The cat's grace and beauty have inspired artists since ancient times. Cats are found in literature, portraits, museums as statues and sculpture, but until recently the needs of a mother and her babies have not been studied scientifically. One of the best ways to aid your cat during her pregnancy and litter birth is to add fish oils to her regular meals.
Today we are much more aware of dietary needs for our feline friends and especially the new moms. The mother cat will pick a dark, hidden place to give birth to her kittens. She wants to protect the kittens' eyes from bright light and keep the kittens safe from prowling enemies, especially tomcats. The mother cat nurses her kittens for about two months. During this period, she should receive mill with the cream unseparated. A pinch of bone meal and three drops of halibut-liver oil sprinkled on the mother cat's food once a day will help her provide nourishing milk for the kittens. The fattest and healthiest kittens are those that are handled least and allowed to remain with the mother cat until she has weaned them.
Sometimes kittens are in need of more food than their mother can offer. One helpful method is to give them a teaspoon of fresh milk with egg yolk, or the same amount of fruit juice or soup. A sprinkling of salt and bone meal on the foods provides enough minerals for healthy bodies. Kittens usually begin eating small amounts of cereal or prepared baby food until the age of seven or eight weeks, when they can begin with some solid foods such as meat and fish.
Cats can sometimes suffer from upset stomachs. Keep them warm and do not give them solid foods for a day or two. Warm milk with a pinch of salt should help the cat relax and settle down its digestive tract. Three drops of halibut-liver oil in the soup will help soothe an upset stomach.
Cats suffer from rheumatism if kept in damp places. Part of their beauty is the effortless and lithe manner of movement. We want these joints to remain healthy and well-oiled, so please utilize fatty acid supplements to aid in the joint health. A tablespoon of olive oil added to your pet's food a few times a week will keep bowel movements regular and coat glossy.
While being nursed, the first meal of your kitten is crucial. Kittens have only the first 24 hours after birth to attain the mother's milk which is loaded with colostrum. Colostrum contains antibodies and nutrients essential for the newborn animal's nutrition as well as to boost their immune system. It is vital to make sure all the litter gets a chance to be nursed, especially the smaller, less pushy kittens. There are many specialty feeds available to help out the new, nursing cat at your local veterinarian or pet shop.
A kitten's eyes are very delicate and should be sheltered from bright light as the eye is easily damaged. They usually do not open until 8-10 days after birth. Nursing cat moms are especially in need of proteins. These can come from beef, chopped liver, heart, kidney, and fish. The fish oils help heal the mother from the inside with soothing the tissues that were stretched from the birthing. Fish oil helps keep her fur shiny and her skin moisturized, all of which helps her be a good mother.
Both long-haired and short-haired kittens shed their baby hair at about 6 months. They will weigh close to 3 ounces at birth, gaining about one pound per month for the first six months. Adult cats shed their coats each season. To aid your cat in regrowth of new, gorgeous fur, a few drops of fish oil can be added to their meals several times per week.
Timothy H. Harris
