Here's why:
* Nutritious: Mother's milk provides all the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and energy for healthy growth and development.
* Protection: Milk contains antibodies that protect kittens from diseases.
* Bonding: Nursing strengthens the bond between mother and kittens.
As they get older, around 3-4 months, the mother will start introducing solid food to their kittens. This will typically involve:
* Pre-killed prey: The mother will bring back partially eaten prey for the kittens to learn to eat.
* Small prey: As the kittens get bigger, the mother will start bringing them smaller prey, like rabbits, to practice hunting.
By the time they are about a year old, they will be able to hunt on their own.