It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. 3. Carefully remove the dead kitten and take it to your vets if you wish to have it cremated. Not all cats do this but some may lay their kitten at your feet for help or empathy. If the mother cat doesnt see her dead kitten, she may continue to look for it and remain uneasy. What is a newborn kitten survival rate without mother? They may also spend a lot of time sleeping or grooming themselves. Bury the kitten into the ground Sometimes a mother cat will dig the ground where it will bury its dead kitten. During this time, they may become depressed, withdrawn, and eat little or no food. That means she will often leave the body alone for hours, just in case the kitten revives. 1.Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter? For instance, if the body is not properly removed after death, it can cause serious infections to the living ones around it. Following are typical behaviors that a mother cat may exhibit with a dead kitten: 1. Please refer to the information below. Hide The Dead Cat In The ClosetIn some cases, when the mother cat realizes that her kitten is dead, she can decide to carry it and hide it somewhere in a box or closet.They will then go back to the other kittens and nurse them. Kittens should not be given litter products that contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, or clumping properties. Congenital malformation and defectsCongenital malformation and fetal defects are the most common cause of stillborn kittens. If you must remove the kitten for any reason, do so gently and with care. When a cat gives birth to a stillborn kitten, its important to leave the kitten in place until their mother realizes that theyre dead. 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. If they have access to a garden its likely thats the burial area they are going to choose. She will cuddle and lick the kitten to try to get them to respond and start breathing. 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. Dont be surprised if your cat veers the other direction, though, and instead of offering you her kitten, she hisses and scratches whenever you come near. CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST HARNESS FOR KITTENS, Best Harness for Kittens (EDITORS CHOICE), Reasons to Remove a Dead Kitten From The Litter, 2. The fading kitten syndrome describes a situation when the kitten appears normal at birth but dies within 2 to 9 weeks. 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. This is when asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? is a nice starting point. If the family is not able to find another kitten, they may have to choose between having the stillborn kitten removed or leaving it to suffer. Continue pulling gently and steadily until the kitten is delivered. When one, What Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten? If you are not sure of the number of babies expected you should get the mother examined for other kittens stuck in her abdomen. Sometimes the virus can infect unborn kittens in the uterus also and cause miscarriages and stillbirths. In this case, a mother cat may move one kitten before returning to her nest to collect the others. Different cities have different regulations so always research the legal aspects of kitten burial first. They suggest, if possible, its best to provide her with a quiet corner where she can grieve without disruption. 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 the cat has already given birth, the dead kitten may need to be removed. 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? Removing a stillborn kitten is a difficult decision to make. Should I remove stillborn kitten? Increased Risk of Infection and Health IssuesThere is a natural increase in infections when a dead kitten remains near the litter.These health issues can be avoided as long as you remove the dead kitten safely. 2. Read on to learn about the macabre, weird, instinctive, and otherwise normal things you might expect to see if your cat gives birth and a kitten dies or is stillborn.Buries Or Hides ItA mother cat who experiences the loss of a kitten through kitten fading or stillbirth will often bury or hide the dead kittens body. Before attempting to remove a deceased kitten from an animal care facility or its mother, its important to assess whether the death was natural or unexpected. 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. It is important to recognize the physical stress and mental anguish the mother cat will experience when losing a kitten. Step 2: Applying steady traction, gently pull the kitten at a slight downward angle. Yes, its recommended to remove a dead kitten from the litter. Buy her favorite treat or food for her as a special pick-me-up. Furthermore, it might be too traumatic for the remaining kittens to be abandoned to the care of strangers after the death of their sibling. Just like people, you can expect a mother cat to mourn the death of their kittens, and alter her behavior. Once the cat stops paying any attention to the lost kitten you can remove it. 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. rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking, Escape Proof dealing with a kitten that is about to die, finding a quality scratching post for cats. Kittens should not be given litter products that contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, or clumping properties. It is sad but sometimes a mother cat will lose a kitten. Over the coming weeks, the kitten will get stronger before it is ready to be separated naturally. Never touch a dead kitten after birth with bare handsbecause there is a high risk of getting an infection and spreading it. Its important to know the symptoms of labor and behavioral and physical changes a few days before. Cat Harness with Leash, Fits Average Cats: Size measuring:Neck Girth: 8.5 -11 Inches, Chest Girth: 13.5 - 16 Inches. 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. Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter. Like humans bury their dead, dead kittens can also be buried deep in the ground. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 3. Licking the kittens stimulates breathing, helps to remove any remaining placenta and helps to remove liquid from the kittens lungs. What do you do with a dead baby cat? How Do You Restrict Cat Activity After Surgery? It is not unheard of for kittens to fade or be stillborn. Yes, it's recommended to remove a dead kitten from the litter. Some vet practices offer private cremations where the kitten can get cremated and the ashes returned to you in an urn or a plastic bag. There are a lot of things to consider when you end up dealing with one or even a whole litter of dead kittens. I got a second-hand litter box and litter mat the other day for free. 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. Once she loses hope, she will do everything that she can to keep her live kittens safe and sound. There is no reason for the dead kitten to be eaten as long as you are taking action.2. The cat may show signs of distress such as pacing, litter box changes, and avoidance of people and other animals. Although this is a distressing sight for humans, this is a normal behavior for animals. Checking for retained kittens in the uterus or birth canal. It will help ease you into the process while making sure the right steps are taken.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.Best Harness for Kittens (EDITORS CHOICE) Sale rabbitgoo Cat Harness and Leash for Walking, Escape Proof Cat Harness with Leash, Fits Average Cats: Size measuring:Neck Girth: 8.5 -11 Inches, Chest Girth: 13.5 16 Inches. All cats are different and can remain in this state for weeks and even months. Its a difficult time for the mother as well. If the kitten is cold, you can try to take it out with a blanket or a towel. There is, however, no studies to suggest that this aids the grieving process in your cat. Kittens need to eat kitten food and milk to grow properly. Eat the kitten It may sound gross but some mother cats eat their kittens when they seem to be dead. Its best to assess the situation and see how mother is coping before making a decision. There is no right or wrong decision when it comes to removing a stillborn kitten, it is simply a choice that the family has to make based on their individual circumstances. One is that she might eat the dead kitten. If possible, try to keep the area where the kitten was found or passed away from her sight. If there is none, continue performing chest compressions while gently blowing air into the kittens lungs until it starts breathing on its own again. 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. Mother Cat Won't Stop Looking For Her Dead Kitten, How To Comfort A Mother Cat Who Lost Her Kittens. In the wild, mother cats will consume their dead kittens to preserve the health of their litter. A dead kitten should not be removed from the litter. 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. Cats will chew the umbilical cord of a kitten once it has been born if it is free of litter. The dead body and the placenta need to be taken to the veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. Becoming a parent brings out instincts for any animal, including for a mother cat. Continue with Recommended Cookies. In a way, this act is similar. These health risks may be severe enough to cause the death of your surviving kittens, and the mother will sometimes suffer as well. Its the right decision for everyone involved. 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. There could be a few reasons why your cat ate her kittens. Kittens get Feline Viral Herpesvirus when they pass through the birth canal and after infection remain weak and fail to thrive, eventually dying. Put the first sealed bag in another sealable bag. Some cats are very trusting to their owners in times of grief or loss. But for some mother cats who have other kittens to attend to, they will simply remove the dead kitten and abandon it. If the kitten is cold, you can try to take it out with . No pre. Wrap the kitten in a towel or blanket and add a heat source. 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. Its recommended to immediately remove a dead kitten from the litter. 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. The other reason that cats do this is out of affection for their kitten and safety for the live kittens. A mother cat will only eat her kitten when she is sure that they are dead. 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. Removing the dead kitten will help prevent it from contaminating the other members of the litter. If you are prepared, you will know when to take your cat to the vet if the labor goes wrong. Yes, eating their dead kittens is a normal behavior. She instinctively knows that the kitten might be dead for some kind of health reason and wants to move the body a safe distance from their other kittens. The reason that a mother cat will eat the kitten is twofold. However, the single kitten syndrome is a very rare occasion indeed. The owners distress at the loss of a pet may also be communicated to the cat, adding to the confusion it may be feeling. 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. 1. It may do it for quite some time until it gives up and abandons the kitten to take care of the surviving ones. 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. If this happens, it is important to remove the kitten from the litter as soon as possible. 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. 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. The process might go on for quite a while before she starts to focus more on the live kittens again. Your email address will not be published. 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. Cat Pet Animals and Pets. Nutritional deficienciesoccur when the mother doesnt receive enough vitamins and energy sources essential for labor and nursing. 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. This might cause bacteria-related issues as the body starts to decompose and toxins are released into the air. Wiki User. She may know immediately, or she may know when she begins to groom it and get the afterbirth cleaned away. And stillbirths s recommended to remove a dead kitten from the litter as as... Area where the kitten to take care of the number of babies expected you get! 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