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A mother cat will likely reject a kitten if A: It is painful for her to nurse (this is a health issue, and needs to be checked out) or B: The kitten is unhealthy (also, should receive vet care). The most likely, is that the kitten is unhealthy, and the mother can see that. She will very likely let an unhealthy kitten die, while she tends to the stronger ones.

In this case, you need to worry about two things: Keeping the kitten fed, and making sure it receives the nutrients that its body requires, and making sure that the kitten does not freeze to death. Kittens do not generate enough body heat to sustain themselves. If the mother will still lay with the kitten/let it be close to her, she will supply the heat. If not, you need to keep the kitten warm. Also contact your vet about the best way to do this, and a good brand of kitten formula to give the kitten.

A common misconception is that cats like milk. This is true, but it is -extremely- unhealthy for both your cat, and even more so for the young kitten. Do NOT give a kitten milk, give it kitten formula. You can find this at any feed store, and probably just about any pet store. You will need to feed the kitten every few hours (ask your vet how often, for how old the kitten is), and it may require a dedication that you or your family is unable to provide. If this is the case, try to find someone that can foster the kitten more effectively.

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15y ago

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At what age does a mother cat lose interest in her kittens?

A mother cat typically loses interest in her kittens once they are able to care for themselves and are weaned, which is around 8-12 weeks of age. At this point, the kittens become more independent and the mother may start to distance herself from them.


What about care of mother and kittens after kittens are born?

just leave the mother and the kittens leave fresh water and food out for her. don't touch the kittens until the kittens can walk at least or if the mother cat trusts you and doesn't get mad and start hissing, you can probably play with the kittens at an earlier time. When the kittens get older only leave water and they will start to drink it. Never give milk to kittens when they are still small because they sometimes have an allergic reaction that could possibly kill them. hope this helps.


Do kittens have worms when they are born?

Kittens can be born with worms if the mother is infected during pregnancy. It is not uncommon for kittens to contract worms from the mother's milk or environment shortly after birth. Regular deworming and preventive measures are recommended for kittens.


Why would your cat kill and eat her kittens when they were about 2 weeks?

Some mother cats do this for many reasons, sometimes it's because the kittens are ill/deformed... or if someone has been handling the kittens and then the mother can smell their scent on them In both cases it is natural instinct. If the mother cat smells quite different scent in her kittens, she may think kill them for protection. If the kittens are ill/deformed, she also eats them before they die and bring diseases to the rest of kittens. Also dying kittens or dead kitten corpse marks the smell for the predators to notice where she lives.


What did the three little kittens lose in the nursery rhyme?

Their mittens.

Related Questions

Can kittens nurse after their mother is spayed?

Yes, kittens can nurse after their mother is spayed. Spaying does not affect a mother cat's ability to nurse her kittens.


If your cat had kittens 6 weeks ago are they meant to lose weight?

Kittens no and mother of the kittens no. The Cat should way more than usual because she is still nursing her kittens so the kittens can gain weight and grow :) Hope your new additions arent too much of a handfull


What is the name of a mother nursing kittens?

Mother cats that are nursing or expecting kittens are called queens.


Is it normal for a cat to lose fur around nipples while feeding her young?

Yes it is normal. The kittens will rub the hair off the mother.


What is it called when a mother feeds her kittens?

When a mother cat feeds it's kittens, the process is called, "nursing". A mother will nurse her kittens until they have the proper nourishment and are old enough to feed themselves.


Why is a cat stealing kittens from their mother?

Cats may steal kittens from their mother due to stress, lack of maternal instincts, or a desire to care for the kittens themselves.


How can you stop your neighbor's cat from being mean to your kittens?

Unrelated cats are instinctively hostile toward kittens that are not theirs. There are some exceptions, such as when nursing mother cats encounter kittens that are not theirs, or when the cats are around one another enough that they share common scents and lose their unfamiliarity.


Is it okay for a spayed mother to let her kittens nurse?

It will do no harm; usually the kittens are weaned before the mother is spayed.


Why do mother cats bite their kittens?

Mother cats may bite their kittens as a form of discipline or to teach them boundaries. This behavior is a natural way for the mother cat to establish dominance and teach her kittens how to behave.


Why do mother cats hit their kittens?

Mother cats may hit their kittens as a way to discipline them and teach them proper behavior. This behavior is a natural part of the mother cat's role in raising and caring for her kittens.


Will a mother cat remember her kittens?

Yes, a mother cat is likely to remember her kittens, as they form a strong bond during the early stages of their lives. This bond is important for the mother to care for and protect her kittens.


When do mother cats stop producing milk for their kittens?

Mother cats typically stop producing milk for their kittens when the kittens are around 8-10 weeks old.