If you have a question about your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. It will then cover the body with mud and might lay on the spot for several hours. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'21cats_org-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-21cats_org-large-mobile-banner-1-0');It will also prevent bacteria from entering the environment through the pores of the decomposing body, thus preventing the possible spread of disease to other animals and people. This might cause bacteria-related issues as the body starts to decompose and toxins are released into the air. If the kitten is cold, you can try to take it out with . Cats usually mourn their kittens for about two weeks. Image Credit: Lightcube, Shutterstock Cats experience grief in somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans. Mother cats are very protective of their young; they will fight anyone that tries to harm them in any way, including consuming their own children. While cats may be able to sleep with the lights on, it is important to, Read More Do Cats Sleep Better with or Without a Light on at Night?Continue, If youve ever seen your cat foaming at the mouth, it can be a frightening experience. A mother cat will only eat her kitten when she is sure that they are dead. The process of decomposition begins almost immediately after death. If the remaining kittens are at risk of infection due to debris in their bedding or environment, disinfection and removal should take place. Final Words on Should I Remove a Dead Kitten from Its Mother, Why Does My Cat Keep Bringing Me Her 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. What happens if a cat gives birth to a dead kitten? 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. CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST HARNESS FOR KITTENS, Best Harness for Kittens (EDITORS CHOICE), Reasons to Remove a Dead Kitten From The Litter, 2. If you keep watch, you will see a moment when she knows. 9. It is not uncommon for one or two kittens in a litter to be stillborn. 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. You should choose a location that is both available and inconspicuous, away from areas of high foot traffic or anywhere else where your pet may be disturbed. Allowing things to continue as is increases the risk of the mother becoming infected and dying from septicemia. This is why you will want to act as soon as you can! Manymedicationsfrom steroids to cardiovascular drugs can cause a cat to give birth to stillborn kittens. Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter?. Like humans bury their dead, dead kittens can also be buried deep in the ground. Communal cremation chambers mean that the pet is cremated at the same time as other animals so you cant get any ashes back. Eating a weak or dead newborn kitten will act for the same purpose. This is why they are genetically coded to act in the manner they do. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) - Newborn kittens have high energy requirements but no energy reserves so are highly dependent on the milk from the queen. Having a dead kitten in the litter may make the mother kill her other kittens. If there are live kittens, redirect her focus on them. Although this is a distressing sight for humans, this is a normal behavior for animals. Kittens are social animals, and a dead kitten could traumatize the surviving kittens. "Miscarriage refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy." Why is my cat having dead kittens? This is when asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? is a nice starting point. Different cities have different regulations so always research the legal aspects of kitten burial first. Right after a mother cat gives birth to new kittens, she licks them clean. Manage Settings Helping the Mother Cat Deal with Loss and Grief. What is a newborn kitten survival rate without mother? A mother cat won't stop looking for her dead kittens until she completely understands that the kitten is gone. Pathogens can be more potent in overcrowded litters and spread in the blink of an eye. Some people may believe this to be true because they have seen their cats eating the remains of a dead kitten, but this could simply be evidence of scavenging behaviour. Required fields are marked *. Exploring Homosexuality in Pets! The birth of a new litter of kittens is a much-anticipated event for any cat owner. However, sometimes its necessary. It is also necessary for her to clean away placenta and liquid that might be blocking the kittens lungs from taking in the air they need. 1. The mother cat might bring her dead kitten to you, signaling that she needs your help. If the cat has already given birth, the dead kitten may need to be removed. 5. Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter?. However, it is sad when they realize their kitten is no longer alive.Thus, as a pet parent, give the mother cat enough time while licking its loved one. You should also take the best possible care of your cat during pregnancy. If you wait too long, the mother cat will do her duty. They need to be given time to remember their pets. This is why as a cat owner, you should look to remove the dead kitten safely from the litter. Instead, she will do her best to reanimate them. Some even stop eating or care for other kittens in their litter as a way to cope with the loss. Dead kittens can be a big problem in any litter, but they are especially trouble in groups of cats because they can spread bacteria and viruses to other kittens. Cats experience grief in somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans. All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. Their behavior toward that kitten might surprise you. What To Do With A Dead Kitten After Birth? In the wild, if a kitten does not survive the birth, their body can attract predators. No, you should not remove a dead kitten from the litter. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Do Cats Mourn The Death Of Their Kittens? However, in colder climates, this process may take months or even years to complete. She will not eat live healthy viable kittens. Other experts recommend that the dead kitten be removed from its mother immediately by an experienced veterinarian or animal care professional, out of respect for the mother and her remaining kittens. There is, however, no studies to suggest that this aids the grieving process in your cat. Also Read:Why Does My Kitten Attack My Face? Ultimately, the decision should weigh benefits and risks involved with removing the deceased kitten against allowing them time to grieve. The kittens heart may be too weak to pump blood, and it may not be getting enough oxygen. Doing so could disturb the grieving process of the mother cat and cause her to reject her remaining kittens. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. It will help ease you into the process while making sure the right steps are taken. To prevent any stress to the surviving kittens, its best to leave the dead kitten in the litter until the surviving kittens are old enough to leave on their own. Once established the vet will provide recommendations for treatment or additional testing for the mother and the live kittens. The pros of removing a stillborn kitten are that the kitten would no longer be suffering and the family would be able to grieve in peace. Please refer to the information below. She removes the carcass from her nest so that she doesnt eat her own child by mistake. Some people may believe this to be the case because cats are known to be creatures of habit and tend to prefer close family relationships. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'21cats_org-box-4','ezslot_11',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-21cats_org-box-4-0');So, should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? When an animal dies in its natural habitat, it decomposes very quickly due to the warm weather and the abundance of natural predators that feed on its corpse. Other viral infections which can cause stillbirth in kittens include feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline herpesvirus. Leaving a dead kitten in with the living ones can be harmful to both the mother cats and the surviving healthy kittens. This treatment is necessary, so dont take your kittens away from their mother, even if it looks painful. Well, as in the case of burying or hiding, by eating the remains they are looking to reduce the chances of infection in the other kittens and instinctively reduce the odds of identification and exposure to predators in the area. Get over it. Avoid saying anything this harsh because it hurts more than it helps. Domestic cats that feel safe in their home are less likely to eat their kittens because they dont have to worry about their nutrient sources. 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. Over the coming weeks, the kitten will get stronger before it is ready to be separated naturally. Copy. Has your cat ever brought you a token of appreciation, like a dead mouse or bird? They could have developed an infection of some sort in utero. This treatment is necessary, so dont take your kittens away from their mother, even if it looks painful. Otherwise, your cat may become distressed at removing one of her kittens without knowing they had passed away. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'21cats_org-leader-2','ezslot_4',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-21cats_org-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'21cats_org-leader-2','ezslot_5',105,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-21cats_org-leader-2-0_1'); .leader-2-multi-105{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}This is why they are quick to relocate them to another area to avoid exposing them to this smell. Im going to explain what steps to take and how to make the most of this uncomfortable situation. It is much more likely for a stray mother cat to do this. A dead kitten will decompose and potentially cause infection in the other kittens or the mother cat. 8. If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. 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. They dont want anything else to smell the kittens body and come to eat it. This will include any that were stillborn or that died soon after birth. Many reasons can cause the death of a kitten before birth and after birth.1. What To Do With A Dead Kitten After Birth Everything You Need To Know. Most people think that its wrong to remove a dead kitten from a litter of kittens. Inadequate nutrition of both the mother and the kittens can be fatal for the whole litter. The process might go on for quite a while before she starts to focus more on the live kittens again. 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. DecompositionThe main reason to remove a dead kitten from the litter has to do with decomposition.A lifeless kitten is going to naturally decompose. How do you revive a dead kitten? Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter? This is to separate the dead far from the live ones to avoid any health risks. It is sad but sometimes a mother cat will lose a kitten. Others will just stuff the dead baby deep in the bedding or push it outside. At other times, the dead kitten will be delivered normally. In the meantime, while you protect the dam, you have to think about the other living kittens (if there are any) and the spread of infectious diseases. The owners distress at the loss of a pet may also be communicated to the cat, adding to the confusion it may be feeling. The instincts for mother cats dont only apply to taking care of their live kittens. So it's important to remove a dead kitten from the litter as soon as you notice it. Some kittens are born with ruptured or severely damaged bodies. It is the mothers instinct to try and clean her kittens. This is why as a cat owner, you should look to remove the dead kitten safely from the litter. The instincts for mother cats dont only apply to taking care of their live kittens. Cats typically eat meat, so it is possible that they are eating the remains of the kitten because it is a source of nutrients. If you are not sure of the number of babies expected you should get the mother examined for other kittens stuck in her abdomen. A lifeless kitten is going to naturally decompose. They include: This problem in kittens is caused by a variety of things. This way you prevent the mother from spotting and digging up the body and ensure there is no disease transmission. The same rules apply to the vet examination and burial/cremation when its only a single kitten born. By removing the deceased kitten, the responsible owner has prevented a cannibalistic attack from taking place on her kittens.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'21cats_org-leader-1','ezslot_7',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-21cats_org-leader-1-0'); A mother cat in the wild will either ingest the body of her deceased littermate or leave it alone to decompose naturally. Finally and perhaps the most surprising, a mother cat might bury her kitten. 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. If the kitten is still warm, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. 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