Whole-body burial is also pretty common among pet parents. If you find a dead baby kitten, the best thing to do is to contact your local animal control or veterinarian for assistance. Having a dead kitten in the litter may make the mother kill her other kittens. These nutrients will help her support the surviving kittens by getting dissolved into her milk. Hypothermia is also a common cause of death since kittens cant maintain their body temperature too well. What to do when you have two cats and one dies? What to Do With a Dead Kitten After Birth. They could have developed an infection of some sort in utero. Parasites, like heartworm, can also be passed from mother to kitten and could result in a miscarriage or stillbirth. Chances are their bodies are covered with harmful bacteria and should be immediately removed from the litter. 6. Its essential to take your time and understand what your options are in this situation. Checking for retained kittens in the uterus or birth canal. If the group continues to live together, the female cat will always remember her offspring and will usually continue to treat them like a mother. We have given this some thought and researched what goes on in the situations. Here are some tips on how to do it: 1. So it's important to remove a dead kitten from the litter as soon as you notice it. There are pros and cons to each option. If a cat loses a kitten, it may become reclusive and avoid social situations. That means she will often leave the body alone for hours, just in case the kitten revives. 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. Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter. This treatment is necessary, so dont take your kittens away from their mother, even if it looks painful. 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. Some female cats may attempt to bury or hide their dead kittens. 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. 8 FactsHave you ever wondered what mother cats do with dead kittens? Should I remove stillborn kitten? Kittens come out dead because they have not been given the proper nutrition or have not been given the time they need to grow. This is to separate the dead far from the live ones to avoid any health risks. Licking the kittens stimulates breathing, helps to remove any remaining placenta and helps to remove liquid from the kittens lungs. One option is to bury the kitten yourself. If the kitten is still warm, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. If this is something that you dont want her to do, you might want to take away the dead kitten before she can eat it. They might be the reason why the rest of the litter cannot be delivered. 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. Wrap the kitten in a towel or blanket and add a heat source. This is a major reason why keeping the kitten with the mother cat is smart. This might cause bacteria-related issues as the body starts to decompose and toxins are released into the air. However, generally speaking, it is unlikely that a cat can miscarry only one kitten. Required fields are marked *. Others will just stuff the dead baby deep in the bedding or push it outside. 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. 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. If the kitten is still warm, you can try to take it out with your hands. What To Do If Dead Kitten Gets Stuck Inside A Cat? 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. Its not easy to deal with the loss of a kitten but its important to act appropriately. They may also spend a lot of time sleeping or grooming themselves. Who makes home decorators collection laminate flooring, What is the best airbrush for cake decorating, Is home decorators collection flooring good quality, How to start your own party decorating business, How to start your own balloon decorating business, How to start a small event decorating business, How to hang outdoor decor on vinyl siding. Removing the dead kitten from its mother can be beneficial if the mother appears to be obsessively searching for or vocalizing to the deceased kitten but should be done with caution sudden removal can cause further distress for a grieving mother cat. 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. The box should be twice as long as an adult cat and wide as the cat is long. Can Cats Eat Sausages? Its recommended to immediately remove a dead kitten from the litter. 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. 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. If your cat gave birth to a dead kitten or more dead kittens she needs some time to sniff them and count them. If she does not know about it, then she will likely remain less distressed. If the kitten is stillborn, there may be little chance of saving it. 8. Offer her comfort through petting and talk to her in a calm reassuring voice. 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. 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. Instead, she plans to devour the deceased kitten when she feels its safe to do so. It is very rate but a mother cat may to ingest the remains of its stillborn kitten. In most cases, they prove to be fatal for the unborn kittens. Children will need a clear explanation to help them make sense of whats happened. By removing the dead kitten, you are going to ensure it doesnt get consumed. Raising kittens is a large undertaking that can put a lot of additional stress on the mothers body. You are looking : should i remove a dead kitten from the litter. Some people prefer this method because it provides closure of sorts. The cat may show signs of distress such as pacing, litter box changes, and avoidance of people and other animals. This will include any that were stillborn or that died soon after birth. Please refer to the information below. What to Do With a Dead Kitten After Birth. 4) The cat may have been feeling sick or injured, and as a result, she may have consumed her kittens as a way of self-medicating. Other viral infections which can cause stillbirth in kittens include feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline herpesvirus. "Miscarriage refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy." Why is my cat having dead kittens? They also can suffer from malnutrition if they do not receive appropriate nutrition. Why Did My Cat Bring Me Her Dead Kitten? Should I Let My Cat See Her Dead Kitten? If the cat has already given birth, the dead kitten may need to be removed. 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. Cat Harness with Leash, Fits Average Cats: Size measuring:Neck Girth: 8.5 -11 Inches, Chest Girth: 13.5 - 16 Inches. Additionally, some may find it helpful to spend extra time towards providing enrichment activities for their feline companion. Their decomposition also provides a serious hygiene risk to the surviving litter. Its the right decision for everyone involved. If this happens, it is important to remove the kitten from the litter as soon as possible. What happens if a cat gives birth to a dead kitten? Unfortunately, situations happen when all the happiness is replaced with disappointment and sadness. The rectal temperature of kittens should be 35-37C in the first week, 36-38C in the second and third weeks, and reaches normal adult levels of 38-39C by the fourth week. They say its best to let nature take its course and allow the mother cat to experience the necessary stages of grief. Once the mother realizes, she will usually turn her attention to her living kittens. If this is something that you dont want her to do, you might want to take away the dead kitten before she can eat it. Their behavior toward that kitten might surprise you. Premature birthPremature birth is a possible cause for stillborn kittens. In a way, this act is similar. But for some mother cats who have other kittens to attend to, they will simply remove the dead kitten and abandon it. 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. In the wild, a mother cat would relocate its litter and/or eat the dead kitten. Inexperienced mothers sometimes accidentally step on the kittens, lay on them, or cause damage when eating the placenta. Never touch a dead kitten after birth with bare handsbecause there is a high risk of getting an infection and spreading it. When it comes to handling a dead kitten, your actions will play a role in the overall development of the litter. If your cat, What Do Mother Cats Do With A Dead Kitten? Your email address will not be published. Right after a mother cat gives birth to new kittens, she licks them clean. Sometimes they do reject one, a runt or a weak one. In some cases, the mother may still care for and even nurse her dead kitten which can be a natural part of her healing process. Removing the dead kitten will help prevent it from contaminating the other members of the litter. This is why they are genetically coded to act in the manner they do. 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. Instead, show it, love.2. Dead kittens stuck inside a cat can be either taken out manually by a skilled vet or the babies will need to be surgically delivered. 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. While foam coming from a cats mouth can be caused by something as simple, Read More Why Is My Cat Foaming at the Mouth? Leaving a dead kitten in with the living ones can be harmful to both the mother cats and the surviving healthy kittens. As a result, most mother cats will attempt to eat the dead kitten to get them out of the way.In general, mother cats are already aware of the negative effects of a dead kitten in their litter. Preparing for Removal of the Deceased Kitten, 5. Infection is common in kittens that interact with a dead kitten due to the development of bad bacteria. Using gloves, carefully pick up the body and place it in an appropriate container for burial. Nutritional deficienciesoccur when the mother doesnt receive enough vitamins and energy sources essential for labor and nursing. Cats may deliver a stillborn kitten due to an infection, a congenital defect, or malnutrition of the . Image Credit: Lightcube, Shutterstock Cats experience grief in somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans. What do you do with a dead baby cat? Although this is a distressing sight for humans, this is a normal behavior for animals. There could be a few reasons why your cat ate her kittens. It is not uncommon for one or two kittens in a litter to be stillborn. Step 3: If you are unable to remove the kitten, or if the mother is uncooperative, contact the veterinarian immediately. A mother cat will only eat her kitten when she is sure that they are dead. 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. 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. The first reason has to do with survival for her and the rest of the kittens. What to Do When One Cat in a Pair Dies. She might want you to fix the kitten or to take care of it because she cant. 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. A deceased kitten should be removed from the litter as soon as it dies. In a way, this act is similar. Why Is My Cat Foaming at the Mouth? Ultimately, it is up to each cats individual personality and behavior to decide whether or not they are comfortable viewing their sisters body. Not only would the other animal get those nutrients, but it would also put the mother and live kittens in danger. Do cats get sad when they lose their kittens? This can result not only in a stillborn litter but serious health complications for the mother as well. The question is more about the timing. Some cats may react positively to seeing their dead sister, while others may be completely devastated by the experience. The survival rate of abandoned kittens without their mothers is low. Becoming a parent brings out instincts for any animal, including for a mother cat. Its very unsafe for the mother to consume their dead kittens so its advisable for the owner to remove it from the side before she starts biting it. All cats are different and can remain in this state for weeks and even months. 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. Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter?. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it depends on the individuals cat and their relationship with their sister. Their behavior toward that kitten might surprise you. Otherwise, decomposition can harm the other kittens leading to multiple deaths or illness. This may seem to be a strange question, but if you have a pregnant cat the thought might have crossed your mind. If your cat has died from a cause that doesnt pose a risk of infection to other cats, and you feel comfortable doing so, you can show your cat the body of your deceased cat. However, sometimes its necessary. The excitement goes through the roof near the last days of the cat's pregnancy. This is something a cat does in the wild whenever one of her offspring dies. Dead kittens can also be a nuisance to clean up, and they can be a safety hazard to the cat. Your vet may be able to recommend an appropriate way to bury the kitten and should be able to offer advice about how to cope with the loss. The other reason that cats do this is out of affection for their kitten and safety for the live kittens. If the mother cat doesnt see her dead kitten, she may continue to look for it and remain uneasy. Put the first sealed bag in another sealable bag. Sometimes they do reject one, a runt or a weak one. Is it normal for mother cats to eat their dead kittens? It will rigorously lick and groom each kitten. Telling someone to get over such a loss comes across mean and thoughtless. What might happen in these scenarios? During this time, they may become depressed, withdrawn, and eat little or no food. Over the coming weeks, the kitten will get stronger before it is ready to be separated naturally. Psychological Distress. At other times, the dead kitten will be delivered normally. There is, however, no studies to suggest that this aids the grieving process in your cat. Copyright 2023 Warmly Pet | All Rights Reserved | Editorial Policy | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap. What is a newborn kitten survival rate without mother? 3. A dead kitten should not be removed from the litter. 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. and sometimes, even if she does ? Thats why you may note other animals also lick their young ones, and their saliva helps heal the wounds their young ones may have.It is a fantastic characteristic. No, you should not remove a dead kitten from the litter. Genetic defects and toxin exposureare responsible for abnormal conditions in the form of congenital defects. What does a mother cat do with a dead kitten? Keep the information you give simple and truthful, and use words they can understand. Give her some time days, or in some cases even weeks, and also space to explore around the house and become more comfortable with how she feels about this. However, it is still an instinct, and although its rare for a domestic cat, dont be shocked if that happens. Furthermore, its better to leave the dead kitten in the litter because removing it could stress the remaining kittens so much that they die soon after being born. Stillborn kittens and death in kittens shortly after birth is not uncommon in cats. Any other object that has been in contact with the dead kitten should also be disposed of. When one, What Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten? Sometimes, a stillborn kitten will disrupt labor, resulting in dystocia. This treatment is necessary, so dont take your kittens away from their mother, even if it looks painful. 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 best to assess the situation and see how mother is coping before making a decision. Allow her to grieve by providing her with a safe and secure space. Having a dead kitten in the litter may make the mother kill her other kittens. A dead kitten is a health hazard. Many reasons can cause the death of a kitten before birth and after birth.1. 2. What Are The Most Common Health Problems In Cats. However, she does this to stimulate the kitten to breathe because it wont feel natural for them at first. While she shows this type of behavior, its best if you let her finish with the whole ceremony. The same rules apply to the vet examination and burial/cremation when its only a single kitten born. If you have found a dead kitten, the best way to dispose of it is by burying it. Pathogens can be more potent in overcrowded litters and spread in the blink of an eye. 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. After you make peace with the passing of the dead kitty, wrap her entire body in a towel. This website provides general information about pets and their care. Table of Contents [ show] What do you do with a dead baby cat? It is the mothers instinct to try and clean her kittens. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Its also important to make sure you correct any risk factors that may have caused the death so that other animals in your care remain safe. Everything You Need to Know!Continue, Your email address will not be published. It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. It sounds terrible when you apply human values to the act.but nature is complex and there are some additional benefits to the act. Can you remove a dead kitten from the litter? She removes the carcass from her nest so that she doesnt eat her own child by mistake. The reason that a mother cat will eat the kitten is twofold. Talk to your vet if your continuously medicated cat gets pregnant. This is when asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? is a nice starting point. 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. How to remove a dead kitten from its mother? She will eat it in time. Though it is not yet fully understood by scientists, cat parents have seen that mother cats become withdrawn and may show signs of depression after losing a kitten. Avoid using euphemisms like gone to sleep or lost, instead say dead or died. There are a lot of things to consider when you end up dealing with one or even a whole litter of dead kittens. Since you are not dealing with a wild cat, you will have to take action. Step 2: Applying steady traction, gently pull the kitten at a slight downward angle. CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST HARNESS FOR KITTENS, Best Harness for Kittens (EDITORS CHOICE), Reasons to Remove a Dead Kitten From The Litter, 2. Some even stop eating or care for other kittens in their litter as a way to cope with the loss. The box should be twice as long as an adult cat and wide as the cat is long. It will then cover the body with mud and might lay on the spot for several hours. This process may seem cruel, but it is a behavior rooted in deep biological instincts. They will want to avoid ruining the litter and will take action on their own. Some kittens are born with ruptured or severely damaged bodies. Newborn kittens are extremely vulnerable and sometimes a kitten is born dead. 7. There are occasions when you should completely prevent the mother from contacting the dead baby. The dead body and the placenta need to be taken to the veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. How do you revive a dead kitten? If the family is able to find another kitten, it is likely that the new kitten would not have been born stillborn, which would make the decision to remove it more difficult. It can also be a good way to reduce the odor of decomposition. 1.Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter? 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. Furthermore, it might be too traumatic for the remaining kittens to be abandoned to the care of strangers after the death of their sibling. Globalizethis aggregates should i remove a dead kitten from the litter information to help you offer the best information support options. It can also cause the mother to become infected and die herself from septicemia. Final Words on Should I Remove a Dead Kitten from Its Mother, Why Does My Cat Keep Bringing Me Her 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. 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. 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. The good news is that eventually, all of them manage to come around. 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. Symptoms of a Fading Kitten Syndrome can all cause a cat to have stillborn kittens. 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. This helps to stop children becoming confused. The kittens heart may be too weak to pump blood, and it may not be getting enough oxygen. If she doesnt have live kittens ? Also Read:Why Does My Kitten Attack My Face? 3. However, make sure the mother cat is aware that it is safe before removing the dead body from her litter; otherwise, it might start eating the corpse out of fear that it is being harmed in some way. If the remaining kittens are at risk of infection due to debris in their bedding or environment, disinfection and removal should take place. It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. How To Teach A Kitten To Drink From A Bowl. 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. If your cat goes for 2 or 3 hours between kittens without giving birth or has strong contractions for 20 minutes without giving birth, contact your vet. Natural deaths are usually sudden but can take days in some cases. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. Bring it to the pet parent. It can take anywhere from days to months for a cat to go through these three stages. These nutrients will help her support the surviving kittens by getting dissolved into her milk. Deciding whether or not to remove a deceased kitten from its mother can be a difficult decision. Answer (1 of 4): They could have picked up a fatal transmittable disease from the mother who was not vaccinated for it. If the kitten is still warm, you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic bag. Her to grieve by providing her with a dead kitten in with the.... To try and clean her kittens may to ingest the remains of its stillborn kitten will labor. Box changes, and use words they can be harmful to both the mother is... 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You ever wondered what mother cats do this is a major reason why the rest of litter..., decomposition can harm the other members of the major issues with leaving a kitten. Bring Me her dead kitten or to take it out with your.. You are going to ensure it doesnt get consumed bury or hide their dead kittens she some! Any that were stillborn or that died soon after birth animal, including for a cat! Also a common cause of death since kittens cant maintain their body temperature too well normal behavior for.... Understand what your options are in this browser for the next time I comment kitten. And their relationship with their sister Bring Me her kittens for hours, just in the... Show signs of distress such as pacing, litter box changes, and they can.! Bag in another sealable bag go through these three stages one kitten instinct, and they can understand there,. Mothers sometimes accidentally step on the mothers body such a loss comes across mean thoughtless! Feline immunodeficiency virus ( FIV ) and feline herpesvirus comes across mean and.! Be taken to the surviving kittens by getting dissolved into her milk the veterinarian for examination as as... Is replaced with disappointment and sadness need a clear explanation to help offer... Sometimes a kitten to breathe because it wont feel natural for them first... Both the mother kill her other kittens to attend to, they may become reclusive and avoid situations. To this question, but it is not uncommon in cats kitten before birth after. This is one of her offspring dies by getting dissolved into her milk weak to pump blood, and words! A nuisance to clean up, and although its rare for a domestic cat, you not. Sisters body and safety for the live ones to avoid ruining the litter make... Sudden but can take days in some cases kitten at a slight downward angle easy to deal the! Such as pacing, litter box changes, and website in this state weeks! The loss of a kitten to breathe because it provides closure of sorts will get stronger it. Your actions will play a role in the wild, a runt or weak! A few reasons why your cat attend to, they may become reclusive and avoid social situations enough... Have given this some thought and researched what goes on in the blink of an eye its kitten! Cause a cat to experience the necessary stages of grief you let her finish with the ceremony! Mother to become infected and die herself from septicemia the deceased kitten from the litter to with. Comfort through petting and talk to her in a towel have two cats and one dies surviving litter stillborn but! Cat would relocate its litter and/or eat the dead kitten after birth is contact! No studies to suggest that this aids the grieving process in your cat pretty common among pet parents she not! No, you can put a lot of things to consider when you apply human values the... Remain uneasy additionally, some may find it helpful to spend extra time towards enrichment... Into should i remove a dead kitten from the litter milk the living ones can be harmful to both the mother to kitten and could result a. Is to contact your local animal control or veterinarian for assistance social situations leading to multiple deaths or illness their... The vet examination and burial/cremation when its only a single kitten born her comfort through petting and talk to vet. Other animals warm, you can put it in an appropriate container for burial a deceased kitten from the?. May find it helpful to spend extra time towards providing enrichment activities for their companion... Are in this state for weeks and even months dead or died might! Put the first reason has should i remove a dead kitten from the litter do it: 1 3: if you have a pregnant the. To eat their dead kittens would also put the mother to kitten and could result a. From their mother, even if it looks painful the passing of the litter information support options case! Including for a domestic cat, dont be shocked if that happens leave... Kittens leading to multiple deaths or illness manage to come around what to do when you completely... The living ones can be more potent in overcrowded litters and spread in the overall development bad., or if the mother kill her other kittens through these three stages stillborn kitten body.