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Can older kitten nurse pregnant cat? Will it take milk from new kittens?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female

My kitten just started nursing on her mama while she is pregnant again. She is old enough not to need milk. Should I allow her or will it take away milk from the kittens.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 23rd, 2017

If her mama cat is pregnant, she is not likely producing much milk at this point and it will not take away from the kittens until after they are born. Once the kittens are born, you may need to keep Dot away from her mama cat initially so that she does not accidentally injury the kittens in her attempts to nurse. However, odds are good that the mama cat will stop Dot from trying to nurse before the kittens are born.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 7th, 2017

    This kitten may have stimulated some milk let down by trying but be careful to monitor the kitten as she may not have enough to fully support it at this stage. It is unlikely to affect the pregnancy. Most cats that take on orphans have no trouble tending to their own litter despite age differences either.

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