* Lactation is a natural process triggered by hormones. A cat will only produce milk if she has given birth to kittens or is pregnant. A young cat without kittens will not have the hormonal triggers necessary for lactation.
* Forcing lactation is harmful. Trying to induce lactation in a young cat who hasn't had kittens is potentially dangerous and could lead to health problems.
* Kittens need specialized milk. Kitten milk formula is specially designed to meet their nutritional needs. Cow's milk is not suitable for kittens and can cause digestive problems.
* Kittens at 12 weeks old are weaning. By this age, kittens should be transitioning to solid food. They don't need milk from another cat.
If you have 12-week-old kittens who need milk, the best course of action is to:
1. Contact a veterinarian: They can assess the situation and determine if there are any underlying health issues that require medical attention.
2. Feed them kitten milk formula: You can purchase this at pet stores or online.
3. Gradually transition them to solid food: Kitten food is specially formulated for their nutritional needs.
Never try to force a cat to lactate, as it's harmful and unnecessary.