It's quite common for newborn kittens to have trouble finding milk right after birth. This is because their eyes are not yet open, and they primarily rely on their sense of touch rather than sight to navigate their surroundings. Therefore, immediate access to milk is crucial for newborn kittens, as a prolonged period without nursing can lead to hypoglycemia, a dangerous condition that can be life-threatening.
Since newborn kittens can't see initially, they depend entirely on their sense of touch. It's normal for them to struggle finding the milk source on their own at first. To assist them, you can gently pick up the kitten, carefully open its mouth, and guide it to the mother cat's nipple. The kitten will then naturally begin to nurse. It's also important to ensure the mother cat receives proper nutrition during this period, as she will be physically weakened after giving birth. Providing her with nutritious food and supplements will be beneficial for her recovery and the kitten's milk supply.
How Soon Must Newborn Kittens Start Nursing?
Newborn kittens need to start receiving milk, ideally mother's milk, very soon after birth. A delay in feeding can quickly result in hypoglycemia, posing a significant risk to their lives. Typically, kittens will nurse for about one to two months before starting the weaning process. During the initial weaning phase, owners can start introducing small amounts of kitten milk replacer or milk-soaked kitten food. As the kitten grows, the amount of milk gradually decreases. Because kittens have delicate digestive systems, it is important to soften dry kitten food with milk replacer before feeding and consider adding probiotics to prevent issues such as vomiting or diarrhea after feeding. Ensuring they get adequate nutrition is paramount for their growth and survival.