter box near the nest, but not so close that they contaminate each other. Offer fresh wet food several times a day. Warm it slightly to increase appeal. See kitten litter training for setting up litter later.
Watching her condition
Many nursing queens lose weight, because they cannot eat enough to match milk output. Mild loss is normal, but she should still look healthy, with a bright coat and energy. Signs she is not getting enough include visible ribs, a dull coat, weakness, and kittens that cry constantly or fail to gain weight. See kitten growth and development week by week. Offer more food and call your vet.
Health problems to know
- Mastitis, infection of the mammary glands, causes hot, swollen, painful or discolored glands, fever and lethargy. It needs veterinary care, since kittens should not nurse from infected glands.
- Eclampsia, or milk fever, is a dangerous drop in calcium, usually in the first weeks, causing restlessness, tremors, stiff walk or seizures. It is an emergency. See seizures in cats.
- Metritis, a uterine infection after birth, causes foul discharge, fever and illness.
- Loss of appetite, which can come from many causes. See cat not eating: causes.
Call your vet at once if you see any of these.
Caring for the kittens
The queen's milk provides almost all nutrition for about the first four weeks. Weigh kittens daily at first, and check they gain steadily. If a kitten fails to thrive, see how to bottle feed a kitten. Around three to four weeks, kittens begin to nibble solid food. See how to wean kittens.
When weaning
As kittens eat more solid food, the queen's milk demand drops. Over about a week or two, gradually reduce her portions, to avoid engorged mammary glands and mastitis. At the same time, offer kittens their own kitten food. By eight weeks, most kittens are mostly weaned. When the queen's milk has dried up, transition her slowly back to adult food, so that she returns to a healthy weight. See how to switch cat foods.
Spaying afterward
A cat can become pregnant again as early as a few weeks after giving birth. Talk to your vet about spaying once kittens are weaned. See feeding a neutered or spayed cat.
Helping a shy or stressed mother
Some queens refuse to leave the nest, and eat poorly as a result. Bring food and water close to her bed, and sit quietly while she eats. Keep visitors, children and other pets away. Stress reduces milk, so a calm, private room with a closing door is one of the best things you can do for her and her kittens.
When to see a vet
See a vet if the mother stops eating, has a fever, seems weak or has swollen glands. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing cat eat?
Often two to four times her normal amount, depending on litter size.
What should she eat?
A complete kitten or all-life-stages diet, wet and dry.
When can I return her to normal food?
After the kittens are weaned, usually around eight weeks, reducing gradually.
Is milk good for her?
No. Cats are lactose intolerant, so offer fresh water instead.
Sources and further reading
Pet food rules and nutrient standards come from regulators and professional bodies. Start here when you want the primary source.
- AAFCO: pet foodThe body behind U.S. pet food nutrient profiles and labeling standards.
- FDA Center for Veterinary MedicineU.S. regulator for animal food, drugs and recalls.
- ASPCA: people foods to avoid feeding your petsWhich common kitchen foods are unsafe for dogs and cats.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.