Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Canine Behavior > Chihuahua feeding Kittens

Chihuahua feeding Kittens

18 16:42:14

Question
Hi,  my 1 yr old chihuahua 'Kaya' who has had 1 heat, but we kept her secluded experienced my cat having her first litter about 3 months ago.  She watched them be born, we had always wanted her apart of that process so she doesn't harm the babies, also, our cat was her best friend.  Anyway, she has a huge bond with the 2 kittens that we did keep from the litter of 5.  I noticed that shes getting a bit saggy, and we've spotted that she is feeding them.  At first we thought it was cute, but I think she might have milk.  And she has prick marks from the kittens claws pushing against her.  I don't know if its a bad thing or if I should be finding homes for the kittens to leave her alone.  Kaya likes it, and hides from us with the kittens.  If you could help that would be great.  She isn't coming to us less and less when we call, because she is spending what seems to be her every waking moment with the kittens.

Answer
Believe it or not, a female dog providing milk, and giving suck, to kittens has happened before!  I have no idea how old these kittens are (it appears that you've given away a fair number so they must be over six weeks of age).  I suggest you consult the veterinarian because it appears your dog may be overly solicitous to kittens that should most likely already have been weaned, and her obsessive behavior is somewhat troubling.  She can be given a course of hormones to counteract the prolactin levels (the hormone responsible for producing milk) and then she should be spayed (several weeks after milk subsides.)