I hope you don't mind me sharing this little marvel of nature...
Tutu is my 6m old female cat, newly spade (about a month ago). Two weeks
ago, we adopted her 7 week old half brother, Andy. The two became fast
friends (did they know they were related?), and on a couple of occasions the
children observed Andy *nursing* on Tutu. I finally caught them together
one afternoon, and sure enough, the little guy was attached, with Tutu
laying there dutifully purring. I tried expressing some milk later that day
but didn't get anything. (and yes, my cat milking technique is pretty good!)
I hadn't noticed him nursing in several days, but today my son called me
into the bathroom, swearing that he *smelled milk on Andy's breath*! I
couldn't resist trying to express Tutu again and...we have milk!!!! No,
she's not heavy with milk, but something is coming out.
I had to report this case of induced lactation in a never-been -pregnant,
no-uterus feline who was suckling her half-brother. The receptionist's
response at my vet's office was "Oh, no! Keep them apart! He should be
completely weaned by six weeks!" This of course, let to a gentle discussion
of nature and nurture, etc. etc.
I've worked with a handful of human moms over the past few years who were
either inducing lactation or relactating, but this one takes the cake!
Thanks for letting me share,
Lisa Huntze BSE, IBCLC
LLLL and mom to three human children (including a 2 1/2 yo nursling)
4 cats
2 dogs
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