Staff Author
|October 01, 2015
Feeding your cat properly is critical during pregnancy and nursing. Malnutrition can result in low birth weight of the kittens and put them at risk for several health conditions resulting in a reduced survival rate.1 The goal is optimal nourishment for both the mother and her kittens. Specifically, here are nutritional priorities:
Increased energy and fat are important because pregnant and nursing cats have extremely high energy needs. Nursing is the most energy-demanding stage of a cat’s life. Nursing cats have 2 to 6 times the energy requirements of a healthy adult cat.
Digestibility is how much eaten food is actually absorbed by the cat’s body. High digestibility is important because energy needs are very high and there is less physical space in the abdomen of pregnant cats.
It is extremely important to feed your pregnant or nursing cat a food that provides the increased nutrition she needs. We recommend feeding Hill’s® Science Diet® Kitten Food formulas as soon as you discover your cat is pregnant. These formulas are rich in essential nutrients and support development of the kittens during pregnancy. It’s always best to talk to your veterinarian about a food recommendation for your pregnant or nursing cat.
Typical gestation (pregnancy) averages 63-65 days. 2 We recommend that you see a veterinarian weekly during pregnancy and nursing to assess weight and food intake. Please speak with your veterinarian to determine how often your cat should be examined during pregnancy and after the birth of her kittens.
Weaning is usually a gradual process. Most kittens begin eating solid food between 3-4 weeks of age. Weaning should be effectively completed between 6-10 weeks of age. 3
It is recommended that your keep a record of your kitten’s weight, stools, development and activity every 1 or 2 days (especially in the first two weeks after birth) 4 and schedule a check-up with your veterinarian.
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Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
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