How to Stop Milk Production in a Cat

A mother cat is fully capable of nursing kittens from birth with little or no outside help; however, there may be situations where you need to intervene and stop milk production. Perhaps a kitten is nursing longer than necessary or maybe the mother needs to be prepped for spaying. Mastitis, an inflammation or infection of the mammary glands that is treated as a medical emergency, also requires cessation of milk production. Regardless of the reason, the best way to stop the mother from producing milk is by weaning the kittens.

Things You'll Need

  • Kitten food
  • Kitten milk replacement
  • Bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select canned cat food or moistened kitten food for your kittens. The sooner the kittens eat normal food, the sooner the mother cat will stop producing milk.

    • 2

      Separate the kittens from their mother and offer the food to them by placing a small amount in front of them. You may encourage them by holding a small piece of the food up to their mouths. Allow them to interact with the food for about 30 minutes, several times a day until they appear full or uninterested in the food.

    • 3

      Bottle-feed the kittens a replacement formula in between meals. After 8 weeks of age, feed the kittens solid food only.

    • 4

      Monitor the mother cat when she interacts with her kittens to prevent them from nursing. Try to stop the mother from licking her mammary glands as well.

    • 5

      Avoid touching, petting or massaging the cat's mammary glands by accident. Milk production should cease after about a week without stimulation.