Feeding and caring for a lactating cat
Pregnancy and lactation are important periods that you need to prepare for. This applies not only to the examination of the animal, but also to keeping, feeding and treatment.
This article will examine three key areas:
- Feeding rules for pregnant and lactating cats;
- Treating lactating cats for parasites;
- The possibility of neutering a cat during lactation.
Feeding pregnant and lactating cats
The weight of a cat begins to increase at an early stage of pregnancy. It is also recommended that dietary changes be made during this period.
It is normal for a cat to gain weight gradually, and by the end of pregnancy the gain should be no more than 40% of the original weight. It is estimated that a cat gains an average of 1-2kg during pregnancy, depending on the number of fetuses and their size.¹This weight represents an energy reserve that will be used during the final stages of pregnancy and subsequent lactation. In the fifth week, cats typically reduce their activity levels. The enlarged uterus may exert pressure on the digestive tract, so it is important to adhere to the recommended feeding rates and avoid overfeeding the animal.
The following conclusions have been drawn from research into the importance of a proper cat diet.
- Improper feeding and nutrient deficiencies can affect not only the mother and fetus, but also the cat's behaviour. For example, a lack of arachidonic acid can make a cat cannibalistic - it eats its own kittens.
- It is widely acknowledged that the intake of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a member of the omega-3 fatty acid group, during pregnancy has a significant impact on fetal brain development. It is estimated that approximately one-third of the fats in brain tissue are DHA acids.
- Taurine is an essential amino acid that the cat's body is unable to synthesise independently. It plays a pivotal role in the optimal development of the nervous system, immunity, metabolism, as well as vision and heart health. It is recommended that the level of this nutrient in dry feed during pregnancy should be at least 0.1 per cent, and in wet feed, at least 0.25 per cent.
We will now proceed to address the lactation period.
It is important to note that there is a significant increase in energy and nutrient requirements immediately following the kittens' delivery, reaching their peak between the third and fifth weeks of lactation. It is our objective to ensure that the live weight does not drop below the original pre-pregnancy weight. Even a loss of 5-10% is a critical issue. It is essential to take into account the number of kittens born, as this will directly impact the lactating cat's requirements.
Here are clear formulas for calculating the energy required.
The energy requirement during lactation can be calculated using the following formula: LW*0.67*100 + (DF)*LW*L = N. In this formula, the following variables are defined as follows:
N – the end result, the need for
LW - live weight
DK - additional factor
< 3 kittens - additional factor - 18
3-4 kittens - additional factor - 60
> 4 kittens - additional factor - 70
L - Lactation week from 1 to 7 weeks: 0.9; 0.9; 1.2; 1.2; 1.2; 1.1; 1.0; 0.8.
You also need to consider the importance of proteins, fats and minerals in a cat's diet separately!
It is essential to ensure an adequate protein intake from the first day of pregnancy onwards. A low protein diet can lead to a number of complications.
- weakness and high kitten mortality;
- A lack of motivation to provide care for kittens.
- Please be aware that kittens may experience developmental delays and decreased responsiveness.²
A diet that is sufficiently high in fat will result in a higher birth rate and a reduction in mortality, which will in turn improve the overall reproductive performance of the cats. The sources of fat include linoleic acid, arachidonic acid and A-linolenic acid.
It is important to ensure that cats are provided with an adequate level of minerals in their diet to help prevent the development of conditions such as eclampsia, which, although uncommon in cats, can potentially arise before or after delivery and may prove fatal.
In light of the crucial importance of maintaining balance during pregnancy and lactation, it is advisable to opt for ready-made, specialised cat foods that are formulated to meet the specific nutritional requirements of pregnant and lactating animals. Veterinary nutritionists can also be engaged to develop a bespoke diet plan for your cat.
Helminth treatment
The average frequency of treatments during the lactation is 25-30 days.
The animal's gastrointestinal tract is home to a number of parasites, including ankylostomes, uncinaria, toxocara, dipylidia and others. It is possible that only a small number of these parasites may be present, and that they may not cause any visible symptoms. However, they can still have an adverse effect on the animal's health. The parasite eggs are excreted in faeces and can be ingested by another pet or even humans.
It is essential to provide a suitable treatment plan for a lactating cat, as the constant close contact with the kittens can potentially lead to infection with diseases such as toxocariasis.
Kittens may be treated from three weeks after birth. Following the delivery of kittens, a lactating cat can be treated 14 days later.
The decision regarding the selected drug is at the discretion of the prescribing veterinarian. It is probable that the chosen drug will be one of those containing milbemycin oxime or praziquantel.
It is important to ensure that parasite treatments are not overlooked, as they will help to prevent a number of potential health issues for both the cat and her kittens in the future.
Neutering a lactating cat
First, let's understand what neutering is. The term refers to the surgical removal of the sex glands (in cats, these are the ovaries) with the subsequent cessation of reproductive function and production of sex hormones.
It is difficult to provide a definitive response, but I am able to address a few queries on the subject.
Is it possible to sterilise during lactation?
Yes, technically. In practice, it is preferable to wait until the kittens are weaned from their mother, or to perform an early weaning at the age of one month with a transfer to complementary feeding.
What are the main challenges we are facing?
With regard to the technique employed during the operation itself. If the usual white line access is being used, it will be more challenging to do so with filled mammary glands. Furthermore, the area of the suture may require a longer healing period if there is significant tension due to filled mammary glands. Lateral access will eliminate any potential difficulties.
If you do not intend to have kittens from this cat in the future, you may wish to consider a planned caesarean section.
Will lactation stop immediately after neutering?
I can confirm that this is not going to happen. In order for lactation to cease and milk burnout to take place, it is necessary for lactostasis, a prolonged absence of demand for milk, to occur.
Does neutering affect milk quality?
The surgery itself, no. It is important to note that the cat will require therapy following surgery. Some of the drugs used may be excreted with milk, which could have an adverse effect on the health of kittens. It is advisable to defer the neutering procedure until the kittens have reached one month of age. During this period, it is recommended that kittens be switched to complementary foods and that access to the sutures be limited with the use of a protective blanket.
Does this mean that kittens can be completely isolated from the cat during this period?
No, the vets don't recommend it. The cat not only feeds, but also licks the kittens, helps with hygiene, and stimulates urination and defecation in cases of anxiety and difficulty.
Is surgery dangerous for a cat after giving birth?
I am opposed to the practice of early neutering, which I believe should not be carried out until at least one to two weeks after birth. It is important to note that during this period, there is an increased risk of post-operative complications in the cat, as well as potential health issues in her offspring, who may be inadequately cared for by their mother.
What is the key conclusion?
Provided that the relevant rules and appropriate preparation are followed, it is possible to neuter a cat during lactation. It is crucial to keep in mind the specific needs of kittens. If the owner is able to compensate for the absence of the mother cat while she recovers and is prepared for potential challenges, the procedure can be conducted.
[1] - Loveridge, G. G. (1985). Body weight changes and energy intake of cats during gestation and lactation. Animal Technology: Journal of the Institute of Animal Technicians, 37(1), 7─15.
[2] - Wichert, B., Schade, L., Gebert, S., Bucher, B., Zottmaier, B., Wenk, C., & Wanner, M. (2009). Energy and protein needs of cats for maintenance, gestation and lactation. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 11(10), 808─815. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.02.006.
