mother cat not lactating?

Question
Hi,
We have a young cat who gave birth to 5 kittens today
all went well, she is acting very motherley but her
mammarys are not swelling and no wetness around the area
to show production of milk  What now? kittens are not crying, does it take time for milk production?
appriciate any info you can give. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Cathy,

Give her a few hours and then she how she is. Sometimes it takes a little while to produce milk. If she isn't producing a lot you will need to supplement her production. I am attaching a formula for something called Kitty Glop. This is a really good supplement. I raised one kitten from 4 hours old on this. You will need to feed the kittens 3-4 times a day. You will need to get a kitten nursing bottle. Feed them the same way the mom feeds them. Don't hold them at an angle or on their backs as they can aspirate the food into their lungs and get very sick from that. Place them back with their mom after you have fed them. Write back if you have any other questions. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen



KITTY GLOP




INGREDIENTS:
1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt (not low or non fat)
2 tbsp. mayonnaise (real not light or No-Fat)
1 tbs. Karo Syrup (light)
1 pkg. Knox gelatin
1 egg yolk (beaten, )
1 cup Pedialyte (unflavored)
1- 2 jars Stage One Baby food (chicken or turkey)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix milk, yogurt, mayonnaise, baby food, and syrup together well. Bring 1 cup pedialyte to boil and mix in Knox gelatin. Set aside. Mix egg yolk with small amount of milk mixture and beat well.

Add gelatin and pedialyte to milk mixture and beat well. Add in egg yolk mixture and beat well. Remember to not use egg substitute and keep egg white to a minimum.

Pour into bowl (with cover) and set in refrigerator. Glop will last for two weeks covered in refrigerator. Try freezing the mixture in ice cube trays and store the cubes in the freezer, thaw as many as needed.
Always warm glop to room temperature ,(milk form), or a little warmer, before feeding.