I have a 3-4 year old cat that I had spayed as soon as I got her from the pound. She was just a kitten then. I recently brought home a new kitten that i'm not quite sure was finished nursing and at first my older cat (which rules the roost even with the dog) wanted nothing to do with the baby but now she cleans the kitten and the kitten seems to get some enjoyment out of nursing on the cat?? Is it possible that she is getting a motherly instinct and if so do you think she can still produce milk? (sorry if this is a stupid question) Thanks for your intelligent answers.
2007-05-07 06:27:52 · 7 answers · asked by Kelli S 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Thank you for your answers! I figured about the milk, but she has went into heat several times since we had her spayed so I know they left behind some tissue so I wasn't sure how much was enough? It's just strange to see her acting like a momma when she hardly tolerates us! She will come up to you for a few pets then attack you and run. She holds the kitten down and nips at her but is being very good with her. She definitely seems uncomfortable when the kitten is trying to nurse.
2007-05-07 06:44:15 · update #1
Milk production in mammals requires the presence of prolactin (a hormone). Prolactin production is stimulated by the presence of pregnancy hormones that are produced in the uterus - since these hormones are removed in the spay operation, lactation no longer occurs
However! Prolactin is produced in the pituitary gland (in the brain) so the spay operation does not actually remove its source. In theory at least, it would be possible for spayed females to produce milk under the right stimulation.
Generally though, spayed females do not produce milk, so I think your cat is just being motherly as a result of some left-over mothering instinct. Even when spayed, some cats remain more motherly than others.
So it's not really a stupid question at all!
Chalice
2007-05-07 07:30:05 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As stated in other answers, it's just not possible for her to nurse. She shouldn't have gone back into heat, no matter what.
Actually, she's cleaning and comforting the kitten in a good way so don't worry about it. The older cat will definitely let the kitten know what is acceptable. Who knows, maybe her nurturing will make her more friendly (though probably not.)
Relax and enjoy them.
2007-05-07 06:49:19 · answer #2 · answered by cats4g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can't produce milk but the nursing still acts as a comfort to the kitten....sort of like a baby with a pacifier. Some cats will still develop a mothering instinct after spaying. One of my spayed cats likes to steal socks whenever she gets the chance. She carries them in her mouth to hide in a "nest" and curls up with them. She licks & purrs as if she's taking care of babies.
2007-05-07 06:35:43 · answer #3 · answered by redhairedgirl 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yeah after being fixed she can't nurse the kitten although the kitten can try to! your cat is being motherly which is great for the kitten! =)
if the kitten is too young for hard food you should buy some kitten milk like esbilac or whatever brand they have and bottle feed him! if you cant get any, get moist kitten food for it.
2007-05-07 06:35:41 · answer #4 · answered by suicideblonde 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A spayed cat won't be able to produce milk. you may feed them with kitten formulation, inspite of the incontrovertible fact that it is not undemanding artwork. a extra perfect answer could be to capture their mom who will probable be finding for them.
2016-10-15 00:32:57 · answer #5 · answered by bhuwan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since all her mommy organs are gone its impossible for her to produce milk.
2007-05-07 06:31:40 · answer #6 · answered by Mellycat123 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No...just like humans we need to have been pregnant to lactate. But she can be a good kitty mommy in all other areas.
2007-05-07 06:33:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋