My mama cat had her second litter of kittens 2days ago. Her first litter is almost 5months old. One of the kittens from her first litter keeps nursing. Is that okay? Can the mama cat produce enough milk to nurse four newborns and the 5 month old kitten?

Updated On August 23rd, 2017

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

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Yes, Bella should be able to produce plenty of milk for everyone, but it is very abnormal for a 5 month old kitten to want to keep nursing. I would recommend removing the older kitten and keeping them separate. Occasionally, older kittens will continue to try to nurse, and if there is no milk present, the nursing can lead to mastitis (an infection in the mammary gland). I would also recommend getting Bella and the kittens spayed to prevent further pregnancies. Cats will mate with any male present, including their own kittens.

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