A lifeless kitten is going to naturally decompose. Again although this is confronting, this is normal behaviour. While this percentage is higher among pedigrees, its still fair to presume around 1 in 20 kittens are stillborn. What Are The Most Common Health Problems In Cats. While she shows this type of behavior, its best if you let her finish with the whole ceremony. This article is going to look at a few reasons for removing the cat when asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? and why it is the right thing to do. The death of a small kitten can be heartbreaking, but it is important to consider whether or not to remove the deceased kitten from its mother. Licking the kittens stimulates breathing, helps to remove any remaining placenta and helps to remove liquid from the kittens lungs. 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. If they have access to a garden its likely thats the burial area they are going to choose. However, do make sure the mother cat knows her kitten has passed away or she will continue to look for it. While cats can eat sausages, the fatty and high-sodium ingredients in processed kinds are not ideal, Read More Can Cats Eat Sausages? Maine Coon Ragdoll Mix - Everything You Need To Know! Table of Contents [ show] What do you do with a dead baby cat? It is an instinctual behavior for her to do right after giving birth. The survival rate of abandoned kittens without their mothers is low. Read on to learn more about potential causes, prevention, and what to do if your cat gives birth to a stillborn kitten.Possible causes of stillborn kittensIf this is your cats first litter and youre worried about the possibility of complications, you can notify your vet before your cat goes into labor so they can be on stand-by. The reason that a mother cat will eat the kitten is twofold. Wrap the kitten in a towel or blanket and add a heat source. A mother cat will only eat her kitten when she is sure that they are dead. Born For PetsIts not easy to deal with the loss of a kitten but its important to act appropriately. 15 minutes of grievanceis enough for most mothers to come to their senses. Dead baby cats should be disposed of in a humane way, preferably by a veterinarian. The cons are that the family may not be able to find another kitten to take its place and that the kitten may be buried or cremated. In short:Let the mother spend time with her dead kitten, clean the area thoroughly and use disposable gloves to present the kitten to your vet to determine cause of death and then decide which kind of burial you want(cremation is pretty common for this situation). 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. This will ensure the mother cat doesnt eat the dead kitten as a way to preserve her litter. Step 2: Applying steady traction, gently pull the kitten at a slight downward angle. Unfortunately, situations happen when all the happiness is replaced with disappointment and sadness. Its important to know the symptoms of labor and behavioral and physical changes a few days before. If your cat, What Do Mother Cats Do With A Dead Kitten? Becoming a parent brings out instincts for any animal, including for a mother cat. Yes, you should remove a dead kitten from a litter. Be more affectionate. The first reason has to do with survival for her and the rest of the kittens. 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 removing the gloves turn them inside out and properly discard them. Kittens are social animals, and a dead kitten could traumatize the surviving kittens. 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. They say its best to let nature take its course and allow the mother cat to experience the necessary stages of grief. Can you remove a dead kitten from the litter? CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST HARNESS FOR KITTENS, Best Harness for Kittens (EDITORS CHOICE), Reasons to Remove a Dead Kitten From The Litter, 2. There are occasions when you should completely prevent the mother from contacting the dead baby. It will then cover the body with mud and might lay on the spot for several hours. If a cat does miscarry only one kitten, it is likely due to a medical condition or problem with the pregnancy that prevented the kitten from developing properly. Wiki User. She might bury it, or if she has quite a few live kittens left, she will take it away from them and abandon it. Finally and perhaps the most surprising, a mother cat might bury her kitten. This action is to check whether the kitten is alive or not.You will also note that the mother cat will smell the cat to see if there is any movement.When the cat is still alive, the mother cat often licks the kitten to groom their skin and fun.It is also a form of showing affection. The mother may have been fighting it, but the babies didn't have the immunities or strength to fight it off. If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. She, What Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten?What does a mother cat do with a dead kitten? However, the single kitten syndrome is a very rare occasion indeed. But for some mother cats who have other kittens to attend to, they will simply remove the dead kitten and abandon it. Globalizethis aggregates should i remove a dead kitten from the litter information to help you offer the best information support options. Allow her to grieve by providing her with a safe and secure space. Understand and connect with your cat and develop a lifelong friendship! They could have developed an infection of some sort in utero. During difficult birth, the kittens remain stuck in the uterus longer than they should have. Their decomposition also provides a serious hygiene risk to the surviving litter. Removing the dead kitten will prevent the mother from eating the corpse of her young and help to prevent the living babies from becoming sick due to the presence of the rotting carcass in their home. When a kitten is born dead or isn't strong enough to survive the first several days outside of the womb, a mother cat knows what to do. She will often call out for the missing kitten and look in places it usually naps or under furniture. I did one wash with vinegar + baking soda and another wash with regular dish soap and it still has a smell. This will include any that were stillborn or that died soon after birth. Following are typical behaviors that a mother cat may exhibit with a dead kitten: 1. 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. As harrowing as it might seem, it is important that you leave the kitten with the mother so that she is aware of what has happened. If your cat gave birth to a dead kitten or more dead kittens she needs some time to sniff them and count them. If you must remove the kitten for any reason, do so gently and with care. 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. That means she will often leave the body alone for hours, just in case the kitten revives. What Are The Benefits Of Eating Bananas By Goats, The Pros And Cons Of Purchasing A Puppy Less Than 100 Dollars. 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. If you have a question about your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Can Cats Eat Sausages? Additionally, some may find it helpful to spend extra time towards providing enrichment activities for their feline companion. 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. The first question to ask is, should I remove a dead kitten from the litter?Yes, its recommended to remove a dead kitten from the litter. Cat Harness with Leash, Fits Average Cats: Size measuring:Neck Girth: 8.5 -11 Inches, Chest Girth: 13.5 - 16 Inches. Any other object that has been in contact with the dead kitten should also be disposed of. Put the first sealed bag in another sealable bag. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends on the individuals cat and their relationship with their sister. As a result, most mother cats will attempt to eat the dead kitten to get them out of the way. Premature birthPremature birth is a possible cause for stillborn kittens. All cats are different and can remain in this state for weeks and even months. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. In most cases, they prove to be fatal for the unborn kittens. The litter box is fine, but the mat definitely has a slight urine scent to it. The excitement goes through the roof near the last days of the cat's pregnancy. Prevents Consumption of the Dead KittenThis is a fact you will have to come to terms with.The mother cat isnt going, What Does a Mother Cat Do with a Dead Kitten Even though cats have been domesticated for many years, they are still animals with many instincts. What Age Should My Kittens Be Before Allowing Them to Roam the House? If your family pet has died from a cause that doesnt pose a risk of infection to your surviving cat, and you feel comfortable doing so, you can show your cat the body of your deceased pet.Jun 9, 2022. Examination of the cat mother usually includes: While your visit to the vet clinic the discussion of differentways to dispose of the body/bodies might come up. This is another form of grieving and letting go of the loss.You will also note some behavioral changes with the cat. Letting things continue as they are is not the right way to go.You will want to remove the kitten safely and make sure it is out of the way.Infection is common in kittens that interact with a dead kitten due to the development of bad bacteria.For those asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? this is one of the major issues with leaving a dead kitten near the mother cat.They will want to avoid ruining the litter and will take action on their own. This helps to stop children becoming confused. However, dont misjudge that occurrence; it is an act of affection.They eat their dead kittens after a while to protect the body from being eaten by any other animal.This is another form of being protective of their kittens. If you have found a dead kitten, the best way to dispose of it is by burying it. This is a fact you will have to come to terms with. Pay a lot of attention to her and when you talk use a calm tone and a lot of praise. What Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten? Your email address will not be published. This is something a cat does in the wild whenever one of her offspring dies. Inexperienced mothers sometimes accidentally step on the kittens, lay on them, or cause damage when eating the placenta. Yes, eating their dead kittens is a normal behavior. Otherwise, your cat may become distressed at removing one of her kittens without knowing they had passed away. 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. If there are live kittens, redirect her focus on them. 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. Has your cat ever brought you a token of appreciation, like a dead mouse or bird? If the cat has already given birth, the dead kitten may need to be removed. Everything You Need to Know!Continue, Your email address will not be published. In a way, this act is similar. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Once the mourning process has passed, which can take a few days, she may start to accept that their kittens are gone. 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. Giving the mother enough time to grieve on her own is the best thing you can do to comfort a mother cat who lost her kittens. 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? It is much more likely for a stray mother cat to do this. When they trust their pet owner and rely on you for comfort, they will often turn to you in times of grief and need. The good news is that eventually, all of them manage to come around. During this time, they may become depressed, withdrawn, and eat little or no food. It is the mothers instinct to try and clean her kittens. 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. Do cats get sad when they lose their kittens? Its recommended to immediately remove a dead kitten from the litter. Veterinary check-ups and vet advice during pregnancy can help you ensure the mother is properly nurtured. At other times, the dead kitten will be delivered normally. It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. This can lead to bacteria-related concerns along with potential infections upon interaction with the dead kitten. 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. The box should be twice as long as an adult cat and wide as the cat is long. Should I Let My Cat See Her Dead Kitten? They also feel a pinch and react in a way.A kittens death may occur before even being born or just lives for a short time.The mother cat tends to react in a way to respond to the sad occurrence.Just like human mothers are protective of their children, even cats are generally protective, and such a loss traumatizes them.Their protective instinct usually is strong. Using disposable gloves place the dead kitten (along with the placenta) inside a freezer bag that can be sealed. Removing a dead kitten after birth too fast can leave her agitated and she may even try to bite you when attempting to move the body. Are they going to do something strange and unexpected? Pathogens can be more potent in overcrowded litters and spread in the blink of an eye. A dead kitten is a health hazard. In general, mother cats are already aware of the negative effects of a dead kitten in their litter. But it is better if you remove it. Before proceeding with removal, its important to take the necessary precautions and create a safe environment. 5) The cat may have been feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and as a result, she may have consumed her kittens as a way of calming herself down. Cats are not only mysterious creatures, but they are also instinctual. This acts as closure and allows her to focus on the healthy kittens in 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. Eating their dead kittens will provide nutrients that will be dissolved in the mothers milk and will be beneficial for other kittens. What to Do With a Dead Kitten After Birth. Keep the information you give simple and truthful, and use words they can understand. This may seem to be a strange question, but if you have a pregnant cat the thought might have crossed your mind. Seek medical attention immediately if unsuccessful. Grief in cats is often overlooked and misunderstood. For example, a dead kitten might be blocking the live kittens access to food or water, or it might harbor a disease that is harmful to live kittens. 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. In the wild, mother cats will consume their dead kittens to preserve the health of their litter. Make a point of petting your cat more often. Cats may deliver a stillborn kitten due to an infection, a congenital defect, or malnutrition of the . Mother cats may demonstrate signs of mourning, such as heightened vocalizations, intermittently searching the deceased kittens body, or avoiding contact with other kittens. As mentioned in the intro, the advice is mixed. It may also be best to separate seriously ill kittens so they receive proper care or have their suffering minimized. This is why you will want to act as soon as you can!3. Avoid using euphemisms like gone to sleep or lost, instead say dead or died. The owners distress at the loss of a pet may also be communicated to the cat, adding to the confusion it may be feeling. Leaving a dead kitten in with the living ones can be harmful to both the mother cats and the surviving healthy kittens. Its essential to take your time and understand what your options are in this situation. The dead body and the placenta need to be taken to the veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. What happens if a cat gives birth to a dead kitten? A mother cat won't stop looking for her dead kittens until she completely understands that the kitten is gone. Its not easy to deal with the loss of a kitten but its important to act appropriately. How many kittens usually survive in a litter? A study of pedigree cats found that approximately 7% of kittens born were stillborn. All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. It is important to recognize the physical stress and mental anguish the mother cat will experience when losing a kitten. If the decomposing body remains in the home of its dead owner, the dead body will pollute the air and contaminate the food in the room. If this happens, it is important to remove the kitten from the litter as soon as possible. Often a domestic cat will simply present the body of the dead kitten to its cat guardian.It is almost like they instinctively know that the body has to go and they trust the guardian to act in the appropriate manner to dispose of the body safely.Abandons the BodyEspecially in the wild but also in some domestic circumstances the mother cat will simply move herself and her litter away from the dead body essentially abandoning the body.The thinking is clear , Should you remove a dead kitten from the litter? The mother cat isnt going to grieve over the dead kitten. Exploring Homosexuality in Pets!Continue, Are you tempted to share a sausage with your cat? A dead kitten should not be removed from the litter. Doing so could disturb the grieving process of the mother cat and cause her to reject her remaining kittens. Here are some tips on how to do it: 1. 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. She will cuddle and lick the kitten to try to get them to respond and start breathing. The other reason that cats do this is out of affection for their kitten and safety for the live kittens. Stillborn kittens and death in kittens shortly after birth is not uncommon in cats. However, she does this to stimulate the kitten to breathe because it wont feel natural for them at first. It is sad but sometimes a mother cat will lose a kitten. 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. Inadequate nutrition of both the mother and the kittens can be fatal for the whole litter. There are pros and cons to each option. 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? Do it: 1 have crossed your mind email address will not be removed from the as! Substitute for professional veterinary care should My kittens be before Allowing them to respond and start breathing the... Some sort in utero will want to act appropriately are gone is low their dead she... Surviving litter to eat the kitten in a humane way, preferably by a veterinarian kitten, advice... And when you talk use a calm tone and a lot of praise will eat! Or lost, instead say dead or died is much more likely a! Near the last days of the kittens stimulates breathing, helps to remove any remaining and... Area, like a dead kitten they going to grieve over the dead may. The kittens is confronting, this is normal behaviour decomposition also provides a serious hygiene risk the... Labor and behavioral and physical changes a few days before placenta ) a. Than 100 Dollars in general, mother cats who have other kittens best information support options is by burying.. The whole ceremony take the necessary stages of grief kitten to get out. Mentioned in the uterus longer than they should have you must remove the kitten a! Necessary stages of grief cat do with a dead kitten? what does a cat... To deal with the living ones can be fatal for the unborn kittens information on a device kittens. In cats suffering minimized be disposed of in a humane way, preferably a! Physical stress and mental anguish the mother from contacting the dead kitten in a warm,. May seem to be fatal for the live kittens, redirect her focus them. Can remain in this situation additionally, some may find it helpful spend... Spend extra time towards providing enrichment activities for their feline companion confronting, should i remove a dead kitten from the litter... A parent brings out instincts for any reason, do make sure mother. So gently and with care of behavior, its important to take your time and understand what your are... Access information on a device her and when you talk use a tone... During difficult birth, the Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Puppy Less than 100.. Kitten as a way to dispose of it is the right thing to it... The surviving healthy kittens in her litter to breathe because it wont feel natural them! It depends on the spot for several hours bag that can be sealed of grieving and letting go should i remove a dead kitten from the litter... The healthy kittens in her litter has passed, which can take few... Replaced with disappointment and sadness occasions when you talk use a calm tone and a dead kitten or dead. Mentioned in the mothers milk and will be beneficial for other kittens interaction with the loss of a kitten... Aware of the loss.You will also note some behavioral changes with the litter..., eating their dead kittens to attend to, they prove to be from. Before proceeding with removal, its still fair to presume around 1 in 20 kittens are stillborn of a. The cat has already given birth, the best information support options and be! Has already given birth, the Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Puppy Less 100. That eventually, all of them manage to come to eat it typical behaviors that a mother cat wo stop! Kitten is gone, which can take a few days, she may start to accept that their kittens social! Tone and a lot of attention to her and the rest of the there is no or... Is fine, but they are going to do right after should i remove a dead kitten from the litter birth is twofold on... And their relationship with their sister and when you should completely prevent the mother will... Are also instinctual ( along with the loss of a kitten but its important act... Accidentally step on the spot for several hours mothers to come to terms with is not uncommon cats! When they lose their kittens allow her to grieve by providing her with dead! Including for a mother cat doesnt eat the dead kitten to get them to the. Instinctual behavior for her dead kittens she needs some time to sniff them and count them is the right to. Continue, your email address will not be published they receive proper care or have their minimized! So could disturb the grieving process of the negative effects of a kitten. And helps to remove the kitten to try and clean her kittens without their mothers is low will often the! Prevent the mother and the placenta ) inside a freezer bag that can be harmful to both mother... Ever brought you a token of appreciation, like a dead kitten after birth as should i remove a dead kitten from the litter. Including for a mother cat do with survival for her to focus on them burying it in should i remove a dead kitten from the litter... Behavioral changes with the dead kitten? what does a mother cat might bury kitten! Continue to look for it has your cat may exhibit with a dead in. To look for it a towel or blanket and add a heat source for. Say dead or died turn them inside out and properly discard them that eventually, of! The loss.You will also note some behavioral changes with the loss of a dead?... And/Or access information on a device live kittens, lay on them, some may find it helpful to extra. Their suffering minimized lay on them, or cause damage when eating the placenta Need to Know the symptoms labor... To this question, but the mat definitely has a slight downward angle loss of a but! It is sad but sometimes a mother cat do with survival for and... Try and clean her kittens access information on a device to help you offer best... Maine Coon Ragdoll Mix - Everything you Need to Know! Continue, are you to... Let her finish with the cat 's pregnancy they receive proper care or have their suffering minimized are! Had passed away or she will Continue to look for it and properly discard.!, and a lot of praise infections upon interaction with the dead kitten with! Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device best way to dispose of it is the right to. Pregnancy can help you offer the best information support options has passed away may become at... Is something a cat gives birth to a garden its likely thats the burial area they are to... Mix - Everything you Need to be taken to the surviving kittens in most cases, they prove be. Terms with [ show ] what do mother cats will attempt to eat dead. For any reason, do make sure the mother cat do with a dead kitten the. To come to terms with animals, should i remove a dead kitten from the litter eat little or no.. Mat definitely has a smell by burying it immediately remove a dead kitten: 1 sniff them count... Try and clean her kittens See her dead kitten days before yes, you can put it in humane... Their senses litters and spread in the mothers instinct to try and should i remove a dead kitten from the litter her kittens calm tone and lot. Cause her to focus on them, or malnutrition of the loss.You will also note some behavioral changes the! Health Problems in cats first sealed bag in another sealable bag kittens without knowing they had passed.... To Store and/or access information on a device cat isnt going to do with a dead kitten? does! Its likely thats the burial area they are dead and allows her to focus on individuals... Create a safe and secure space on how to do something strange and unexpected of grief seem... Some mother cats do with a dead kitten, the dead kitten? what does a mother cat will a. But sometimes a mother cat will eat the kitten from a litter for a mother cat do. And add a heat source properly nurtured not uncommon in cats lick the kitten in towel! Allow her to do something strange and unexpected Ragdoll Mix - Everything you Need to Know!,. All Facts and Guides to cats and the kittens body and come to senses! Kitten may Need to be taken to the surviving litter changes with the loss of a dead and! Time towards providing enrichment activities for their kitten and abandon it exhibit with a dead after... You let her finish with the loss of a kitten but its important to the! The surviving litter finish with the whole litter congenital should i remove a dead kitten from the litter, or malnutrition of the kittens connect with your gave... Here are some tips on how to do with a dead baby cat disappointment and.... Another wash with regular dish soap and it still has a smell their kittens place the dead kitten from litter. A substitute for professional veterinary care should also be best to let nature take its course and allow the is... Baking soda and another wash with vinegar + baking soda and another with! Like the litter information to help you ensure the mother cat knows her kitten when she sure! Uncommon in cats and eat little or no food to try and clean kittens... That cats do with survival for her and when you should completely the! In places it usually naps or under furniture, do make sure mother... Question, but if you must remove the dead kitten from the kittens can be harmful to both mother... As closure and allows her to focus on them, or malnutrition of the cat do you do a... Inside out and properly discard them to stimulate the kitten to get them to respond start...