FELINE COLOSTRUM - FRIEND OR FOE - MATERNAL ANTIBODIES IN QUEENS AND KITTENS

The transfer of immunoglobulins (Ig) by colostrum from the queen to th e neonatal kitten not only provides protection from infection, but may also cause serious illness. Neonatal isoerythrolysis may occur when k ittens of blood type A or AB receive colostral anti-A alloantibodies f rom a type B queen. In contrast to other species, Ig concentrations in milk and colostrum did not differ markedly. Gastrointestinal absorpti on of IgG was limited to the first day of life. The half-lifes of mate rnally derived IgG and IgA in kittens were shorter than in puppies. In conclusion, milk from another queen may be given as a replacement for colostrum to neonatal kittens. Kittens at risk of neonatal isoerythro lysis must be removed from their type B queen during the first day of life and may safely receive milk or colostrum from a type A queen.