What Can I Feed My Cat to Ensure She Produces Enough Milk for Kittens?

Taking care of your cat's dietary requirements during pregnancy and after giving birth is of paramount importance. A healthy, well-fed cat will be able to produce enough nutrient-rich milk to give the kittens a good start in life.

  1. Early Stages of Pregnancy

    • The cat should be fed a premium adult food until four weeks before birth. The website Vetinfo recommends you feed a proprietary food, which is perfectly nutritionally balanced.

    Latter Stage of Pregnancy

    • In the final three weeks, change your cat's food to a premium kitten food. This will enable her to produce sufficient milk and will also contain the exact requirements for the kittens. Make the change over the course of a week. Monitor the cat's appetite; she will need more food than usual, but watch her weight.

    After the Birth

    • The cat may not eat much after giving birth. This is normal. Continue offering food; her appetite should pick up within a few days. During the first 24 hours, she will be producing colostrum. Make sure she has constant access to fresh water.

    During Lactation

    • Continue feeding your nursing cat on kitten food. As a general guideline, double the quantity, but pay attention to her appearance. Notice if she is putting on weight or if she is hungry.

    As Weaning Approaches

    • Your cat will produce less milk as the kittens grow. At four weeks, gradually reintroduce regular food, reducing the quantity accordingly.