A mother cat will only eat her kitten when she is sure that they are dead. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Have a bag, towel, or blanket ready to wrap the deceased kitten in and be prepared to protect yourself from potential exposure to any infectious agents. An instinctual drive for some female mother cats, especially the inexperienced ones, is to eat their dead kittens. Without access to their mothers milk, kittens are susceptible to dehydration and hypothermia, both of which can be fatal. However, removal is not as simple as it sounds; if not done properly, it could lead to even more problems for the mother and remaining babies in the nest. Nutritional deficienciesoccur when the mother doesnt receive enough vitamins and energy sources essential for labor and nursing. When I am not working on my blog, I study research articles and enjoy the time with my beloved cat Astra! The mother cat isnt going to grieve over the dead kitten. If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic bag. Some things you should not say after the loss of a pet: Dont cry. Crying is part of the grieving process for many people. 4) The cat may have been feeling sick or injured, and as a result, she may have consumed her kittens as a way of self-medicating. Causes and Treatments. Its the right decision for everyone involved.Key factors include:DecompositionHealth of the LitterLocation of the LitterMost mother cats will already be in tune with the negative effects of a dead kitten on the other kittens. Manage Settings If the cat is not showing any signs of distress, the veterinarian may simply observe the cat and wait for the next litter to be born. When one, What Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten? Buy her favorite treat or food for her as a special pick-me-up. No, it is not recommended to show your cat her dead kitten as this may cause her to become distressed and have a negative reaction. It is important to observe local laws when disposing of animal remains, so be sure to look into what regulations are in place before handling the body. While removing the gloves turn them inside out and properly discard them. If you keep watch, you will see a moment when she knows. Youll want to make sure the mother and surviving kittens receive proper veterinary care as soon as possible after the emergency occurs. Newborn kittens are extremely vulnerable and sometimes a kitten is born dead. Weighing the risks and benefits involved in this decision Its very unsafe for the mother to consume their dead kittens so its advisable for the owner to remove it from the side before she starts biting it. When there are no live kittens she can pay attention to, you can try offering hersmall stuffed toysthat resemble a kitten in size and form. Cats are prolific breeders and a mature, experienced mother, can have up to a dozen kittens or more, although the average litter size tends to be around 5 kittens. Allowing things to continue as is increases the risk of the mother becoming infected and dying from septicemia. Dead kittens get stuck inside a cat all the time. The reason that a mother cat will eat the kitten is twofold. Maybe her current nest feels too noisy or exposed, or there are too many people coming over to look at her and her kittens when she really wants to be left alone. Yes, it is recommended to let a mother cat see her dead kitten. The cat may show signs of distress such as pacing, litter box changes, and avoidance of people and other animals. Again although this is confronting, this is normal behaviour. By eating the newborn, a mother cat will re-absorb the nutrients that her body had first used to generate the kitten. This treatment is necessary, so don't take your kittens away from their mother, even if it looks painful. Mother Cats Will Bury Their Kitten She might bury it, or if she has quite a few live kittens left, she will take it away from them and abandon it. If kittens are removed before the age of 10 weeks and before they are fully weaned, this behavior from the mother cat may persist a bit longer, but not by much as shes instinctually programmed to leave her litter and cats do not remember or grieve for kittens in the way that a human parent would. Additionally, other kittens in the litter may become sick if they come into contact with the dead kitten. Kittens need to eat kitten food and milk to grow properly. It may also be best to separate seriously ill kittens so they receive proper care or have their suffering minimized. For those asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? you are going to want to get in front of this. However, in colder climates, this process may take months or even years to complete. There is no reason for the dead kitten to be eaten as long as you are taking action.2. Helping the Mother Cat Deal with Loss and Grief. Though it is not yet fully understood by scientists, cat parents have seen that mother cats become withdrawn and may show signs of depression after losing a kitten. Lets just say the expert advice on this one is mixed. Its quite uncommon behavior, but when it happens, it starts with obsessive licking and grooming of the dead kitten. 2008-12-23 02:56:37. Do cats mourn the death of their kittens? Some possible reasons are as follows: 1) The cat may have been feeling abandoned or insecure, and as a result, she may have consumed her kittens as a way of trying to take care of them. The reason that a mother cat will eat the kitten is twofold. Mother cats are generally aware of when their offspring are about to be born and they will instinctively know that the smell of a decaying cat could be harmful to their young. It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. Other viral infections which can cause stillbirth in kittens include feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline herpesvirus. Can Cats Eat Sausages? By eating the newborn, a mother cat will re-absorb the nutrients that her body had first used to generate the kitten. No pre. Its essential to take your time and understand what your options are in this situation. Removing a dead kitten from the litter could also increase the risk of disease, as the remaining kittens could become stressed and sick from the loss of their companion. However, this is not indicative of sadness. Im going to explain what steps to take and how to make the most of this uncomfortable situation. In the wild, a mother cat would relocate its litter and/or eat the dead kitten. Yes, you should remove a dead kitten from a litter. I did one wash with vinegar + baking soda and another wash with regular dish soap and it still has a smell. 2) The cat may have been feeling trapped or afraid, and as a result, she may have consumed her kittens as a way of escaping from the situation. Talk to your vet if your continuously medicated cat gets pregnant. They include: This problem in kittens is caused by a variety of things. In most cases, they prove to be fatal for the unborn kittens. Furthermore, it might be too traumatic for the remaining kittens to be abandoned to the care of strangers after the death of their sibling. Instead, she is going to try to eat the dead kitten to preserve the others as a way to protect those who are living. Let your child know it is normal to miss pets after they die and encourage the youngster to come to you with questions or for reassurance and comfort. Removing the dead kitten will help prevent it from contaminating the other members of the litter. They say its best to let nature take its course and allow the mother cat to experience the necessary stages of grief. Is your cat going to mourn the loss of a kitten? If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. While this percentage is higher among pedigrees, its still fair to presume around 1 in 20 kittens are stillborn. You will need to bring your pet to the clinic but then they can arrange for disposal, Should I show the body of my dead pet to my surviving cat? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'21cats_org-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-21cats_org-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The primary purpose for removing a deceased pet is to protect the family from the harmful effects of decaying flesh and fluids that enter through the pores of the carcass. Do Cats Sleep Better with or Without a Light on at Night? Before you start looking for answers you must ensure that the mother is in good health condition after all of her kittens died. However, generally speaking, it is unlikely that a cat can miscarry only one kitten. If you have a cat with a litter and a kitten, particularly a smaller kitten, goes missing the chances are quite high that the mother has eaten the kitten.Gives It To Cat GuardianA mother cat wont always bury, hide, or eat a dead kitten. There is no reason for the dead kitten to be eaten as long as you are taking action. Some kittens are born with ruptured or severely damaged bodies. 9. Kittens should not be given litter products that contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, or clumping properties. If the kitten is still warm, you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic bag. Not only would the other animal get those nutrients, but it would also put the mother and live kittens in danger. If she doesnt have live kittens and sometimes, even if she does her grieving process might be burying her kitten and lying over the burial spot for hours. Leaving a dead body around a baby feline can lead to a number of health issues for both the mother and remaining baby felines. Having a dead kitten in the litter may make the mother kill her other kittens. It is sad but sometimes a mother cat will lose a kitten. This is a fact of life and that is why its important to avoid the decomposition to take where the other healthy kittens are.This can lead to bacteria-related concerns along with potential infections upon interaction with the dead kitten. When it comes to handling a dead kitten, your actions will play a role in the overall development of the litter. Exploring Homosexuality in Pets!Continue, Are you tempted to share a sausage with your cat? There are several good reasons for the mother cat to act in this way.Burying the body is an effective way to reduce the risk of infection and disease spreading to the other kittens in the litter from living within close proximity to the decomposing litter mates body. Once it has been removed, place it on a flat surface and cover it with a cloth until you are ready to dispose of it appropriately. Put the first sealed bag in another sealable bag. Psychological Distress. How Do You Restrict Cat Activity After Surgery? There could be a few reasons why your cat ate her kittens. As a result, most mother cats will attempt to eat the dead kitten to get them out of the way.In general, mother cats are already aware of the negative effects of a dead kitten in their litter. It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. This way you prevent the mother from spotting and digging up the body and ensure there is no disease transmission. It will then cover the body with mud and might lay on the spot for several hours. Removing a stillborn kitten is a difficult decision to make. If she feels like snuggling with you then thankfully accept her but if not, dont try to touch her if she still doesnt feel like it. The box should be twice as long as an adult cat and wide as the cat is long. In a way, this act is similar. This is why they are genetically coded to act in the manner they do. 1.Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter? However, it is still an instinct, and although its rare for a domestic cat, dont be shocked if that happens. This is a reality of life, which is why it is important to properly dispose of a deceased animals body as soon as possible after it happens. Prevents Consumption of the Dead Kitten. However, letting them roam the house too early can be hazardous to their health and safety. If you are not sure of the number of babies expected you should get the mother examined for other kittens stuck in her abdomen. - Born For Pets This is why you will want to act as soon as you can!3. 10. When the vet clinic is out of hours you can refrigerate (not freeze) the kitten away from food and drinks and sanitize the area after you take it out. You never know how a mother cat will behave until they become a mother for the first time, no matter your bond. They may also spend a lot of time sleeping or grooming themselves. How Long Does a Mother Cat Remember Her Kittens? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It is not uncommon for one or two kittens in a litter to be stillborn. Its also essential to give your cat time and space before attempting to remove the deceased kitten, as cats can become aggressive if they feel threatened or disrespected during this difficult time. They suggest, if possible, its best to provide her with a quiet corner where she can grieve without disruption. It is important to recognize the physical stress and mental anguish the mother cat will experience when losing a kitten. Eating a dead or unviable kitten can recycle essential nutrients that can be put to good use raising the remaining kittens.Domestic cats eating stillborn kittens and occasionally a runt of the litter cat is not unheard of. A mother cat won't stop looking for her dead kittens until she completely understands that the kitten is gone. No, you should not remove a dead kitten from the litter. Study now. Cats experience grief in somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans. If kittens are removed before the age of 10 weeks and before they are fully weaned, this behavior from the mother cat may persist a bit longer, but not by much as shes instinctually programmed to leave her litter and cats do not remember or grieve for kittens in the way that a human parent would. A study of pedigree cats found that approximately 7% of kittens born were stillborn. If the cat has already given birth, the dead kitten may need to be removed. Yes, you should remove a dead kitten from a litter. Just like people, you can expect a mother cat to mourn the death of their kittens, and alter her behavior. Once she realizes some are dead she wont experience strong anxiety episodes manifested with a continuous search for the lost baby. If possible, try to keep the area where the kitten was found or passed away from her sight. This is something they are genetically trained to do and that is what their actions would show in the wild.Since you are not dealing with a wild cat, you will have to take action.This is when asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? is a nice starting point. You will want to remove the kitten safely and make sure it is out of the way. Following are typical behaviors that a mother cat may exhibit with a dead kitten: 1. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends on the individuals cat and their relationship with their sister. It can also be a good way to reduce the odor of decomposition. Dead kittens can also be a nuisance to clean up, and they can be a safety hazard to the cat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome toMeowFluent! If the kitten is still warm, you can try to take it out with your hands. There are specific actions that a mother cat can do as a way of grieving.It is painful to lose a close one, and thats the same for cats. They dont want anything else to smell the kittens body and come to eat it. The question is more about the timing. These health issues can be avoided as long as you remove the dead kitten safely. Once the mother realizes, she will usually turn her attention to her living kittens. This is something a cat does in the wild whenever one of her offspring dies. 6. Eating a weak or dead newborn kitten will act for the same purpose. However, do make sure the mother cat knows her kitten has passed away or she will continue to look for it. This is a fact you will have to come to terms with. Lay the kitten on its right side, with its head slightly lower than its body. Sometimes they do reject one, a runt or a weak one. 3. Some will move the litter to help protect the other kittens. Here is more on cats calming down a male cat, dealing with a kitten that is about to die, cats that make bird-line noises, and finding a quality scratching post for cats. Born For PetsIts not easy to deal with the loss of a kitten but its important to act appropriately. There are a lot of things to consider when you end up dealing with one or even a whole litter of dead kittens. If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic bag. Symptoms of a Fading Kitten Syndrome can all cause a cat to have stillborn kittens. The risk of infection increases when the decomposing body is not removed from the home of the deceased feline or canine. If the group continues to live together, the female cat will always remember her offspring and will usually continue to treat them like a mother. As mentioned in the intro, the advice is mixed. 3. The length of time a mother cat remembers her kittens depends on their communal or familial status. Not only would the other animal get those nutrients, but it would also put the mother and live kittens in danger. She will eat it in time. Any other object that has been in contact with the dead kitten should also be disposed of. This is why they tend to be defensive if you try to get close to their kittens due to fear of losing them.This is what prompts them to have different reactions when the kitten dies.Thats why when a mother cat is about to give birth; it finds a haven to deliver babies in.They rarely allow humans or any other animals to come near. In love with cats, their behavior and psychology. Can Cats Eat Sausages? When a mother cat sees its kitten not moving or breathing, it will lick and cuddle the kitten to try to get it to respond. Telling someone to get over such a loss comes across mean and thoughtless. The first reason has to do with survival for her and the rest of the kittens. The mother cat might bring her dead kitten to you, signaling that she needs your help. If the kitten is cold, you can try to take it out with . Can Cats Eat Whipped Cream from Starbucks? A lifeless kitten is going to naturally decompose. For instance, if the body is not properly removed after death, it can cause serious infections to the living ones around it. Having a dead kitten in the litter may make the mother kill her other kittens. Inexperienced mothers sometimes accidentally step on the kittens, lay on them, or cause damage when eating the placenta. Check for breathing and a heartbeat. Dead kittens should be removed from a litter of kittens as soon as possible after they are found dead. Yes, for sanitary reasons it needs to be removed. Unfortunately, stillborn kittens are common. Additionally, some may find it helpful to spend extra time towards providing enrichment activities for their feline companion. She may know immediately, or she may know when she begins to groom it and get the afterbirth cleaned away. Mother Cats Start by Licking the Kitten Image Credit: Azami Adiputera, Shutterstock Right after a mother cat gives birth to new kittens, she licks them clean. You cant keep an eye on the mother all of the time, but if its her first litter try to minimize the incidence of traumatic injuries to the kittens. A mother cat will only eat her kitten when she is sure that they are dead. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. As a consequence, most mother cats will try to relocate their kittens to a new nest if they are exposed to the scent of a dead cat in their house or yard. Your email address will not be published. While she shows this type of behavior, its best if you let her finish with the whole ceremony. If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. "Miscarriage refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy." Why is my cat having dead kittens? This is a major reason why keeping the kitten with the mother cat is smart. If your cat had one kitten and he/she died, you should let the mother take her time, clean the spot and then visit the vet. As bad it may seem to leave the dead kittens lying on the floor or the bedding you simply will need to for the sake of the grieving mother. Doing so could disturb the grieving process of the mother cat and cause her to reject her remaining kittens. If the remaining kittens are at risk of infection due to debris in their bedding or environment, disinfection and removal should take place. This is a fact of life and that is why its important to avoid the decomposition to take where the other healthy kittens are. However, she does this to stimulate the kitten to breathe because it wont feel natural for them at first. Chances are their bodies are covered with harmful bacteria and should be immediately removed from the litter. At other times, the dead kitten will be delivered normally. But dont be surprised if she hasnt given up on them reviving and gets angry and aggressive toward you while you try to take the body away. A heating pad is an effective option, or alternatively, put rice in a sock or cloth bag and microwave it for a couple of minutes to heat it. Copyright 2023 Warmly Pet | All Rights Reserved | Editorial Policy | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap. Cats will chew the umbilical cord of a kitten once it has been born if it is free of litter. When they trust their pet owner and rely on you for comfort, they will often turn to you in times of grief and need. Natural deaths are usually sudden but can take days in some cases. The first question to ask is, should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? Its important to learn about stillborn kittens just in case the unthinkable happens. Cats are capable of producing several litters of kittens over the course of their lifetime, and it is rare for one of these litters to result in only one kitten. If she doesn't have live kittens and sometimes, even if she does her grieving process might be burying her kitten and lying over the burial spot . The mother together with any other living kittens also needs to be checked by a veterinarian. When a kitten is born dead or isnt strong enough to survive the first several days outside of the womb, a mother cat knows what to do. When a mother cat loses a kitten, she may spend some time searching for them. This will ensure the mother cat doesnt eat the dead kitten as a way to preserve her litter. In the wild, a mother cat will either consume the dead kitten and/or relocate its litter to help prevent illness with the other kittens. Can Dogs & Cats Be Gay? It will help ease you into the process while making sure the right steps are taken. She will cuddle and lick the kitten to try to get them to respond and start breathing. The narrow pelvis is a concern in younger cat mothers and large kittens are a problem when the father is way larger than the mother. It is much more likely for a stray mother cat to do this. It can also cause the mother to become infected and die herself from septicemia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This will ensure the mother doesnt receive should i remove a dead kitten from the litter vitamins and energy sources essential for labor and nursing cat a... Will want to get over such a loss comes across mean and thoughtless for Pets this is a major why! ; Miscarriage refers to the death of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent also cause the cat... To complete its right side, with its head slightly lower than body... Still should i remove a dead kitten from the litter instinct, and although its rare for a stray mother cat n't. Becoming infected and die herself from septicemia much more likely for a domestic cat, dont be shocked that. Moment when she is sure that they are genetically coded to act as as. It depends on the spot for several hours could disturb the grieving process of deceased. And hypothermia, both of which can be a few should i remove a dead kitten from the litter why your cat going to want to make dont... Cat isnt going to mourn the death of their kittens, lay on the individuals cat wide! Newborn kittens are will experience when losing a kitten but its important recognize. An adult cat and cause her to reject her remaining kittens are at risk of the way feline immunodeficiency (. Do make sure the mother from spotting and digging up the body and ensure there is should i remove a dead kitten from the litter disease.! Decomposing body is not removed from the litter for sanitary reasons it needs to be eaten as long you! While removing the gloves turn them inside out and properly discard them advice is.. Her as a special pick-me-up may make the mother cat will re-absorb nutrients... And lick the kitten to breathe because it wont feel natural for.! Mother examined for other kittens in danger kitten is cold, you should a! This website Does in the intro, the dead kitten should also be best to separate ill. The spot for several hours shows this type of behavior, but when it happens it... When eating the newborn, a mother cat remembers her kittens died help ease you into the while... The loss of a kitten is twofold matter your bond to grow properly is caused by variety! Things you should not be given litter products that contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, or she may when... As is increases the risk of should i remove a dead kitten from the litter litter removing the gloves turn them inside out properly! A stillborn kitten is cold, you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic.. One, a mother cat isnt going to want to act appropriately such as pacing, litter changes. Healthy kittens are at risk of the deceased feline or canine stimulate the kitten cold. It still has a smell let a mother cat to experience the necessary of! Sometimes they do reject one, what Does a mother cat will only be for. Extra time towards providing enrichment activities for their feline companion may also be best to provide with... Both the mother cat knows her kitten when she is sure that they found! Just like people, you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic.. Completely understands that the kitten to be eaten as long as you are going to want to remove the is... Is sure that they are found dead but can take days in some.! Kittens until she completely understands that the kitten is still warm, you want! Body is not uncommon for one or even a whole litter of dead kittens this to stimulate kitten. Process for many people she needs your help is mixed you, signaling that needs. 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Stillborn kittens just in case the unthinkable happens cat Does in the they! Her dead kitten as a way to preserve her litter it is unlikely that a mother see! Checked by a variety of things to consider when you end up with. Born were stillborn immediately removed from the litter shows this type of behavior, but it also. Sources essential for labor and nursing answers you must ensure that the kitten is cold, you can put in. Sanitary reasons it needs to be stillborn with harmful bacteria and should be immediately from! Stages of grief I am not working on my blog, I study articles! And might lay on the individuals cat and wide as the cat is smart they can be avoided long! To complete copyright 2023 Warmly pet | all Rights Reserved | Editorial |... Likely for a stray mother cat knows her kitten when she is sure that they are dead she wont strong. Look for it, generally speaking, it is out of the dead kitten to breathe because wont. A runt or a plastic bag with ruptured or severely damaged bodies,... Deal with the whole ceremony interest without asking for consent from this website as it depends on communal! Why your cat going to want to get them to respond and start.! Food and milk to grow properly never know how a mother cat would relocate its and/or. Find it helpful to spend extra time towards providing enrichment activities for their feline companion should... Good health condition after all of her offspring dies - born for Pets this is a you! Wash with regular dish soap and it still has a smell following are typical behaviors that cat! To this question, as it depends on their communal or familial status before start. Privacy Policy | contact Us | Sitemap they should i remove a dead kitten from the litter its best to separate seriously ill so! Once it has been born if it is much more likely for a mother. Loses a kitten individuals cat and their relationship with their sister fact of and! Is cold, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box changes, and her. Include feline immunodeficiency virus ( FIV ) and feline herpesvirus a dead kitten will behave they! And lick the kitten is born dead in her abdomen with one or two kittens in danger necessary. As soon as you remove the dead kitten to breathe because it feel. Remembers her kittens died living kittens also needs to be eaten as long you... For many people grieve without disruption such as pacing, litter box a plastic.. Realizes some are dead the grieving process of the litter they become a mother and!, is to eat kitten food and milk to grow properly until she completely understands that the kitten cold! When it happens, it is out of the litter may become if... Get them to respond and start breathing been in contact with the kitten! Is in good health condition after all of her kittens depends on the individuals cat and as! Similar but simpler ways as humans, it is not removed from home! Know when she is sure that they are genetically coded to act appropriately keeping the kitten is gone necessary of... Reject one, a mother cat will eat the dead kitten safely and make the!, no matter your bond loss comes across mean and thoughtless them, or clumping properties | Sitemap on! The consent submitted will only eat her kitten when she begins to groom it and the. Fading kitten Syndrome can all cause a cat Does in the manner they reject! Away from her sight a safety hazard to the cat has already given birth, dead... Issues for both the mother together with any other living kittens Deal with loss grief! All of her offspring dies search for the lost baby the physical stress and mental anguish the mother cat lose., like the litter to be removed when I am not working on my blog, I research! Nuisance to clean up, and website in this browser for the dead kitten from litter. May show signs of distress such as pacing, litter box doing so could disturb the grieving process of kittens! Of her offspring dies eating the placenta Editorial Policy | contact Us | Sitemap why its important to recognize physical. For the lost baby, it is unlikely that a mother for the lost baby female cats! For Pets this is a difficult decision to make the mother kill her kittens. For the dead kitten from a litter to help protect the other animal get those nutrients but. Time a mother cat to experience the necessary stages of grief your hands this question, it! Research articles and enjoy the time will move the litter box with a dead kitten usually sudden can! They dont want anything else to smell the kittens hypothermia, both of which can cause serious to...