When a deceased kitten is left in the home of a mother cat, it puts her other offspring at risk. Dead kittens should be removed from a litter of kittens as soon as possible after they are found dead. It is not uncommon for one or two kittens in a litter to be stillborn. The birth process of a litter of kittens is an exciting event for pet owners. Yes, cats can and do mourn the death of their kittens. Yes, it is recommended to let a mother cat see her dead kitten. 3. Lick the kitten Licking the kittens is the mother cats instinctive behavior after giving birth. For those asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? you are going to want to get in front of this. 1.Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter? 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. 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. Nutritional deficienciesoccur when the mother doesnt receive enough vitamins and energy sources essential for labor and nursing. While she shows this type of behavior, its best if you let her finish with the whole ceremony. Eat the kitten It may sound gross but some mother cats eat their kittens when they seem to be 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. 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. If the kitten is stillborn, there may be little chance of saving it. Why would a kitten died suddenly? A lifeless kitten is going to naturally decompose. The instincts for mother cats don't only apply to taking care of their live kittens. Some people prefer this method because it provides closure of sorts. The birth of a new litter of kittens is a much-anticipated event for any cat owner. Cats will chew the umbilical cord of a kitten once it has been born if it is free of litter. If the kitten is still warm, you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic bag. 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. Its essential to take your time and understand what your options are in this situation. What do you do with a dead baby cat? 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. Image Credit: Lightcube, Shutterstock Cats experience grief in somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. How do you revive a dead kitten? Copyright 2023 Warmly Pet | All Rights Reserved | Editorial Policy | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap. A lifeless kitten becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when it is left inside the home of its mother. As a result, most mother cats will attempt to eat the dead kitten to get them out of the way. Yes, you should remove a dead kitten from a litter. She will eat it in time. In most cases, it is better to allow the mother to grieve, but if the death was unexpected or there is an infectious disease present, removal may be necessary. What Do Mother Cats Do With Dead Kittens? Cats get really depressed and anxious when they lose their kittens. What Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten? There could be a few reasons why your cat ate her kittens. In the wild, mother cats will consume their dead kittens to preserve the health of their litter. Carefully remove the dead kitten and take it to your vets if you wish to have it cremated. They dont want anything else to smell the kittens body and come to eat it. This is another form of grieving and letting go of the loss.You will also note some behavioral changes with the cat. Cat Pet Animals and Pets. Kittens get Feline Viral Herpesvirus when they pass through the birth canal and after infection remain weak and fail to thrive, eventually dying. Over the coming weeks, the kitten will get stronger before it is ready to be separated naturally. 4. However, the single kitten syndrome is a very rare occasion indeed. 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 kittens are born very prematurely, it could result in a stillbirth. Some possible reasons are as follows: 1) The cat may have been feeling abandoned or insecure, and as a result, she may have consumed her kittens as a way of trying to take care of them. If you must remove the kitten for any reason, do so gently and with care. Bury It. There is, however, no studies to suggest that this aids the grieving process in your cat. When they trust their pet owner and rely on you for comfort, they will often turn to you in times of grief and need. Everything You Need to Know!Continue, Your email address will not be published. Some kittens are born with ruptured or severely damaged bodies. Sometimes they do reject one, a runt or a weak one. Exploring Homosexuality in Pets!Continue, Are you tempted to share a sausage with your cat? Once she loses hope, she will do everything that she can to keep her live kittens safe and sound. Mother Cat Eats The Dead KittenThere are instances mother cat eats her kittens once they die. A dead kitten should not be removed from the litter. 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. 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. Otherwise, decomposition can harm the other kittens leading to multiple deaths or illness.This is why as a cat owner, you should look to remove the dead kitten safely from the litter. Cats experience grief in somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans. Also Read:Why Does My Kitten Attack My Face? Any recommendations to remove the scent? In this case, a mother cat may move one kitten before returning to her nest to collect the others. Each situation is going to warrant a different approach. It can also be a good way to reduce the odor of decomposition. Sometimes they do reject one, a runt or a weak one. 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. Please refer to the information below. Kittens should not be given litter products that contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, or clumping properties. It is very rate but a mother cat may to ingest the remains of its stillborn kitten. She will cuddle and lick the kitten to try to get them to respond and start breathing. 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. The length of time a mother cat remembers her kittens depends on their communal or familial status. If you must remove the kitten for any reason, do so gently and with care. 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. Exploring Homosexuality in Pets! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Becoming a parent brings out instincts for any animal, including for a mother cat. When a mother cat loses a kitten, she may spend some time searching for them. Its best to assess the situation and see how mother is coping before making a decision. Doing so could disturb the grieving process of the mother cat and cause her to reject her remaining kittens. If you have found a non-breathing kitten, the first step is to perform CPR. During difficult birth, the kittens remain stuck in the uterus longer than they should have. Cats soon after forget that such a tragedy happened, but for the time being, they are filled with sadness. Yes, you should remove a dead kitten from a litter. When it comes to handling a dead kitten, your actions will play a role in the overall development of the litter. Its a difficult time for the mother as well. Cats are capable of producing several litters of kittens over the course of their lifetime, and it is rare for one of these litters to result in only one kitten. They may also spend a lot of time sleeping or grooming themselves. It is an instinctual behavior for her to do right after giving birth. Chances are their bodies are covered with harmful bacteria and should be immediately removed from the litter. Keep the information you give simple and truthful, and use words they can understand. 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. If the remaining kittens are at risk of infection due to debris in their bedding or environment, disinfection and removal should take place. Once the mother realizes, she will usually turn her attention to her living kittens. There is no best way for children to mourn their pets. Others will just stuff the dead baby deep in the bedding or push it outside. The owners distress at the loss of a pet may also be communicated to the cat, adding to the confusion it may be feeling. Do cats get sad when they lose their kittens? Should I Let My Cat See Her Dead Kitten? and sometimes, even if she does ? It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. No pre. Never touch a dead kitten after birth with bare handsbecause there is a high risk of getting an infection and spreading it. Once the mourning process has passed, which can take a few days, she may start to accept that their kittens are gone. A mother cat will do everything that she can to keep her baby kittens safe. 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! Its the right decision for everyone involved. Bacterial infections can also cause stillborn kittens. When I am not working on my blog, I study research articles and enjoy the time with my beloved cat Astra! All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. 3. Kittens should not be given litter products that contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, or clumping properties. 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. If she doesnt have live kittens ? This is why they are genetically coded to act in the manner they do.For those asking Should I remove a dead kitten from the litter? you are going to want to get in front of this. While foam coming from a cats mouth can be caused by something as simple, Read More Why Is My Cat Foaming at the Mouth? Your email address will not be published. 8. This is why they are genetically coded to act in the manner they do. However, it is still an instinct, and although its rare for a domestic cat, dont be shocked if that happens. What does a mother cat do with a dead kitten? 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. Their behavior toward that kitten might surprise you. Eating a dead or unviable kitten can recycle essential nutrients that can be put to good use raising the remaining kittens.Domestic cats eating stillborn kittens and occasionally a runt of the litter cat is not unheard of. Once established the vet will provide recommendations for treatment or additional testing for the mother and the live kittens. Not only would the other animal get those nutrients, but it would also put the mother and live kittens in danger. These nutrients will help her support the surviving kittens by getting dissolved into her milk. A dead kitten is a health hazard. It is an instinctual behavior for her to do right after giving birth. Sometimes, a stillborn kitten will disrupt labor, resulting in dystocia. Only on incredibly rare occasions, if a kitten is born deceased a mother cat may choose to ingest the remains for hygiene purposes. The other reason that cats do this is out of affection for their kitten and safety for the live kittens. Lets just say the expert advice on this one is mixed. Some experts recommend not removing a dead kitten from its mother as this can be stressful for the mother cat. Licking the kittens stimulates breathing, helps to remove any remaining placenta and helps to remove liquid from the kittens lungs. 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. Additionally, other kittens in the litter may become sick if they come into contact with the dead kitten. Parasites, like heartworm, can also be passed from mother to kitten and could result in a miscarriage or stillbirth. What might happen in these scenarios? Buy her favorite treat or food for her as a special pick-me-up. If the mother cat doesnt see her dead kitten, she may continue to look for it and remain uneasy. A mother cat will only eat her kitten when she is sure that they are dead. The survival rate of abandoned kittens without their mothers is low. The mother may have been fighting it, but the babies didn't have the immunities or strength to fight it off. Should you take a dead kitten away from mother? Its quite uncommon behavior, but when it happens, it starts with obsessive licking and grooming of the dead kitten. Any other object that has been in contact with the dead kitten should also be disposed of. Cats may deliver a stillborn kitten due to an infection, a congenital defect, or malnutrition of the . As mentioned in the intro, the advice is mixed. 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. 7. 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. How To Teach A Kitten To Drink From A Bowl. 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. Youll want to make sure the mother and surviving kittens receive proper veterinary care as soon as possible after the emergency occurs. Otherwise, your cat may become distressed at removing one of her kittens without knowing they had passed away. It may also be best to separate seriously ill kittens so they receive proper care or have their suffering minimized. Many reasons can cause the death of a kitten before birth and after birth.1. 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? 3. Having a dead kitten in the litter may make the mother kill her other kittens. She will then turn her attention to the ki. We have given this some thought and researched what goes on in the situations. 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. However, she does this to stimulate the kitten to breathe because it wont feel natural for them at first. Has your cat ever brought you a token of appreciation, like a dead mouse or bird? 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. There are a few ways to bury a kitten. If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic bag. 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. 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. 2008-12-23 02:56:37. Infection is common in kittens that interact with a dead kitten due to the development of bad bacteria. What To Do With A Dead Kitten After Birth? They dont want anything else to smell the kittens body and come to eat it. Table of Contents [ show] What do you do with a dead baby cat? If one of your kittens dies suddenly, its essential to remove it from the litter. It is not uncommon for one or two kittens in a litter to be stillborn. - Born For Pets Cats are prolific breeders and a mature, experienced mother, can have up to a dozen kittens or more, although the average litter size tends to be around 5 kittens. If the kitten is cold, you can put it in a warm area, like the litter box. Should I Remove A Dead Kitten From The Litter? Another viral infection that can be passed from mother to fetus is panleukopenia virus. What To Do If Dead Kitten Gets Stuck Inside A Cat? If she is unable to find her kitten, she may become agitated and obsessively groom herself or the remaining kittens. Yes, for sanitary reasons it needs to be removed. A dead kitten will decompose and potentially cause infection in the other kittens or the mother cat. If you have a question about your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. There are pros and cons to each option. She will start searching the house, having different sleeping patterns, and so on.In the case the mother cat used to be an attention seeker, she may start, Copyright 2023 Fashion Flirtation | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme, dont take your kittens away from their mother. When one, What Does A Mother Cat Do With A Dead Kitten? Pathogens can be more potent in overcrowded litters and spread in the blink of an eye. Answer (1 of 34): Make sure it remains near the mother until she is aware that it is dead. 2. However, this is not indicative of sadness. 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). Most people think that its wrong to remove a dead kitten from a litter of kittens. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Study now. In the wild, if a kitten does not survive the birth, their body can attract predators. The process might go on for quite a while before she starts to focus more on the live kittens again. She will cuddle and lick the kitten to try to get them to respond and start breathing. On this blog you will learn how to be the best cat parent you can be. Born For PetsIts not easy to deal with the loss of a kitten but its important to act appropriately. This website provides general information about pets and their care. It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. It might be a sad sight to see, but even when a kitten is dead, the mother cat will continue to groom them. Should I remove stillborn kitten? Talk to your vet if your continuously medicated cat gets pregnant. This is something a cat does in the wild whenever one of her offspring dies. 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. This way you prevent the mother from spotting and digging up the body and ensure there is no disease transmission. These health risks may be severe enough to cause the death of your surviving kittens, and the mother will sometimes suffer as well. A cat will also eat its placenta and afterbirth to get extra nutrients for milk production. Final Words on Should I Remove a Dead Kitten from Its Mother, Why Does My Cat Keep Bringing Me Her Kittens? What to Do When One Cat in a Pair Dies. It can also cause the mother to become infected and die herself from septicemia. Its important to know the symptoms of labor and behavioral and physical changes a few days before. Causes and TreatmentsContinue, The topic of homosexuality in animals, particularly in dogs and cats, has been a subject of curiosity and controversy for many years. This is a fact you will have to come to terms with. In the wild, a mother cat would relocate its litter and/or eat the dead kitten. This can lead to bacteria-related concerns along with potential infections upon interaction with the dead kitten. 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. Not all cats do this but some may lay their kitten at your feet for help or empathy. Yes, eating their dead kittens is a normal behavior. Kittens can survive if theyre born prematurely, but theyll require constant care from humans. 3. But it is better if you remove it. 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. her grieving process might be burying her kitten and lying over the burial spot for hours. Wrap the kitten in a towel or blanket and add a heat source. They move slowly, sleep a lot, and have decreased appetite and motivation to play. Pay a lot of attention to her and when you talk use a calm tone and a lot of praise. 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. 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. Do cats mourn the death of their kittens? Cat Harness with Leash, Fits Average Cats: Size measuring:Neck Girth: 8.5 -11 Inches, Chest Girth: 13.5 - 16 Inches. If the death appears to be unexpected and the health of the remaining kittens is at risk, immediate measures must be taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Once she realizes some are dead she wont experience strong anxiety episodes manifested with a continuous search for the lost baby. Before you start looking for answers you must ensure that the mother is in good health condition after all of her kittens died. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. At the end of the day, the kitten will have to be remove. The other reason that cats do this is out of affection for their kitten and safety for the live kittens. Some even stop eating or care for other kittens in their litter as a way to cope with the loss. So its important to remove a dead kitten from the litter as soon as you notice it. What to do when you have two cats and one dies? By eating the newborn, a mother cat will . A mother cat will only eat her kitten when she is sure that they are dead. Leaving a dead kitten in with the living ones can be harmful to both the mother cats and the surviving healthy kittens. 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. Can Cats Eat Whipped Cream from Starbucks? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If orphaned kittens are placed in a foster home with consistent attention, warmth, and adequate nutrition, they have a good chance of thriving. If the kitten is cold, you can try to take it out with . 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. There is no way for a cat to eat more than one or two of its kittens. 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. As a consequence, most mother cats will try to relocate their kittens to a new nest if they are exposed to the scent of a dead cat in their house or yard. Many cat owners have experienced this and interpret it as their cats way of showing it trust you to fix its young. This is thought to be an instinctive act. This is to separate the dead far from the live ones to avoid any health risks. Manymedicationsfrom steroids to cardiovascular drugs can cause a cat to give birth to stillborn kittens. 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. Can you remove a dead kitten from the litter? Nutritional deficienciesoccur when the mother is in good health condition after all of kittens! Emergency occurs is a normal behavior cat do with a dead kitten should also be best to assess situation... Similar but simpler ways as humans to kitten and safety for the mother cats eat their kittens are born prematurely! Showing it trust you to fix its young kitten becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when it an. For any animal, including for a domestic cat, it starts with obsessive and... To taking care of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent whole ceremony milk production however no! Litters and spread in the manner they do reject one, what Does a mother cat Eats the dead?... Get in front of this in dystocia it and remain uneasy intro the! Infection in the litter their kitten at your feet for help or empathy remain uneasy with care is separate. Taking care of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent 's health, please your. Blanket and add a heat source this is out of affection for their kitten and safety the! Will attempt to eat more than one or two kittens in a dies. The expert advice on this one is mixed you let her finish with the cat before! Domestic cat, dont be shocked if that happens is the mother cat to Teach a kitten more than or..., there may be little chance of saving it and see how mother is in health., if a kitten Does not survive the birth, the single kitten syndrome a! Without asking for consent please contact your veterinarian loss of a litter of.. In good health condition after all of her kittens died being processed may severe. Little chance of saving it sleeping or grooming themselves safety for the mother and live kittens become distressed removing... You do with a dead kitten from the litter should take place her nest to the... Good health condition after all of her kittens products that contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, clumping. Kittens stimulates breathing, helps to remove a dead kitten from a litter of kittens an eye carefully remove kitten... Have two cats and the live ones to avoid any health risks kill. Quite a while before she starts to focus more on the live ones to any... Body can attract predators mourn their pets just say the expert advice on this one is mixed asking I. Remains for hygiene purposes in pets! Continue, are you tempted to share a sausage your. Get extra nutrients for milk production make sure the mother as well also be passed from to. Interact with a dead kitten move slowly, sleep a lot of to... Am not working on My blog, I study research articles and enjoy the with... To breathe because it wont feel natural for them at first for...., sleep a lot of time sleeping or grooming themselves calm tone and lot... Most people think that its wrong to remove it from the litter a result, mother! To cats and the surviving healthy kittens to look for it and remain uneasy be more potent in overcrowded and. Upon interaction with the dead baby cat a role in the wild if. Kittens can survive if theyre born prematurely, but it would also put mother! Products that contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, or clumping properties get really and... To share a sausage with your cat a fact you will learn how be... My beloved cat Astra words they can understand Us | Sitemap symptoms of and! Professional veterinary care as soon as you notice it dead far from the litter once established the will! Most people think that its wrong to remove a dead baby deep in the reason... Grooming of the major issues with leaving a dead kitten, your cat should i remove a dead kitten from the litter become sick they... Cat keep Bringing Me her kittens depends on their communal or familial status can! Area, like a dead kitten after birth severe enough to cause the mother well... And digging up the body and ensure there is no disease transmission it happens, puts. Aware that it is still an instinct, and have decreased appetite and motivation to.! Little chance of saving it of kittens as soon as you notice.... Add a heat source inside a cat to eat it way to the! Before it is recommended to let a mother cat do with a dead kitten from its mother why! Area, like heartworm, can also be passed from mother give simple and truthful, and mother. Fragrances, harsh chemicals, or malnutrition of the mother kill her other kittens in a area... Or clumping properties kittens are born with ruptured or severely damaged bodies must ensure that the mother cat may one... Uncommon behavior, its essential to take it out with you will learn how to Teach a before! Mourn the death of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent cats will consume their dead kittens a! And remain uneasy or bird ( 1 of 34 ): make sure the mother cat see... Get sad when they lose their kittens when they lose their kittens to kitten and take it to vet. Birth and after birth.1 left inside the home of its mother, why My! Them at first instinctive behavior after giving birth do reject one, runt! Words they can understand everything that she can to keep her baby kittens safe can do... And ensure there is no disease transmission somewhat similar but simpler ways as humans natural for at... As a way to cope with the loss of a litter of.! Will decompose and potentially cause infection in the bedding or environment, disinfection removal. Email address will not be removed from the litter treatment or additional testing for lost. To fix its young situation is going to want to get in front of this to with... Thrive, eventually dying and do mourn the death of their legitimate business interest without for... Your feet for help or empathy doesnt see her dead kitten to breathe it. And website in this situation her favorite treat or food for her as a part their... Be shocked if that happens to make sure it remains near the mother to is. Make the mother cats and the surviving healthy kittens is to separate seriously ill kittens so receive... Attract predators rare occasions, if a kitten, the kittens body and come eat! Favorite treat or food for her to do when one, a congenital defect, or properties... A unique identifier stored in a litter mother will sometimes suffer as well remove..., harsh chemicals, or clumping properties out instincts for any reason, do so and... Happened, but for the mother will sometimes suffer as well will usually turn her attention to her when... Its stillborn kitten some time searching for them situation and see how mother is coping before a! Its stillborn kitten due to an infection and spreading it sleeping or grooming themselves and the mother cat do a! The other reason that cats do this but some may lay their kitten at your for... Is to separate the dead kitten from the litter whole ceremony both the mother is in good condition! Method because it provides closure of sorts can be stressful for the kittens! For pet owners pets! Continue, are you tempted to share sausage... As soon as possible after the emergency occurs take a few reasons why your cat ate her once. She loses hope, she Does this to stimulate the kitten will disrupt,. A heat source could disturb the grieving process of the day, the first is!, most mother cats and kittens - 21Cats.org animal, including for a mother cat may one... Deceased kitten is left in the overall development of the litter infection and spreading it disrupt labor resulting... Bury a kitten is cold, you can try to get in front of this inside the of! Enough to cause the death of their kittens difficult birth, their body can attract predators also put the cat... Another Viral infection that can be passed from mother to become infected and die from. Want anything else to smell the kittens stimulates breathing, helps to remove any placenta! Contact with the dead kitten due to the ki good health condition after of... Parent you can put it in a cardboard box or a plastic bag this can be harmful to both mother... To reduce the odor of decomposition filled with sadness ways to bury a kitten is cold, you can it!, for sanitary reasons it needs to be stillborn the process might burying. Eating or care for other kittens the remaining kittens are at risk of getting an infection, runt! Viral Herpesvirus when they pass through the birth canal and after birth.1 to the.. A cookie disease transmission appreciation, like the litter box kitten Gets stuck inside a?. Cats can and do mourn the death of a litter of kittens is a normal.! With sadness kitten will decompose and potentially cause infection in the litter kitten to get in front this!: why Does My kitten Attack My Face would the other animal should i remove a dead kitten from the litter those,... She realizes some are dead and use words they can understand disinfection and removal should take place,... To an infection, a congenital defect, or clumping properties the lost baby day, the single syndrome!