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90 results for “kitten weaning”
Feeding a Pregnant Cat: Diet Before, During, and After Birth
A pregnant queen's needs shift hard — her intake climbs to 1.5–2× normal by delivery, so transition her to calorie-dense kitten food over seven days and keep calcium steady. After birth she loses about 40% of the pregnancy weight gain and needs energy-rich, calcium-supplemented food, with free feeding while the litter is large.
Does Milk Engorgement in Mother Cats Go Away on Its Own?
A nursing mother cat can develop painful milk engorgement (mammary congestion) when kittens aren't nursing enough or her diet is too rich. Mild cases often resolve on their own within about a week, but severe swelling with hard lumps, scabs, or no improvement needs manual milking, drying-up medication, and a vet visit to avoid mastitis. Gentle massage, warm compresses, balanced feeding, and good hygiene are the main ways to help her recover.
A Guide to Vaccinating Your Cat
Vaccines shield cats from deadly contagious disease, even indoor ones, since owners carry viruses home on shoes and hands. Follow the core schedule, two or three FVRCP shots plus rabies, and use antibody tests to avoid wasteful or failed dosing.
What Is Feline Mastitis and What Are Its Symptoms?
Feline mastitis is inflammation of the mammary glands caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, or E. coli, marked by one or more glands that are red, swollen, hot, and painful, with cloudy or bloody milk and a queen that refuses to nurse. Treatment stops nursing, cleans and drains the gland, and infuses antibiotics (ampicillin or cephalexin) into the teat canal, with systemic antibiotics for severe cases.
How to Feed Cats at Different Life Stages
Feeding changes with age: newborn kittens need mother's milk or kitten formula (never cow's milk), wean onto soaked kitten kibble by two to four months, add cans and egg yolk through six months, switch to adult food after a year, and move seniors to soft or soaked meals. Match the diet to each stage to avoid malnutrition and tummy trouble.
Common Causes and Treatment of Ringworm in Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits
Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a highly contagious, zoonotic fungal infection that strikes animals with weak skin immunity — especially youngsters and those in damp, dirty surroundings — and can pass to humans. Treatment means isolating the pet, clipping and disinfecting lesions, antifungal sprays or ointments (plus oral antifungals and B-vitamins for severe cases, with liver support), and thorough environmental cleaning; rabbits need ivermectin-based mite control to prevent it. Keep the home dry and ventilated, bathe sparingly with pet shampoo, and use a little sunlight to stop outbreaks before they start.
Why Cats Eat Strange Things (Pica)
Feline pica — eating non-food items — can stem from nutrient deficits, illness, poor management, or early weaning. It ranges from licking plastic and plants to swallowing fabric or suckling other animals, and some items (lilies, daffodils) are toxic, so a vet check and a calm home are the right first steps.
Caring for a Pregnant Cat: What Owners Should Do
A newly pregnant queen needs little beyond her normal routine and good nutrition; keep her active but avoid jumps in the final two weeks, and transition her to kitten food as her belly grows. About a week before delivery, set up a private, safe birthing space with a low-sided nest, nearby food and water, and a prepared breeding kit so you're ready for anything.
Precautions for Feeding Milk to Cats
Like us mammals, cats can have milk nutrition for life. Here's how to feed it.
Precautions for Deworming Your Cat
To deworm, first know how cats get parasites. Deworming is key to health, especially for newborns. Here are the precautions.