Are you wondering what to feed your mother cat after giving birth? If so, you’re not alone. As first-time pet owners, we often don’t know the best course of action when caring for our cats.
After giving birth, a mother cat requires nutritious and high-calorie food to ensure she can recover and provide enough nutrients and energy for her litter. Proper nutrition is essential for the mother’s health, weight maintenance, and milk production.
With the appropriate diet, the mother cat can stay healthy and have enough energy to nurse her kittens. But what exactly does she need? It is essential for the mother cat’s and her kittens’ health that she is given the proper diet.
Read on to find out some of the best options for what to feed a mother cat after giving birth, including their nutritional benefits.
Best Foods For Nursing Mother Cat
A high-quality, nutrient-rich diet is best to feed your mother cat after giving birth. It should include premium-quality wet food, which is highly digestible and contains more essential nutrients than dry food.
Wet food is also easier for nursing cats to consume, as it’s softer than dry food and doesn’t require as much chewing.
1. Cat Food
When your cat gives birth, ensure to provide her with high-calorie and protein-dense food for maximum nourishment. Plenty of cat foods and treats in the market suit your nursing cat. You can always consult your vet on the best food for nursing cats.
2. Food Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Ensure to supplement her diet with extra vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are essential for your cat’s good health.
Vitamins are available in water-soluble and fat-soluble categories. Vitamin B and C complex vitamins are water-soluble, while A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. Carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, spinach, fish oils, and cheese are excellent sources of Vitamin A.
Allow your cat to get sun exposure to get Vitamin D. Feeding your cat diary or tuna supplies them with Vitamin B while fish meal provides Vitamin K.
Wheat germ, nuts, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of Vitamin E.
3. Plenty of Clean Water
It is also essential to provide plenty of fresh, clean water for the mother cat to stay hydrated and to help with milk production.
Provide your cat with plenty of nutritious wet food to help her stay hydrated and get the nutrients her body needs.
4. Human Food
Most cat foods contain everything your mother cat needs, but you can add human food for nutritional treats. The best sources of cat treats are eggs, yogurt, spinach, fats (fish oil), poultry, beef, and fish.
It’s also important to note that your mother cat may need to eat more frequently after giving birth. Nursing cats have increased caloric needs, so ensure you provide her with an adequate supply of food and water to meet her nutritional needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Feed My Cat After Giving Birth?
Most cats are not interested in feeding during birthing or after birthing. Ensure to give your cat food 24 hours after the birthing of the kittens.
She’ll be hungry and likely to eat a lot during this time.
Do Cats Need More Food After Giving Birth?
Your pregnant cat loses 40% of her weight after birthing. Her nutritional needs also increase since she needs more energy to produce milk for her kittens.
You’ll need to keep her food bowl full at all times. Your nursing mother cat can eat up to four times a day. However, once your cat begins weaning her kittens, you can slowly reduce her food.
How Can I Increase My Nursing Cat’s Milk Supply?
The best way to increase your nursing cat’s milk production is by feeding her a nutritious and balanced diet. Also, ensure she’s always hydrated.
Additionally, ensure to watch out for her and eliminate stress.
How Do I Know If My Cat Can Produce Milk?
Two days before she gives birth, you’ll notice some thick cream secretions from her nipples. That’s a sign she’s ready to give birth and is already producing milk.
How Do You Take Care of a Mother Cat After Giving Birth?
Immediately after birth, keep your cat’s room warm and quiet. Check to be sure the kittens are feeding well.
Wrap-Up
Finally, feed your mother cat in a calm, low-stress environment. Keep her kittens away from her mealtime to minimize distractions and provide her with plenty of love and affection. This way, she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her meals more fully.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your mother cat is eating the right foods and getting the proper nutrition to care for her kittens and stay healthy. With a nutritious diet and plenty of love and attention, your mother cat can provide the best care possible for her little ones.
