When will she get up to eat and drink and when will they open their eyes?

Question

This is 2 questions. My cat had her babies today and it has been about 2-3 hours since her last baby and she passed her placenta.
They are doing well and nursing a lot. They all nursed so much they have fat tummies now. LOL But she still hasnt gotten up to get any food or water and I have brought it to her and she doesnt seem interested. She seems fine though. She is just purring and sleeping and letting the babies nurse. She will move around and groom herself and clean the babies. I was just wondering when will she get up to drink and eat and also I was curious what age do the babies open their eyes?

Answer 1

She will get up to eat when she feels ready. Just leave the food and water where she can get to it when she's ready. The kittens will open their eyes in about 2 weeks. Just don't fool with them much. Your cat will have Mom instincts built in. Congrats on the babies!

Answer 2

Chances are she's just too darn tired right now. Giving birth is very tiring. Keep the food and water near her, though. That way she doens't need to travel far when she is ready to eat. For the first few days she will try to stay very close to the babies.

Babies open their eyes around the 9th day. They will be blue to start (they don't change color until about the 10th week).

In a couple of days, try to change the bedding. I imagine it's all yucky right now. But if you change anything this soon after birth, Mom might get upset. Also, if she has a good/strong bond with you, she may be alright with you touching the babies. Just make sure you pet her first, get her scent on your hands, then gently touch the babies. This will get them used to human contact. But try not to pick them up until you see how Mom reacts to you touching them. There have been stories of feline and canine moms ignoring babies because they smell like humans too much. Good luck! Have fun! Kitten are great to watch when their about 3 weeks old and start to discover their world.

Oh! You can introduce them to 'solid' kitten food around 4 weeks. Just add some water to it, wether it be can, soft or dry. The same day, you should set up a small litter box and place the kittens in the box, then 'scratch' their paws in the litter. As kittens aren't used to 'solid' food, they are going to get quite loud as their bodies process something that isn't Mommy Milk. And don't try to stop Mom from eating whatever food you lay down for the kittens. As she eats it, her milk will smell and taste different, this will help the kittens start to eat it as well.

Answer 3

How totally cool.
Everything you said sounds NORMAL, you need not worry.
Mommy will take care of her babies first and then herself, it seems she really knows what she is doing, is this her first litter?
The babies eyes will begin to open in about 14 days, some maybe sooner some maybe a little longer. Don't worry it sounds like the birth went well and kittens are healthy.
Congrats, have fun.. but don't handle them too much for a while, let Mommy do all the work.

Answer 4

it will probably be within the next 24 hours or so before the mother cat will want any food just be sure that there is plenty of food and water around for mom. the kittens will open there eyes in about 2 weeks/14 days you may however notice it a little earlier. dont handle the kittens for atleast the first week this can put stress on both mom and babies. make sure you dont move her and her kittens allow her and the babies to remain in the spot where they were birthed also make sure there isnt alot of noise around them. if you would like additional information feel free to contact me at [e-mail] I have raised many litters of kittens and know alot about them. here are some helpful websites you can go to. also calling your veterinarian clinic would be a good idea. another thing there should be one placenta per kitten and make sure they are eating regulary it is normal for them to eat alot during there first few weeks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitten

http://www.cathealth.com/birth.htm

http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/all_about_kittens/index.html

Answer 5

In about three weeks time the babies should have open eyes. The mom is just exhausted (if it's only been a few hours then she is tired). In a little while she will probably be eating. Don't be worried. Also Congratulations on the little kitties.

Answer 6

Your mommy kitty is just fine. She is really tired. When she becomes hungry or thirsty, she will get it. Make sure you keep these items close to her, so she doesn't worry too much about having to leave her kittens.
As to when they open their eyes? Wait about 7-10 days. Some take a little longer, but do not try to force their eyes open, because this can cause infection.
Hope this helps and good luck-plus congratulations on you kittens!!

Answer 7

to answer your ;

1st question:
-You should just make sure that food and water is available next to her bed at all times...Right now she is kind of confused a little bit especially if this is her first litter...

-So she really just needs comforting from you right now

-Later on tonight or tomorrow morning try offering her some soft
kitten food (because she is nursing she needs the calories to produce enough milk for her babies)

2nd question ;

-my cat gave birth 6months ago to a litter of 4 and i believe the kittens will start opening their eyes fully at about a couple of weeks (about 2-3 weeks)
*dont try to open their eyes for them they will do it on their own

**make sure to check her tummy between her thighs to make sure she doesnt have any still borns

Answer 8

usually when an animal is expecting to deliver they are more in tune to their natural instincts and they tend to do binge eating/drinking before the event. she is exhausted right now just as people are and i wouldnt worry too much about unless she goes without drinking at least throughout tonight then tomorrow id call a vet on call to see what they recommend . usually they will just drink if they are thirsty but also she may be afraid to leave her babies knowing that there are humans around. maybe just let her be and shut the door to the room so she feels safe and she will drink.

Answer 9

She will after she is rested up.. i know after i had my babies i didnt want to eat for a good 6-8 hours after... If she still hasnt eaten anything after 24 hours then see a vet... your new kitties will open their eyes 7-10 days after they are born =) have fun with your new kitties!!

Answer 10

Oh how adorable!!! Congratulations on the new little kitties.

The mother cat will do what she feels is necessary. Let her hang out with her babies, and everything will happen on its own.