🍼 The Real Cost of Raising a Kitten When Mom Can’t Nurse: Our Experience with a Type B Queen

May 19

Five golden shaded kittens born from type “b” blood type queen

At PurrfectlyFold Scottish Fold Cattery, we pour our hearts into raising healthy, well-socialized kittens. But behind the fluffy photos and sweet updates, there are moments of real challenge—especially when a mother cat (queen) isn’t able to nurse her kittens.

This is the story of what happens when a queen with blood type B gives birth and doesn’t produce enough milk. It’s a reality breeders rarely talk about, but it’s part of the commitment we make to each kitten’s life.

🩸 Why Blood Type Matters: Neonatal Isoerythrolysis Risk

When a type B queen is bred to a type A or AB stud, there's a risk of neonatal isoerythrolysis—a condition where the mother’s antibodies attack the kittens’ red blood cells through her colostrum (first milk).

To prevent this:

Kittens must not nurse for the first 24–30 hours of life.
They need colostrum substitute or a safe foster queen.
After the critical period, they can nurse safely—but what happens if mom still isn’t producing enough milk?

🍼 What Happens When Mom Has No Milk?

In our case, our type B queen didn’t produce enough milk for three straight weeks. That meant total round-the-clock care. Here’s what it took:

🕐 Time Commitment

Feeding every 2–3 hours, 24/7.
Each feeding session for a litter of 4–5 kittens can take 45–60 minutes.
Cleaning after each feed, stimulating kittens to go potty, changing bedding—another 30 minutes.
Little to no sleep for the first 2 weeks.

💬 “It’s like having newborn human babies... multiplied by four.”

💸 Cost Breakdown (Per Litter – 3 Weeks)

Kitten formula (KMR, Royal Canin): $150–$250
Depending on the number of kittens and feeding frequency.
Colostrum supplement: $50–$80
Essential within the first 24 hours if the queen has blood type B and nursing must be delayed.
Feeding bottles & nipples: $30–$50
Must be sterilized regularly and replaced frequently.
Heating pads and warming discs: $40–$70
Critical for maintaining the correct body temperature for neonatal kittens.
Baby scale: $30–$40
Used for daily weight tracking to monitor growth and detect any early issues.
Disposable gloves, wipes, pads: $30–$60
Hygiene is key when hand-rearing kittens to prevent infections.
Laundry (bedding, towels, blankets): $50+
Extra loads daily to keep kittens’ environment clean and dry.
Emergency vet check (if needed): $100–$300+
For weak or fading kittens who require professional medical intervention.

Estimated total: $500–$900+ per litter in just the first three weeks, not counting the emotional and physical toll.

💔 Emotional Investment

Constant fear of losing a kitten.
Monitoring for signs of fading kitten syndrome.
Deep emotional fatigue from lack of sleep and high-stakes care.
The mental load of making decisions fast—do I tube feed? Do I supplement more often? Is this one gaining enough weight?

💬 “Every hour, every gram of weight gained is a little victory.”

❤️ Why We Still Do It

Because every life matters.

These aren’t just kittens—they’re tiny beings we brought into the world, and we are responsible for giving them the best start possible. The early challenges don’t stop us—they only make us more determined to breed responsibly, with transparency and heart.

📣 Final Thoughts for Future Kitten Parents

If you're adopting a kitten from a reputable Scottish Fold breeder, know that a lot happens before that little bundle ever reaches your arms. We don’t just breed—we nurse, nurture, and often fight alongside our kittens for their survival.

So when you see a healthy, well-socialized Scottish Fold kitten ready for a forever home, you're not just seeing fluff—you’re seeing weeks of sleepless nights, careful planning, and pure love.

Tatyana Koyfman