Almost every owner of a cat had to take birth at least once with his pet. Usually a happy mother immediately begins to lick and feed her own offspring. But sometimes there are unusual situations when they refuse newborn babies. In this article, you will learn why a cat eats its kittens.
Pregnancy duration
We must say right away that no specialist is able to determine, up to one day, when fertilization occurred. The duration of a normal pregnancy is on average 63-65 days. If childbirth begins earlier, the babies will be unviable.
Those who do not know why cats eat their kittens will be interested that the duration of pregnancy also depends on the breed and age of the animal. So, short-haired individuals give birth on 58-68 days, and long-haired individuals can go up to 72 days.
Signs of pregnancy
It should be noted that the first symptoms may appear as early as ten or fourteen days after mating. But sometimes they appear a little later. It all depends on several important factors, including the physical condition of the pet. Those who wish to understand why cats eat their newborn kittens must learn to recognize signs of pregnancy.
An animal that is waiting for offspring to become less active and gain weight. In the remaining days before birth, the cat has constant drowsiness and loss of appetite. A slightly swollen pink nipple may indicate pregnancy. However, this is not a very reliable symptom, since it is observed after estrus. Starting from the fifteenth day, the embryos can be seen with ultrasound imaging. On the twentieth day it is possible to hear the heartbeat of kittens.
Features of caring for a pregnant animal
Those who want to understand why cats eat their kittens need to learn how to properly monitor their pet. It is advisable to conduct deworming and vaccination shortly before the mating, since no medication should be given to the pregnant animal. In case of unexpected illness, the pet must be shown to the veterinarian.
In general, caring for a cat awaiting the appearance of offspring boils down to providing her with complete rest and good nutrition. If the basis of your pet’s diet is dry food, it is recommended to consult with a specialist which one is suitable for a pregnant cat. If she uses natural products, then you need to include in her menu carrots, egg yolk, chicken, buckwheat or rice.
It is also important to ensure that the animal does not jump from tall cabinets and does not come in contact with street relatives. It is better not to let him out of the house during this period in order to prevent the possible development of infectious diseases. Experienced cat owners advise you to prepare a place for childbirth in advance. It is advisable to choose a quiet, warm and cozy corner for this.
Why do cats eat their kittens?
Before the birth, the animal begins to show causeless anxiety. Some do it on their own, while others may need help. As a rule, after the offspring appears, the newly minted mother begins to take care of her children. But, unfortunately, there are exceptions.
Specialists know several reasons why cats eat kittens at birth. Usually, children with hidden health problems are subject to destruction. The animal feels this at the level of instincts and kills the sick cub.
Also, a cat can destroy a kitten, which during birth is entangled in the placenta. A tired animal may simply not notice the baby. Another reason is the presence of mental disorders. Some animals tend to cannibalism. And in order to cross the fine line that separates the desire to protect offspring and hysteria, even a little stress is enough.
Ways to solve the problem
Having figured out why a cat eats its kittens, you need to understand how to prevent such a sad development of events. To protect future offspring from inappropriate mother behavior, you need to follow a few simple recommendations. It is important to carry out only planned mating. Before mating, it is advisable to take your pet to the vet. Perhaps he will prescribe a full examination to identify and solve hidden problems with her health.
So that you do not have a question: “why do cats eat their kittens”, childbirth should take place under the constant supervision of a qualified specialist. Ideally, on the eve of this day, you need to identify your pet in a veterinary clinic, where she will stay for several days under the supervision of professionals around the clock. An important role in preventing such problems is played by systematic examinations of mothers and cubs, which contribute to the timely detection of diseases or inappropriate behavior of the animal.