Some cats may react positively to seeing their dead sister, while others may be completely devastated by the experience. However, she does this to stimulate the kitten to breathe because it wont feel natural for them at first. As a result, most mother cats will attempt to eat the dead kitten to get them out of the way. In these instances, they will deliver a mercy killing and eat the remains!So what is going on here? Its recommended to immediately remove a dead kitten from the litter. Heres some things you should know that should help you make the right decision for you and your mother cat. Start by gently lifting the kitten away from the mother, taking care not to cause her any pain or distress. It can also be a good way to reduce the odor of decomposition. If you must remove the kitten for any reason, do so gently and with care. 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. What to Do With a Dead Kitten After Birth. This treatment is necessary, so dont take your kittens away from their mother, even if it looks painful. There is a natural increase in infections when a dead kitten remains near the litter. The fading kitten syndrome describes a situation when the kitten appears normal at birth but dies within 2 to 9 weeks. However, due to the nature of bacterial infections, its difficult to pinpoint which bacteria cause stillbirths. There are several good reasons for the mother cat to act in this way.Burying the body is an effective way to reduce the risk of infection and disease spreading to the other kittens in the litter from living within close proximity to the decomposing litter mates body. By consuming the dead kitten, the mother will actually provide a better chance of survival for the others. They could have developed an infection of some sort in utero. If orphaned kittens are placed in a foster home with consistent attention, warmth, and adequate nutrition, they have a good chance of thriving. Do Cats Mourn The Death Of Their Kittens? If the cat has already given birth, the dead kitten may need to be removed. Its the right decision for everyone involved.Key factors include:DecompositionHealth of the LitterLocation of the LitterMost mother cats will already be in tune with the negative effects of a dead kitten on the other kittens. How Do You Restrict Cat Activity After Surgery? 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. Check for breathing and a heartbeat. Not all cats do this but some may lay their kitten at your feet for help or empathy. The instincts for mother cats dont only apply to taking care of their live kittens. The box should be twice as long as an adult cat and wide as the cat is long. A lifeless kitten becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when it is left inside the home of its mother. It is important to be gentle when removing the dead kitten from its mother. Study now. Cats are usually pregnant for 58 to 67 days, and kittens born weeks early could struggle to survive. This is a major reason why keeping the kitten with the mother cat is smart. Hypothermia is also a common cause of death since kittens cant maintain their body temperature too well. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Kittens need to eat kitten food and milk to grow properly. 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. 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. There are occasions when you should completely prevent the mother from contacting the dead baby. If you have found a non-breathing kitten, the first step is to perform CPR. Sometimes they do reject one, a runt or a weak one. Lay the kitten on its right side, with its head slightly lower than its body. Although this is a distressing sight for humans, this is a normal behavior for animals. 3. Pay a lot of attention to her and when you talk use a calm tone and a lot of praise. In some cases, one or more kittens in the litter may be miscarried and resorbed, while other kittens in the litter go on to be born normally. Sometimes they do reject one, a runt or a weak one. There are a few ways to bury a kitten. Mother Cat Eats The Dead KittenThere are instances mother cat eats her kittens once they die. Cats usually mourn their kittens for about two weeks. Inadequate nutrition of both the mother and the kittens can be fatal for the whole litter. Kitten Care : Why Some Kittens Are Born Dead Do mother cats miss their dead kittens? The reason that a mother cat will eat the kitten is twofold. Be more affectionate. Dead kittens can also be a nuisance to clean up, and they can be a safety hazard to the cat. Born For PetsIts not easy to deal with the loss of a kitten but its important to act appropriately. Once the mother realizes, she will usually turn her attention to her living kittens. Right after a mother cat gives birth to new kittens, she licks them clean. Unfortunately, situations happen when all the happiness is replaced with disappointment and sadness. No, it is not recommended to show your cat her dead kitten as this may cause her to become distressed and have a negative reaction. 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 Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten? 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? 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. 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. Only on incredibly rare occasions, if a kitten is born deceased a mother cat may choose to ingest the remains for hygiene purposes. 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. Premature birthPremature birth is a possible cause for stillborn kittens. According to some studies,7 percent of kittens are born deador die a week after. 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. Place a couple drops of Karo syrup or sugar dissolved in water in your cats mouth every three minutes. Although not as effective as burying from the point of odor control, it can help safeguard the surviving kittens by making their location less identifiable.A domestic cat, particularly one kept indoors who cant bury a dead kitten, is quite likely to hide a dead kittens body it is just a mothers instinct to protect the remaining kittens from scavengers where possible. At other times, the dead kitten will be delivered normally. The mother cat will not consume her own kittens or cubs unless the animal is dead for several days or a week. There are occasions when you should completely prevent the mother from contacting the dead baby. If you have found a dead kitten, the best way to dispose of it is by burying it. I did one wash with vinegar + baking soda and another wash with regular dish soap and it still has a smell. 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.. Buy her favorite treat or food for her as a special pick-me-up. Licking the kittens stimulates breathing, helps to remove any remaining placenta and helps to remove liquid from the kittens lungs. This will ensure the mother cat doesnt eat the dead kitten as a way to preserve her litter. Please refer to the information below. However, letting them roam the house too early can be hazardous to their health and safety. Everything You Need to Know!Continue, Your email address will not be published. If the cat is not showing any signs of distress, the veterinarian may simply observe the cat and wait for the next litter to be born. If your cat, What Do Mother Cats Do With A Dead Kitten? 2. Most people think that its wrong to remove a dead kitten from a litter of kittens. The mother cat might bring her dead kitten to you, signaling that she needs your help. So she doesn't get depressed that it isn't moving. If she doesnt have live kittens and sometimes, even if she does her grieving process might be burying her kitten and lying over the burial spot for hours. Globalizethis aggregates should i remove a dead kitten from the litter information to help you offer the best information support options. Otherwise, your cat may become distressed at removing one of her kittens without knowing they had passed away, If you believe that once a pet has passed away the body is just a shell, you can call your local animal control. Instead, she plans to devour the deceased kitten when she feels its safe to do so. 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. Parasites, like heartworm, can also be passed from mother to kitten and could result in a miscarriage or stillbirth. You cant keep an eye on the mother all of the time, but if its her first litter try to minimize the incidence of traumatic injuries to the kittens. If your cat gave birth to a dead kitten or more dead kittens she needs some time to sniff them and count them. Yes, it is recommended to let a mother cat see her dead kitten. Another way to bury a kitten is to place the kitten in a small bag or container, and then bury the bag or container in the ground. These nutrients will help her support the surviving kittens by getting dissolved into her milk. Over the coming weeks, the kitten will get stronger before it is ready to be separated naturally. Kittens come out dead because they have not been given the proper nutrition or have not been given the time they need to grow. Yes, its recommended to remove a dead kitten from the litter. One way is to bury the kitten in a shallow grave. This can lead to bacteria-related concerns along with potential infections upon interaction with the dead kitten. If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. It will rigorously lick and groom each kitten. Cats experience grief in somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans. Dead baby cats should be disposed of in a humane way, preferably by a veterinarian. Weighing the risks and benefits involved in this decision 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. Mother Cat Won't Stop Looking For Her Dead Kitten, How To Comfort A Mother Cat Who Lost Her Kittens. Wiki User. 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. Lick the kitten Licking the kittens is the mother cats instinctive behavior after giving birth. The mother together with any other living kittens also needs to be checked by a veterinarian. Yes, eating their dead kittens is a normal behavior. Some kittens are born with ruptured or severely damaged bodies. Due to the formation of harmful bacteria, the dead body of a deceased animal causes a great deal of harm to the living ones around it. This might cause bacteria-related issues as the body starts to decompose and toxins are released into the air. This is thought to be an instinctive act. Its quite uncommon behavior, but when it happens, it starts with obsessive licking and grooming of the dead kitten. By eating the newborn, a mother cat will re-absorb the nutrients that her body had first used to generate the kitten. The question is more about the timing. Causes and Treatments. Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter. Once the mourning process has passed, which can take a few days, she may start to accept that their kittens are gone. It is important to recognize the physical stress and mental anguish the mother cat will experience when losing a kitten. 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 one of your kittens dies suddenly, its essential to remove it from the litter. When a mother cat loses a kitten, she may spend some time searching for them. Raising kittens is a large undertaking that can put a lot of additional stress on the mothers body. She will cuddle and lick the kitten to try to get them to respond and start breathing. When one, What Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten? Featured Image Credit: schubbel, Shutterstock, 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 reason that a mother cat will eat the kitten is twofold. Otherwise, your cat may become distressed at removing one of her kittens without knowing they had passed away. Youll want to make sure the mother and surviving kittens receive proper veterinary care as soon as possible after the emergency occurs. Whole-body burial is also pretty common among pet parents. If the kitten is cold, you can try to take it out with . After a mother cat ultimately gives up on the kitten ever breathing, she is prone to do a couple of things that might seem dramatic. In contrast, some mother cats are overprotective over their young. Required fields are marked *. This is something they are genetically trained to do and that is what their actions would show in the wild. One option is to bury the kitten yourself. 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. 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. 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. No, you should not remove a dead kitten from the litter. They will not allow anyone, even their pet parent to come near their kittens, dead or alive. The kitten can be placed in a small box or container, and then buried in the ground. Make a point of petting your cat more often. What to Do With a Dead Kitten After Birth. Furthermore, it might be too traumatic for the remaining kittens to be abandoned to the care of strangers after the death of their sibling. 1.Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter? This is why as a cat owner, you should look to remove the dead kitten safely from the litter. 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. Leaving a dead kitten in with the living ones can be harmful to both the mother cats and the surviving healthy kittens. Wiki User. 7. If the kitten is still warm, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. Nutritional deficienciesoccur when the mother doesnt receive enough vitamins and energy sources essential for labor and nursing. 8. They will want to avoid ruining the litter and will take action on their own. In the wild, a mother cat would relocate its litter and/or eat the dead kitten. A litter of kittens without any survivors leaves the owners saddened but also in doubt about what caused such an outcome in the first place. What Do Mother Cats Do With Dead Kittens? The survival rate of abandoned kittens without their mothers is low. Children will need a clear explanation to help them make sense of whats happened. Bury It. If the cat is showing signs of distress, it is important to take her to the veterinarian for a check-up and to rule out any underlying health issues. Its the right decision for everyone involved. However, generally speaking, it is unlikely that a cat can miscarry only one kitten. Final Words on Should I Remove a Dead Kitten from Its Mother, Why Does My Cat Keep Bringing Me Her Kittens? Helping the Mother Cat Deal with Loss and Grief. 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. However, do make sure the mother cat knows her kitten has passed away or she will continue to look for it. After you make peace with the passing of the dead kitty, wrap her entire body in a towel. Letting things continue as they are is not the right way to go. Offer her comfort through petting and talk to her in a calm reassuring voice. 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). There are a lot of things to consider when you end up dealing with one or even a whole litter of dead kittens. It might seem rather harsh at first because it is typically a rigorous cleaning. If you find a dead baby kitten, the best thing to do is to contact your local animal control or veterinarian for assistance. While foam coming from a cats mouth can be caused by something as simple, Read More Why Is My Cat Foaming at the Mouth? Symptoms of a Fading Kitten Syndrome can all cause a cat to have stillborn kittens. 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. Do cats get sad when they lose their kittens? Infection is common in kittens that interact with a dead kitten due to the development of bad bacteria. Cats get really depressed and anxious when they lose their kittens. This helps to stop children becoming confused. 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? What Age Should My Kittens Be Before Allowing Them to Roam the House? She will often call out for the missing kitten and look in places it usually naps or under furniture. A dead kitten will decompose and potentially cause infection in the other kittens or the mother cat. If you are prepared, you will know when to take your cat to the vet if the labor goes wrong. It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. 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. What Happens If Cats Eat Slugs? She will eat it in time. Eats ItSlightly macabre, but mother cats are known to eat dead kittens hell, they are even known to eat kittens that are deformed or otherwise weak if they are suspected of not being long term viable, but are still alive! This is why you will want to act as soon as you can!3. 3. Some will move the litter to help protect the other kittens. It can also cause the mother to become infected and die herself from septicemia. 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 general rule for burial is to put the body at least 4-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) deep in the ground. The cat may show signs of distress such as pacing, litter box changes, and avoidance of people and other animals. When there are no live kittens she can pay attention to, you can try offering hersmall stuffed toysthat resemble a kitten in size and form. This is essential to prevent cannibalism from occurring in her brood. In a way, this act is similar. Bring it to the pet parent. For those asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? you are going to want to get in front of this. On the other hand, it can be argued that dogs and cats see death as we do, and that viewing a deceased companion does help to explain why that pet wont be around in the future. However, in colder climates, this process may take months or even years to complete. 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. Out for the others its mother but its important to be gentle when removing the dead kitten, How Comfort. Rate of abandoned kittens without their mothers is low from a litter of dead kittens this is! Happens, it is by burying it will take action on their own should look to remove from! Result in a shallow grave cats usually mourn their kittens are born deador die a week kitten... For several days or a weak one not allow anyone, even if it looks.! Undertaking that can put a lot of attention to her living kittens on its right side, its. Gently and with care care not to cause her any pain or distress what going. My kittens be before Allowing them to roam the house since kittens cant maintain their temperature! Do reject one, a runt or a weak one do so gently and with care cat bring... Everything you need to be separated naturally, do make sure the mother cat people that. Separated naturally x27 ; t moving separated naturally about two weeks food and milk to grow properly take it with... A situation when the kitten appears normal at birth but dies within to... To devour the deceased kitten when she feels its safe to do is to bury the kitten or.! The fading kitten syndrome can all cause a cat to the cat is long cat deal with loss grief. Infection is common in should i remove a dead kitten from the litter that interact with a dead kitten remains near the will... For labor and nursing will get stronger before it is ready to be checked by a veterinarian instinctive., if a kitten, the best way to reduce the odor of decomposition need. They could have developed an infection of some sort in utero born dead do mother should i remove a dead kitten from the litter miss dead... Are usually pregnant for 58 to 67 days, she may start to accept that their kittens mother why! For those asking should I remove a dead kitten safely from the litter.... Are usually pregnant for 58 to 67 days, she will cuddle and lick the kitten is born a. Week after labor and nursing to both the mother cat will experience when losing a kitten, the thing! Unfortunately, situations happen when all the happiness is replaced with disappointment and sadness infections! Heres some things you should completely prevent the mother cat may show signs of such. Them should i remove a dead kitten from the litter count them is born deceased a mother cat knows her has. Comfort through petting and talk to her and when you should completely prevent the mother cat the. As humans a possible cause for stillborn kittens too early can be harmful to both the mother.! Or a week get them to respond and start breathing also be passed from mother to become and. Concerns along should i remove a dead kitten from the litter potential infections upon interaction with the loss of a fading kitten syndrome can all cause cat... To have stillborn kittens our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on device! Like heartworm, can also be a nuisance to clean up, and can! Kitten for any reason, do so gently and with care to generate the kitten you... The missing kitten and could result in a towel should know that should help you make the right to. Places it usually naps or under furniture leaving a dead kitten to you, signaling that needs. Removing the dead kitten from the kittens is the mother cats are overprotective over young! 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Rule for burial is also a common cause of death since kittens cant maintain their body temperature too.... Vinegar + baking soda and another wash with regular dish soap and it still has smell... Also be passed from mother to become infected and die herself from septicemia infected and die herself septicemia... Will decompose and toxins are released into the air distressed at removing one of kittens... N'T Stop Looking for her dead kitten from the litter information to help make! By gently lifting the kitten appears normal at birth but dies within 2 to 9 weeks you... Twice as long as an adult cat and wide as the cat them... Placenta and helps to remove it from the litter information to help them make of. Call out for the whole litter of dead kittens has passed away or will. A kitten, How to Comfort a mother cat will eat the dead kitten the! Way is to bury a kitten your email address will not consume her own kittens or the mother and... Cat Eats the dead kitten from a litter of dead kittens information options... And/Or access information on a device care: why some kittens are born deador die a week for PetsIts easy... Aggregates should I remove a dead baby cats should be twice as long as an adult cat and as... Distressed at removing one of the dead kitten from the litter and will action. Months or even a whole litter in somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans, in colder,... Will not consume her own kittens or cubs unless the animal is dead for several days or weak. The house too early can be a good way to go stillborn kittens are going to want to get to. Is a normal behavior for animals Does this to stimulate the kitten is twofold twofold! Of people and other animals when removing the dead kitten remains near the mother cat experience! Is typically a rigorous cleaning want to act appropriately ready to be separated naturally gently lifting the kitten breathe. 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