Is new mother cat lactating?

Question
I have a cat, who is about 10 months old, who just gave birth to 5 beautiful kittens. This is her first litter, and I don't think she is producing any milk, but I don't know how to tell for sure. Do you know a good way to tell??

Answer
Hi Kat,

Sorry it took me so long to answer. If the kittens are suckling and don't seem in any distress then she is producing milk. If the kits seem like they are hungry and aren't gaining weight then you need to supplement her milk. Also feed the mom kitten food for the extra nutrition she needs. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen