When to Remove Dead Kitten From Mother and Why?

For cat owners, there is nothing more anticipated than the birth of a new litter. The excitement usually goes through the roof, particularly on the last days of the pregnancy.

Remember, the death of kittens after being born isn’t uncommon, which begs the question, “When to remove dead kitten from mother?”

After all, it is difficult for the mother, so how much time does a cat owner give the mother before removing the dead ones from the surviving kittens? Let’s find out how to handle the cat giving birth after the kitten dies.

When to Remove the Dead Body From the Litter

In general, you should remove a dead kitten from the nest promptly. A dead body can bring bacteria into the nest, and some mother cats will eat a dead kitten or try to move the whole litter.

With a stillborn kitten, it’s fine to let the mother sniff and lick it for a few minutes first.

This can help her settle. After giving birth, the mother licks each kitten vigorously, which helps newborns start breathing.

Once she stops attending to it, remove it quietly, ideally while she is busy with her other kittens. A protective new mother may bite or scratch, so move calmly and wear gloves.

But there are some occasions when you have to prevent your cat from contacting the dead kitten. Some are born with severely damaged or ruptured bodies, or are already decomposing.

These can carry bacteria, so remove them from the litter right away.

Why Should the Dead Kitten be Removed From the Litter

As aforementioned, the cat may try to hide or bury the kitten. So if they can access your backyard, then they will bury the dead kitten. On the other hand, some kittens will push it aside or deep in the bedding, which is not a good idea.

Watch your cat closely during this time, but don’t leave the body in the nest for long.

Removing a dead kitten from the litter is important for several reasons:

Mother Cats Eat Dead Kittens

Preventing the mother cat from consuming the dead kitten is essential to ensure her well-being and prevent any potential harm to her. Here are some steps you can take to prevent consumption:

• Immediate Removal: As soon as you discover the dead kittens, remove them from the area where the mother and other kittens are present. Use gloves and a towel or cloth to handle it, as described below.
• Keep the Living Litter With Her: Don’t separate the mother from her surviving kittens. Newborns depend on her for warmth and milk, so remove the dead kitten rather than moving her.
• Check for Additional Kittens: Ensure that there are no other deceased kittens in the litter. If you find any, remove them as well.
• Distraction and Comfort: Provide the mother cat with distractions and comfort during this distressing time. Offer her attention, petting, and her favorite toys to help take her mind off the loss. Sometimes, the mother cat’s interest in the dead kittens is a reaction to stress or grief.
• Consult a Veterinarian: If the mother cat continues to exhibit concerning behavior or if you’re uncertain about how to manage the situation, consult your veterinarian. They can provide guidance and may recommend medications or interventions to help the mother cat through this difficult time.

Remember that not all mother cats will try to consume a dead kitten, but it’s essential to be prepared and take precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the remaining kittens. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice from a veterinarian.

Infection Prevention

A dead kitten can quickly become a source of infection that affects the live kittens. Bacteria can multiply rapidly, and the decomposing body may release toxins into the surrounding environment, posing a risk to the mother cats and any surviving kittens.

Removing the dead kitten helps maintain a cleaner and healthier environment for the live kittens.

Reducing Odor

The presence of a deceased kitten can lead to unpleasant odors. This can distress the mother and potentially discourage her from caring for the remaining kittens. Removing the stillborn kittens can help mitigate this issue.

Other Reasons for Removing Stillborn Kittens From the Litter

• Emotional Well-being: For the mother and other surviving kittens, the presence of a deceased littermate can be emotionally distressing. The mother may continue to care for the deceased kitten, preventing her from focusing on the living ones. Removing the deceased kitten can help the mother cats concentrate on their remaining offspring.
• Monitoring the Health of the Mother Cat: After a stillbirth, it’s important to monitor the mother for any signs of infection or health issues. Removing the deceased kitten allows you to keep a closer eye on the mother cat’s condition and intervene promptly if she shows signs of distress or illness.
• Weighing the Surviving Kittens: The Merck Veterinary Manual advises weighing newborn kittens daily and getting veterinary help right away for any kitten that loses weight after its first 24 hours.

It’s essential to handle the deceased kitten with care, using gloves to minimize contact and dispose of it properly. Contact your veterinarian for guidance on how to handle the situation and for any specific recommendations, as the best course of action may vary depending on the circumstances.

How to Handle a Dead Kitten

Handling a deceased kitten should be done with care and respect. Here are the steps to handle a dead kitten:

• Wear Gloves: Put on disposable gloves to protect yourself from any potential pathogens and to maintain hygiene. Remember, its body may be covered by some harmful bacteria. So, to protect yourself and the other kittens, you should wear gloves and dispose of them afterward.
• Use a Towel or Cloth: If the kitten is very small or fragile, you can wrap it in a clean cloth or towel to handle it gently and avoid direct contact.
• Place It in a Plastic Bag: Use a plastic bag that can be securely sealed. This helps contain any odor and prevents the spread of pathogens. If you have access to a biohazard bag or one specifically designed for animal disposal, that is even better.
• Dispose of It Properly: Contact your local veterinary clinic or animal control for guidance on the appropriate way to dispose of the deceased kitten. In many places, there are specific regulations for the disposal of deceased animals. They can advise you on how to proceed. Do not simply throw it in the regular trash.
• Clean and Disinfect: After handling the deceased kitten, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, even if you were wearing gloves. Disinfect any surfaces or items that came into contact with the kitten to prevent the spread of potential pathogens.

It’s a difficult and emotional process, so take your time and be gentle in your actions. If you have any concerns or if you’re unsure about how to handle the situation, you can consult your veterinarian or local animal control for guidance on the specific regulations and procedures in your area.

Causes of Stillborn in Cats

Stillbirth in kittens can be caused by various factors, and determining the exact cause often requires a veterinary examination and, in some cases, a postmortem examination. Some common causes of stillbirth in kittens include:

• Maternal Health Issues: Health problems in the mother cat can significantly impact the development and survival of kittens. These issues may include infections, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.
• Infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as feline panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or feline herpesvirus, can lead to stillbirths.
• Genetic Abnormalities: Genetic factors can play a role in stillbirths. Some kittens may have congenital defects that make them unable to survive.
• Environmental Stressors: Stressors in the cat’s environment, such as extreme temperature, toxins, or inadequate nesting materials, can negatively impact the development of the kittens.
• Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that is more likely to cause illness in young kittens and cats with weakened immune systems. Ask your vet whether it could play a role.
• Trauma: Physical trauma to the mother cat during pregnancy can cause injuries to the kittens, leading to stillbirth.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, including problems with the production of hormones necessary for pregnancy, can be a contributing factor.
• Inadequate Prenatal Care: Proper prenatal care, including nutrition and veterinary check-ups, is essential to ensure the health of the mother cat and her kittens. Inadequate care can lead to complications.
• Placental Issues: Problems with the placenta, such as placental insufficiency, can prevent the unborn kittens from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients, leading to stillbirth.

Conclusion

A mother cat may sniff, lick and try to stimulate a stillborn kitten, so it’s fine to give her a few minutes. After that, remove the body promptly and calmly.

If the stillborn has a damaged or decomposing body, remove it right away to protect the others. Call your vet if the mother seems unwell or labor stalls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a cat eat its stillborn kittens?

Yes, some mothers, particularly the inexperienced ones, will eat their dead kittens. It’s quite uncommon, but you have to be cautious and examine your cat after giving birth.

Can the stillborn kitten get stuck inside the mother?

Yes, and this can prevent the others from being born. Call your vet if more than 1 to 4 hours pass between kittens or if labor lasts over 24 hours, since a cesarean section may be needed.

Does a cat mourn its dead ones?

Some mother cats search for or call to a missing kitten, and some seem subdued for a while. Lethargy, poor appetite or fever after giving birth can also signal illness, so call your vet if she seems unwell.

Sources

• Management of Reproduction of Cats, Merck Veterinary Manual
• Toxoplasmosis in Cats, Cornell Feline Health Center