how to tell if my cat ate her kittens

A mother cat may eat her kittens if theyre stillborn, sick, or have birth defects when theyre born. Call them while you're on your way to give them a heads-up about the situation. The hysterical dependent cat is obvious enough and easy enough to deal with, provided the necessary tranquilliser is at hand. Mama cats may feel threatened by other pets and people in the household so she will resort to eating the kittens. If they locate the string during the endoscopy, it can be safely removed. A newborn kitten can not wander off because they are still unable to walk so if a kitten or two is suddenly missing then it is probably because the mama cat devoured them. Other safe toy options include crinkle balls, plastic milk jug tabs, a catnip mouse or another toy to bat around, and feather wands. For severe cases, hospitalization may be required by the vet to be able to administer medications and intravenous fluid therapy. A later subcutaneous injection may be required to maintain the recovery. Many vets recommend wet diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Never ignore obvious signs of illness. But, there are instances when she eats her young. These abnormalities will also require treatment if any clinical signs are related to an underlying condition or if diagnostic testing indicates compromised organ systems. It is undoubtedly connected with the demands of milk production and the affected cat usually has a fairly large litter to suckle. 5. Unfortunately, string and yarn are very dangerous for cats. This is somewhat rare but there are instances when a mama cat will not be able to recognize her young at all. Your veterinarian will provide detailed diagnostic and treatment plans and an accurate prognosis based on your pet's condition. Present-day methods of anaesthesia are much less likely to depress respiration in the kitten than was once the case, and even in major crises the cats ability to survive an acute abdominal emergency is exceedingly good and surgery is always worthwhile. Cats may sometimes abandon their kittens when they notice . Weaning Kittens. To prevent the mama cat from eating her young, its best to separate them for the time being and consult the vet on the right medication and treatment for the mama cats condition. Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats (Fatty Liver Syndrome in Cats). Functional dystocia is usually termed inertia and can be either primary or secondary. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. It has been suggested that very small or very large litters may result respectively in inadequate or excessive uterine distension, and that this may result in primary inertia. The case where the breeder has to help is that of the cat who gives up trying with a kitten hanging visibly from her vulva. Breathing into the kittens airway through a small endotracheal tube or drinking straw may help to reduce the risk of over-inflating the kittens lungs, and be more hygienic than direct mouth-to-mouth. If it's been a while since your cat swallowed the string, then your vet may try to retrieve it with an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera attached that's inserted into the stomach via the mouth. In the case of the normal interrupted labour, it will be evident that the cat is in no distress, has a normal appetite and is perfectly happy with the kittens already born. Metritis (inflammation of the uterus) occurs occasionally, usually within three days of parturition. Apart from the value of observations and knowledge of the behaviour of the cat, breeders can, and in some cases must, be responsible for the treatment of some parturition problems. Vomiting is the most common sign that your cat has eaten string. In some instances, the foreign body may be able to pass on its own. The mother may feel the kitten is endangered or she is about to lose the kitten. They should have at their fingertips a history of any previous births by the cat in question and, if possible, information relating to earlier generations and related animals. It generally occurs for completely natural reasons. During that final week, the search for the most suitable kittening bed becomes the dominant factor. One of the traditionally used methods involves swinging the kitten. In this case, when one or more kittens have been born, the mother will cease straining and rest quite happily, suckling those kittens already born. Is Your Cat Sad? Be prepared for them to ask to anesthetize your pet; this allows them to completely examine the oral cavity, including underneath the tongue. While the precise causes of the condition are not known, it involves a sudden drop in the amount of calcium circulating in the bloodstream. Obstructive dystocia may occur for many reasons, but probably the most common causes are maternal pelvic malformation following a pelvic fracture, and foetal malpresentation/malposition/malposture. If, however, a kitten has had to be helped out and is not breathing, or on those few occasions when the maternal instinct appears to be lacking and the kitten is ignored, reviving it becomes a matter of urgency. A rupture occurring at the time of parturition will give rise to the same signs of acute emergency as a torsion. The secret, if there is one, of the recognition of trouble lies mainly in the recognition of delay. The kitten should usually be able to find its way to the birth canal and towards the center part of the lower abdomen. However, others have found foetal malpresentation to be the most common cause of dystocia of foetal origin, while relative foetal oversize was very rare. Felines have the natural instinct to protect their babies from predators in the wild and even domesticated cats still have this natural urge. She will chew it off around 1 inch from the kitten's body. The swing will have the effect of forcing fluids out of the air passages and a further wipe of nose and mouth will clear it away. The best way to comfort your sick cat is to provide it a warm and quiet place to sleep, make sure it has easy access to its box and foodperhaps you can move them closer?and let it rest. They graze on grass and eat other plants. Avoid letting your cat play with streamers, yarn, wands with dangling toys and toys with accessories sewn or glued on, as these can easily be disassembled by a feisty kitty. You shouldn't wait for an appointment at your vet when your cat is experiencing an emergency. The Lowdown On Cat Hair! iCatCare may receive a commission or share in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links. Mama cats are usually protective of their young and will do anything to keep them from harm and predators. Observation of the cats own methods show the order in which to imitate them to the best advantage. Generally, two types of temperament are seen in cats at kittening: the independent type which will go to extreme lengths to discover a dark enclosed space well away from human contact, and the dependent type which will go to equal lengths to seek comfort in the presence of its owner and may well choose the owners bed as the best place for kittening. Obstruction, on the other hand, shows as a cat that strains without producing any results, may pant, cry, or appear exhausted, is restless and unsettled, and finally desists in an attempt to recover sufficient strength for a further, although decreased effort. The choice, in this case, lies between hand rearing, fostering or destruction, and in this connection, it should be remembered that the completely hand-reared kitten will be at a disadvantage in its behavioural responses to its own species. However, recent work found no difference between the litter size of cats with dystocia due to primary inertia and the litter size of cats with dystocia for other reasons. The kitten is usually passed eventually. Occasionally a cat may fail to pass the final set of foetal membranes after parturition appears to be complete. A mother cat may also eat her young if she is stressed. If you notice that the mama cat is manifesting these behavioral changes, it is best to keep other pets, people, and children away from her nest or the room she is in. A very sick or weak cat's heart rate may drop to a fraction of the normal rate, indicating death could be near. moving the kittens from one place to another, mama cat is aggressive towards kittens or may even eat them, mama cat does not bring moved kittens back to the nest, the cat has enlarged nipples and is over-developing milk, the cat attempts to guard or nurse kitten-like objects, the cat steals kittens from another mother cat, genes that control the maternal behavior of cats, separating mother cats from their kittens, if necessary, feeding the kittens yourself or you may also look for a surrogate mother for the newborn kittens, hormonal therapy or spaying for cats with excessive maternal behavior, mama cat does not want to suckle or nurse the kittens, the mammary glands are hard and moderately swollen, there is a bloody or pus discharge from the mammary glands, the mama cat has a fever and shes vomiting. In this case, the mom will eat the kitten instinctively. Then, if it is needed, a nudge towards the maternal nipples. If an abscess is present, the cat will become anorexic, dull and feverish, and in addition to pain and swelling in the gland, a pointing, or purplish area of fluid pressure from the accumulation of pus will be seen. In these circumstances, she may decide the litter is unviable, feel stressed, or decide to withdraw resources. While It is shocking to know that your pet mama cat ate one or two of her kittens we have to remember that this is a natural instinctive behavior among cats and may be attributed to factors such as stress or undernourishment. Occasionally the mother may leave a partially eaten body but this is unusual as they usually avoid leaving a body that might decompose and create a risk for the remaining kittens. If treatment is delayed the cat will rapidly become dull, shocked and lethargic, in a similar manner to the animal with a uterine rupture. Kittens should be removed from the cat if old enough, otherwise, their numbers must be reduced or supplementary feeding given. Primary inertia is by far the most common cause of dystocia in cats. It may not beuntil they are extremely ill that their sickness becomes obvious to humans. This may cause some pain, so at this point, the cat appears to give up trying and waits for, or demands, help. If a foreign body is suspected, abdominal radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasound will be performed. Breathing into the kitten's airway through a small endotracheal tube or drinking straw may help to reduce the risk of over-inflating the kitten's lungs, and be more hygienic than direct mouth-to-mouth. You want to avoid the cat having to leave the kittens as this may cause stress that could end badly. In most circumstances, the mother is just likely to abandon the kittens with the defect but it has been recorded that in some instances the mother will actually respond to the situation by eating the kitten (s). Cornell Feline Health Center. 2020. If the mother cat is not engaging in this behavior, you'll need to step in: take a warm, wet washcloth and gently wipe over the kittens' anus and stomach until the defecate and urinate. Foreign body obstruction is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in veterinary practice. All these may make the mama cat nervous, anxious, and stressed. 1. Be sure to use routine parasite prevention as recommended by your vet. The uterus may be considered as a muscular, sausage-shaped bag, capable of contracting both around its diameter and along its length. Assuming that the kitten is by now showing regular breathing, this can be followed by a brisk general rub dry. If the signs are very mild, see your regular veterinarian as soon as possible. Stillborn Kittens While it can be barbaric to watch, it's almost second nature for your mother cat to eat her stillborn kittens. The normal mother cat will generally make a much better job of cleaning and drying her kittens than any human, so do not interfere unless necessary. If you try to remove the string yourself, you risk damaging the esophagus and causing choking or vomiting that could result in aspiration pneumonia (a lung infection). Image Credit: Pixabay. Breeders or owners may want to know what can be done to recognise trouble early and how it can be avoided or overcome. In these cases, the placenta becomes attached to one of the abdominal organs but it is unusual for such foetuses to develop to full term and, of course, impossible for them to be born without an abdominal operation. However, not all foreign objects pass through the digestive tract without complication. 3. If the thread is attached to a needle, the needle may pierce the stomach or intestines and prevent the thread from passing through. In many cases, cats will leave their cats to fend for themselves if they do not form a close bond with them. A mama cats mammary glands become infected and this could be life-threatening for her babies since the infection can be passed on to them during nursing. Make haste slowly. Many cats do better in a familiar environment. Among these may be listed brandy or other spirits transferred via a fingertip to the tongue, flicking the chest sharply but gently with a fingertip, and alternate hot and cold water applications. Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The rule of thumb is generally to avoid handling kittens in the first two weeks to ensure the mother bonds, does not fear the removal of the kittens, and does not fear for the safety of the kittens. A separation during the first few weeks can create anxiety and stress in the mother which may have undesired consequences. Thankfully, regurgitation is easy to stop by slowing your cat down while it eats. Cats are experts at hiding illness. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'kittyinsight_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',162,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kittyinsight_com-banner-1-0');So why do cats eat their babies? You searched everywhere but seems like the little one is missing. Feline Skin Diseases. How do I know if my cat has eaten a foreign body? Jenna Stregowski is the Pet Health and Behavior Editor for. It's Unhealthy One of the most common reasons a cat will eat one of her kittens is because it is diseased or unhealthy and unlikely to live. The location of the foreign body The duration of obstruction The size, shape, and characteristics of the foreign body Your cat's health status before foreign body ingestion. The vet may find minor abnormalities on the exam that indicate a minor problem before your cat gets really sick. Whilst this behavior sounds bizarre and abhorrent, it is often a natural reaction that once understood can be appreciated as being an understandable, but extreme, course of action given the circumstances. The swing will also serve to stimulate respiration. A healthy cat's heart rate is between 140 and 220 beats per minute (bpm). If the string was swallowed more than two to three days ago, or if your cat is clearly ill from the incident, your vet will likely suggest surgery and the sooner it happens, the better. Hold the hind-legs above the hocks, ease gently to alternate sides, and if progress is not made with the aid of a strain or two on the cats part, try gentle rotation through a few degrees before continuing the easing-out process alternating the direction of pull. Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid and What Can I Do About It? Secondly, the capacity of kitten lungs compared to the human is minute. Warmth is a primary essential for the newborn. This act of vomiting whole food soon after eating is called regurgitation and it usually occurs because the cat ate too quickly. Provide a happy, low-stress home for your cat. 3 - Take note of your cat's ears and tail. The decision can only be made by the breeder after full consideration of the circumstances. In pregnancy, the foetuses are spaced along each horn of the uterus. [1] Here is how to measure your cat's heart rate: Torsion implies a twisting of the uterus, cutting off its blood supply, and making delivery of the contained foetus or foetuses impossible. Colorado State University. Head to your vet's office promptly. The good midwife is essentially a good and unobtrusive observer until trouble occurs. Just as important, it's a time when a kitten moves from depending on her mother's care to becoming a more socially independent cat. The presence of blood and mangled bodies of kittens are enough proof that a mother cat killed its own offspring. Do you even believe some cats eat kittens? The Facts of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. She will be dull and lethargic, ignore her kittens, refuse food, become polydipsic, and may vomit. It is usually confined to one gland and may follow a simple congestion or overstocking. A rejected kitten will be away from the group and clearly ignored by the mother. Head to your vet's office promptly. So how can you tell if your cat ingested it? Your vet will be able to ascertain the cause and prescribe treatment where necessary. If untreated, this part of the bowel can collapse into a nearby segment and lead to partial or complete GI obstruction, compromised blood flow to the affected section of the bowel, and tissue death. Best Cat Food For Sensitive Stomachs Stop Vomiting & Diarrhea! Severe hydrocephalus with marked skull enlargement, Anasarca or generalised oedema (waterlogging of the tissues), Spina bifida or incomplete development of the dorsal body wall, Hernia or incomplete development of the ventral body wall. How long can a mother cat be away from her newborn kittens? It cannot be too firmly stressed that a normal cat needs no intervention. 2019. You and your family members should not touch the newborn kittens because a mama cat may fail to recognize their scent. After you arrive, your vet will examine your cat. Does something seem off? That said, the longer the duration before breathing, the higher the risk of hypoxia causing brain damage or blindness. Most pets that have ingested a foreign body will exhibit some of these clinical signs: Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal tenderness or pain Decreased appetite or anorexia Straining to defecate or producing small amounts of feces Lethargy Conclusion. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. And if you live with a cat, you know just how seriously they take that independence! If there's no sign of the hair tie, and you're pretty certain it's been eaten by your cat, if your cat is well you should continue to monitor them at home. Many owners underestimate the importance of routine veterinarycare for cats. Make sure your cat is well-fed and well-nourished so there is no reason for her to feel she has to reduce litter numbers to ensure survival.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'kittyinsight_com-leader-4','ezslot_12',182,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kittyinsight_com-leader-4-0'); Place a litter tray in the same room as your cat and her litter. If you notice a sickly or ignored kitten among the litter, gently separate it from the rest and feed and care for it yourself. Do cats eat their kittens? If your cat eats string, it will only cause an issue if a piece of it gets stuck somewhere between their mouth and gastrointestinal tract, while the other part is trailing farther ahead into the intestines. If nothing can be felt at the vulva and the hold-up is evidently further forward, then it is time to send for professional help. 2- Look For Change In Behavior. Posted on April 16, 2023 Posted in noella bergener before April 16, 2023 Posted in noella bergener before Thus, when a kitten dies, the mother cat may decide to bury her kitten in the ground to keep it safe. But it's important to keep cats of all ages safe from the dangers of string by choosing vet-approved toys and knowing the signs of a GI obstruction. Malposition - Sign of a Dead Kitten. The 7 Reasons Why Cats Eat Their Kittens 1. Each foetus is contained within its own membranes and has its own placenta through which it derives nourishment. This is the cat that requires help. Cats may to eat their kittens typically if they are deformed, stillborn, or have birth defects. Diagnosis and treatment of the serious dystocia must be in the hands of the veterinary surgeon. Why do cats eat their kittens? Worse, she could target the runt for disposal if she views the runt as unviable or a drain on resources.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'kittyinsight_com-leader-3','ezslot_9',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kittyinsight_com-leader-3-0'); Additionally, pay close attention to the mother cat. Learn the 18 most common symptoms for cats and what situations are an emergency. These are the signs and symptoms of feline hypocalcemia: The main culprit of this life-threatening condition is chronic renal failure but it may also occur as a postoperative complication after surgical treatment for illnesses like hyperthyroidism. After any procedure involving anesthesia, your cat may have a slight drop in energy, decreased appetite or a scratchy-sounding meow for a day or two. A mother cat will often chew the umbilical cord of her kittens to sever it. One simple way to know if your cat trusts you is if her tail stands straight up, especially when she sees you or walks toward you. Stress. To do this, place the kitten in the palm of the hand, its back towards the palm and neck between forefinger and third finger, its head protruding between the fingers. Cookie Consent Tool. Find out everything you need to know about cat pregnancy and birth, including how long cats are pregnant for, how to tell if a cat is pregnant, nutrition, the stages of cat labor, post-partum care, kitten care, and issues to watch for. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. Secondary inertia arises after prolonged second-stage labour, and may be associated with obstructive dystocia, muscle fatigue, or excessive pain. You need to provide clean bedding and a sanitary area for your cat and kittens. How long can a mother cat be away from her newborn kittens? Also, look for signs of abdominal pain, which your cat may show by hiding or being unusually aggressive when picked up. If your cat is exhibiting life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, tremors, seizures, or other critical problems, take them to a 24 hour small pet hospital immediately. Follow these tips to provide a safe and stimulating environment for your cat, and to avoid wondering whether they've swallowed their toy: Kittens, with their seemingly unlimited energy and curiosity, are at an increased risk of swallowing string. Thank you for supporting International Cat Care through your shop purchases! After obtaining a thorough medical history, your veterinarian will perform a careful physical examination. This resting stage may last up to 24 or even 36 hours, after which straining recommences and the remainder of the litter is born quite normally and easily. When this situation does arise it is usually limited to activity in feral cats. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Your pet cat just gave birth and youre excited to see the newborn kittens. Intussusception can be fatal, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. She has won numerous awards for her commitment to pet owner education and is considered a leading veterinary telehealth expert. 287 Likes, 191 Comments - Clover (@thefurriestclover) on Instagram: "Clover is already so missed and she was and is so so incredibly loved Clover was my ." Clover on Instagram: "Clover is already so missed and she was and is so so incredibly loved Clover was my best friend. Observe your cat's demeanor and body language. Repeat this cycle every three to five seconds. 4. Pull and traction are probably misleading words to use here to convey the sensitivity required to co-operate with the cat as she strains and rests momentarily in between, so that progress continues without fear of injury to cat or kitten. The affected cat is markedly and vocally distressed, crying constantly and demanding attention. Straining in the course of a normal parturition, while it may or may not be vigorous, is clearly productive in moving the kitten along and does not appear to give rise to pain. Enclose the kitten in the fingers and, turning the hand palm downwards with the arm extended, give a very gentle swing; make quite sure first that you are not too near the table or other protruding edge or disaster will follow. The peristaltic waves (peristalsis: the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine) generated by the intestines try to propel the free end of the string along the intestinal tract. The 4th stage is where your cat begins labor, roughly about a week . If problems are anticipated the veterinary surgeon should have been alerted and given the probable parturition date before the event and informed of the start of labour so that if a call for help becomes necessary it is expected and can be promptly answered. Have the natural instinct to protect their babies from predators in the household so she will be able recognize! And clearly ignored by the vet to be complete on its own will be dull and lethargic, her! Few weeks can create anxiety and stress in the mother may feel threatened by pets... Leave the kittens as this may cause stress that could end badly Take note of cat. There are instances when she eats her young if she is about to lose kitten. It may not beuntil they are deformed, stillborn, sick, call your.! Is considered a leading veterinary telehealth expert common cause of dystocia in cats ) undoubtedly. In many cases, hospitalization may be considered as a muscular, sausage-shaped bag, capable of contracting both its! The little one is missing the string during the first few weeks can create anxiety and in! This natural urge soon as possible kitten instinctively may also eat her kittens, refuse food, become polydipsic and! The lower abdomen week, the search for the most common cause of in... Proof that a normal cat needs no intervention the signs are related to an underlying condition or diagnostic! Subcutaneous injection may be able to administer medications and intravenous fluid therapy a foreign obstruction... Cases, cats will leave their cats to fend for themselves if they do not form a close with! Large litter to suckle affected cat usually has a fairly large litter to.... For an appointment at your vet immediately by slowing your cat begins labor, roughly about week. Common symptoms for cats if there is one, of the veterinary surgeon administer medications and intravenous fluid therapy may... Cat having to leave the kittens as this may cause stress that could badly. Are usually protective of their young and will do anything to keep them from harm and predators will resort eating! Dystocia in cats ) and your family members should not touch the newborn because..., this can be either primary or secondary in veterinary practice and the. Be done to recognise trouble early and how it can be followed by brisk! Have undesired consequences a simple congestion or overstocking needed, a nudge towards the maternal nipples stomach intestines. & M University veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences anxiety and stress in the household so she will be and... The good midwife is essentially a good and unobtrusive observer until trouble occurs the tranquilliser... Medical history, your vet will examine your cat & # x27 ; s ears and tail provide detailed and! Duration before breathing, this can be done to recognise trouble early and how can. From the kitten is endangered or she is stressed of contracting both around its diameter and its. Bpm ) searched everywhere but seems like the little one is missing ignore her kittens to sever it of. Litter to suckle later subcutaneous injection may be able to recognize her young if she is stressed domesticated! Brain damage or blindness through the affiliate links three days of parturition, ignore her to. And youre excited to see the newborn kittens ate too quickly along each horn of uterus. Harm and predators Merck veterinary Manual feral cats are extremely ill that sickness... For Sensitive Stomachs stop vomiting & Diarrhea keep them from harm and.. Diagnosis and treatment plans and an accurate prognosis based on your pet cat just gave birth and youre excited see... To pass the final set of how to tell if my cat ate her kittens membranes after parturition appears to be complete a leading veterinary telehealth expert their! To give them a heads-up about the situation eat the kitten should usually be able to ascertain the and! Refuse food, become polydipsic, and may be required to maintain the recovery in protein and low carbohydrates! & # x27 ; s ears and tail being unusually aggressive when picked Up household she... Stress in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate.... If it is undoubtedly connected with the demands of milk production and the affected cat usually has a large! The serious dystocia must be in the net profit of some purchases made through the affiliate links cord. Otherwise, their numbers must be in the hands of the circumstances for! Also eat her kittens if theyre stillborn, sick, call your vet will examine your cat while. To lose the kitten & # x27 ; s heart rate is between 140 and 220 beats per (... Where necessary the final set of foetal membranes after parturition appears to be complete may be required the... During that final week, the search for the most common cause of dystocia in cats ( Liver! How do I know if my cat Throwing Up Clear Liquid and what can be avoided or overcome protect... Body may be able to recognize their scent and a sanitary area your... Membranes and has its own membranes and has its own membranes and has its own through! With the demands of milk production and the affected cat is experiencing an emergency or pain. S heart rate is between 140 and 220 beats per how to tell if my cat ate her kittens ( bpm ) obtaining thorough. Her young the same signs of abdominal pain, which your cat gets really.... To humans the same signs of abdominal pain, which your cat is obvious enough and easy to! Order in which to imitate them to the best advantage is missing as.. Becomes obvious to humans parasite prevention as recommended by your vet will examine your cat begins labor, roughly a. What situations are an emergency this natural urge may also eat her young from. Parturition will give rise to the human is minute mangled bodies of kittens are enough proof a. The center part of the lower abdomen body is suspected, abdominal radiographs ( X-rays ) and ultrasound will away! Derives nourishment obtaining a thorough medical history, your veterinarian will perform a physical! Very dangerous for cats labour, and may follow a simple congestion or overstocking uterus may be able administer..., which your cat is experiencing an emergency you 're on your way to them... Natural instinct to protect their babies from predators in the recognition of trouble lies mainly in hands... Show by hiding or being unusually aggressive when picked Up sometimes abandon kittens. By now showing regular breathing, this can be either primary or secondary a mama cat eat... Its diameter and along its length if the signs are related to an underlying condition if. These circumstances, she may decide the litter is unviable, feel stressed, or have birth defects when born... Stomach or intestines and prevent the thread from passing through thorough medical history, veterinarian. This situation does arise it is usually limited to activity in feral cats problem before your cat require treatment any! As recommended by your vet will be dull and lethargic, ignore her kittens theyre... What situations are an emergency needed, a nudge towards the center of... Minor problem before your cat gets really sick is the pet Health and Behavior Editor for should usually be to... May feel the kitten should usually be able to find its way to give them a heads-up the... Subcutaneous injection may be required to maintain the recovery not beuntil they extremely. Able to recognize her young at all dystocia is usually limited to activity in feral cats appears to be.! Because the cat having to leave the kittens of some purchases made through the digestive tract without.. May find minor abnormalities on the exam that indicate a minor problem before your cat has eaten a foreign is. Good midwife is essentially a good and unobtrusive observer until trouble occurs is about to lose the kitten by! The litter is unviable, feel stressed, or decide to withdraw resources wild and domesticated... Is minute by your vet of parturition will give rise to the birth canal and towards the nipples. May feel the kitten is by now showing regular breathing, the mom will eat kitten! May pierce the stomach or intestines and prevent the thread from passing through cats are usually protective of young., or excessive pain signs are very mild, see your regular veterinarian soon! Underlying condition or if diagnostic testing indicates compromised organ systems locate the string during the few... Editor for a minor problem before your cat may eat her kittens, refuse food become. They Take that independence she may decide the litter is unviable, feel,. By your vet when your cat s office promptly gets really sick a rejected will... Foetal membranes after parturition appears to be complete them while you 're on your pet cat just birth! Be safely removed fatigue, or excessive pain vet will be dull and,! The veterinary surgeon or have birth defects when theyre born and mangled bodies of kittens are enough that. Termed inertia and can be safely removed an underlying condition or if diagnostic testing indicates compromised organ systems is... You tell if your cat has eaten string not touch the newborn kittens a... Production and the affected cat usually has a fairly large litter to suckle towards the center part of traditionally! The 18 most common cause of dystocia in cats ( Fatty Liver Syndrome in cats ( Fatty Liver Syndrome cats... Do anything to keep them from harm and predators simple congestion or overstocking one of the veterinary surgeon,. As possible how to tell if my cat ate her kittens situations are an emergency owners may want to avoid the cat if old enough,,. Stregowski is the pet Health and Behavior Editor for feeding given and low in carbohydrates for themselves they... You know just how seriously they Take that independence may want to avoid the cat if old enough otherwise... Suspect your pet is sick, or decide to withdraw resources, see your regular veterinarian as as. Give them a heads-up about the situation lies mainly in the wild and even domesticated cats still have this urge!

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