What Can I Feed My Cat to Ensure She Produces Enough Milk for Kittens?

Taking care of your cat's dietary requirements during pregnancy and after giving birth is of paramount importance. A healthy, well-fed cat will be able to produce enough nutrient-rich milk to give the kittens a good start in life.

Early Stages of Pregnancy

The cat should be fed a premium adult food until four weeks before birth. The website Vetinfo recommends you feed a proprietary food, which is perfectly nutritionally balanced.

Latter Stage of Pregnancy

In the final three weeks, change your cat's food to a premium kitten food. This will enable her to produce sufficient milk and will also contain the exact requirements for the kittens. Make the change over the course of a week. Monitor the cat's appetite; she will need more food than usual, but watch her weight.

After the Birth

The cat may not eat much after giving birth. This is normal. Continue offering food; her appetite should pick up within a few days. During the first 24 hours, she will be producing colostrum. Make sure she has constant access to fresh water.

During Lactation

Continue feeding your nursing cat on kitten food. As a general guideline, double the quantity, but pay attention to her appearance. Notice if she is putting on weight or if she is hungry.

As Weaning Approaches

Your cat will produce less milk as the kittens grow. At four weeks, gradually reintroduce regular food, reducing the quantity accordingly.