Cat question

[Raenelle]

My daughter's cat is still nursing--and the "kittens" are almost 10 weeks old. Is this a problem?

[MissMillie]

1. Let nature run it's course

offer them solid food, but if they still take comfort in nursing, then why take that away from them?

[Raenelle]

3. They've been eating solid food for weeks.

They (the 2 who are left) just seem to like their mommy. It's her first litter. She's a bit thin, like they get when they're nursing. And she's still a bit withdrawn--being the mommy instead of the playful cat who demands to be the center of attention.

I agree--let nature take it's course--as long as it doesn't hurt her--and that's part of my question--will it? And I guess I'm wondering if, at this point, since it already hasn't--will it--or are we going to be dealing with a situation where 2 adult cats are nursing from Lily (that' her name)?

[havocmom]

2. the queen (mamma cat) will know when enough is enough

I would assume your daughter is offering the kittens food too? They should be getting the best of both worlds. They will nurse if momma cat allows it but they should be eating solid food now too. They can go on to new homes when they can eat solids without any problem.

[SoCalDem]

4. Momma will cut them off when she's ready..

and once they are enjoying regular food, they will lose interest.. Water is "difficult" for kittens, and by nursing, they get their "liquid" requirements..

I have had to continue bottle feeding water to a few kittens I have raised.. they would practically dunk their entire face into the water bowl, and were then afraid of it.. It took one (Marvin) about a week and a half to figure out that he needed to use his tongue..:)

[Bertha Venation]

6. Yep. Don't worry -- Mama knows best.

:bounce:

[Carni]

5. The mom knows best

I wouldn't worry about it because if their mother is around she'll cut them off when it's time!

[DoctorWeird]

7. What breed are they?

Some breeds nurse longer, Burmese and Siamese. Also feral cats nurse for longer. Don't stop them, if you do you might end up with a
"wool-sucking" cat. http://petplace.netscape.com/articles/artShow.asp?artID=2932

[Shallah Kali]

8. Are you feeding the Mama cat kitten food?

My sister did not do that when her kitty had babies and she got so thin it was scary. When taken to the vet to find out what was wrong she pointed out that the Mom cat needs kitten food throughout the pregnancy and while nursing. My sister's kitty got better once her diet was switched and when she had enough of nuring the kittens as they got older she would push them away. Eventually they got the idea and gave up. Best of luck with your furkids!

[Rhiannon12866]

12. Welcome to DU, Shallah!

It's great to welcome another animal lover to the board!:hi:

[webDude]

9. had a 6 month old "kitten" still nursing...

before Mama kicked her off. It was a fight! They both turned out normal.

[SoCalDem]

10. Sara is over a year old, and she will "nurse" on my earlobe

every chance she gets :eyes:.. I have to sleep with the covers over my head :)and she gave up the bottle first..

[mike_c]

11. the kittens will likely nurse for as long as mom will let them...

...and they'll keep trying for some time afterward. Don't worry,she'll stop them when she's ready.