My cats just had kittens...?

Question

she had 2 kittens yesterday, they both seem fine, she had a black 1 and a tabby 1, but the tabby 1 doesn't seem to be finding her nipple, iv helped it twice but i dont want to handle them to much, what else can i do? the black 1 is fine tho.

Answer 1

Why don't you want to handle the kitten? It's how they become socialized. Should she stop feeding from her mother completely you will end up handling her every 2 hours day and night for the next 2 weeks while you bottle feed her.

Maybe the tabby is a little more immature than her sibling. She should be able to find her way to the nipple by smell and rooting for it, but if not there is no harm in you helping her. As the breeder it's your job to do all you can to make sure the kittens survive. She needs to eat to survive.

Answer 2

Dont panic - i had the same problem.  My cat was fine with me helping.  I actually rewad somewhere that the ONLY person a new - mum cat feels safe to let touch her new kittens is her female owner - being you... ;)

Answer 3

Kittens have their eyes closed when they root around for a nipple, even after they are opened. Keep helping the kitten to a specific nipple, preferably the back two (they carry the most milk). After a couple times of her being on the same nipple, her scent will be on it, making it much easier to find it later. Also, the mom will help guide her to one.

You know she's not eating when she starts crying all the time. If that starts, get the kitten into the vet quickly because they might be able to tube feed it.

Good luck!

Answer 4

keep an eye on the kitten but if its not drinking anything you have to help the poor darling

Answer 5

i have two kittens, from the same mother. yet one is ALWAYS about a week or two behind on development. i think its just normal. (examples are using the litter tray, burrying the poo, playing with toys, eating new foods, listening to a stern "no!") Its only natural that one is a bit faster, dont wanna call the other one slower, thats just mean. ;-)

So help her along, its ok.  

Answer 6

the mother will usually guide it. Just keep an eye on them all. Make sure the mother has plenty of water and food as she will manage to eat you out of house and home