As a cat owner, you may have experienced cases where kittens die after being born. Cases like this do occur frequently. Especially in native cats who do not have a master.
Causes of Kittens Dying After Birth
A common cause of kittens dying after birth is due to the weak condition of the kittens which is worsened by cold air that is not friendly to kittens.
Especially if the mother cat does not have a master. Then usually the mother cat will have difficulty finding a place to give birth. So the mother gives birth in a makeshift place outside the room where the air conditions are cold, not warm. This condition usually causes the kittens to die of cold.
However, apart from the above conditions, the cause of kitten death can also be due to the lack of ability of the mother cat to care for her children. Especially if the cat’s mother is an indifferent mother to her child. Then the life expectancy of kittens is very small.
How to Care for Newborn Kittens So They Don’t Die?
With many cases of death of kittens, both domesticated and wild. So humans, especially those who have cats, must participate more in caring for newborn kittens.
Here’s how to care for newborn kittens:
1. Make a Warm Nest
As well as being able to take care of pregnant cats so that they don’t miscarry. Cat masters should also be able to take care of and care for newborn kittens.
An example of this is by making a warm nest. Maybe if you have given your cat a small house, just give some warm clothes inside the cat house since the cat is already pregnant.
This is when the mother cat suddenly feels contractions about to give birth, then she will choose her house as a nest in childbirth.
Or if you haven’t had time to make a nest before the mother gives birth then you can make it now. Shortly after giving birth, make a warm cat nest for the newborn kitten.
2. Be aware of the mother cat’s food
After the process of giving birth to kittens, the mother will feel tired and hungry. Therefore provide food nearby. This is also so that the mother does not leave her children in search of food.
In addition, with the fulfillment of the mother’s food and nutrition, it is expected that the mother will be calm and not stressed. So that it will be good at looking after its young. Especially in direct breastfeeding for her kittens.
3. Give Kittens Special Milk
In addition to breastfeeding by the mother, you can give milk to the little puffer when the mother is away from her kittens.
By giving a good type of milk accompanied by the right dose of milk, the kittens’ nutrition will be maintained so that the possibility of life is high.
Kittens Died in the Womb
As well as being able to die after being born. Apparently, kittens can also die in the stomach. This can happen although it is rare. Cats that have problems with their wombs also sometimes miscarry.
Here are some of the reasons kittens can die in the womb:
1. Abnormalities
Usually, the mother who has an abnormality or a disease in her womb will cause the cat’s fetus to die in the stomach.
2. Lack of Nutrition
Cats that are pregnant but often experience hunger, have the potential to experience fetal death or miscarriage.
3. Stressed Mothers
Psychiatric and emotional conditions in the mother cat also affect the fetus. Like humans, stressed mothers can cause their children to die in the womb. In addition, cats can also experience the same thing.
4. Impact or Fall
If a pregnant cat experiences an impact on her abdomens such as falling while being chased by fellow cats or predators. Then the cat can also experience miscarriage and fetal death.
Symptoms of Kittens dying in the Stomach
Determining the condition of an unborn kitten is quite difficult. The only thing you can do at home to check is when the cat gives birth, or if the stomach does not deflate. There may be non-living kittens left in there.
Or if you have time, check your cat’s pregnancy regularly with your veterinarian. So that the pregnancy can continue to be controlled.
The Danger of Kittens Died in the Stomach
The only danger that dead kittens can cause in the stomach is when not immediately removed from the mother. Because when the kitten is not immediately removed from the womb, it will rot inside. Well, this is dangerous, because it can poison the mother’s body.
So if your cat gives birth to twins but the stomach still looks big, and the mother does not give birth again. Beware if there are dead kittens left behind. Immediately go to the doctor to be treated quickly.
