Research overview: milk composition and lactation in felids

The composition of cat milk supports the rapid early growth of altricial young and changes over the course of lactation. This overview surveys what is known about the fat, protein, and energy content of felid milk, how it compares across species, and how it shifts from colostrum to mature milk. It considers the importance of colostrum for passive immune transfer in newborns and the implications for hand-rearing orphaned cubs that require appropriate milk replacers. The review discusses how lactation imposes substantial energetic costs on mothers, influencing birth intervals and the timing of return to estrus. Understanding milk composition and lactation physiology supports both captive rearing and the broader study of maternal investment in cats.