Why does a mother cat abandon her kittens after giving birth?
This phenomenon is not very common, but sometimes it occurs when a mother cat rejects all or some of her kittens. The reasons for this vary and can include the following:
1- Stress:
Stress can also cause a mother cat to abandon her kittens, so it's especially important not to disturb her during this time or touch the kittens, as the mother's unfamiliar scent can also cause her to abandon them. Make sure they are always in a quiet and safe place to avoid any kind of stress for the mother.
Therefore, we have dedicated the seventh bird to you :
Royal Canin Mother & Baby Wet Cat Food
Royal Canin Mother & Baby Dry Cat Food
Dr. Clouders lotion for kittens and newborns, rich in protein
Reflex Mother & Baby Dry Cat Food with Lamb and Rice
2- The health of the puppies (kittens):
When one or more kittens are born with some kind of problem, the mother can detect it. It's natural for her to instinctively separate them to prevent them from becoming prey for predators or infecting other kittens. She will also withhold milk from them, preferring to give it to her own surviving kittens. You can take the kitten to a veterinarian for a diagnosis and advice on how to save its life.
We, the seventh bird, suggest pet.code.clinic to you:
For the best treatment and the best service, you can get a free medical consultation via WhatsApp number 0544789504
3- Maternal health:
If your cat is sick, she will likely distance herself from her kittens due to her discomfort and to prevent them from catching an infection. Take your cat to the vet to rule out or treat any illness .
We, the seventh bird, suggest pet.code.clinic to you:
For the best treatment and the best service, you can get a free medical consultation via WhatsApp number 0544789504
4- She is unable to take care of them:
Although rare, there are cases where a mother doesn't know how to care for her pups and therefore abandons them. Sometimes, the pups are too large for the mother to produce enough milk for all of them, so she withholds her milk from the weaker ones to give it to those with the best chance of survival. You can try gently placing the pups near her belly and teaching her how to clean herself and encourage her to relieve herself. She'll see how it's done, but it's not guaranteed she'll comply, as they sometimes don't understand the process.
Therefore, we have dedicated the seventh bird to you :
Befar Lactol Milk Substitute for Cats
Befar Lactol Set: Baby Bottle with Cleaning Brush
Seven Bird Liquid Silicone Syringes for Feeding Kittens and Small Dogs - White, Pink, Blue
At what age do mother cats leave their kittens?
You should know that there is no common time when cats abandon their kittens. If you happen to keep any of your cat's kittens, they will certainly continue to stay together and play for the rest of their lives, only the mother won't be aware of them all the time because they will grow up to be able to fend for themselves and become independent.
If you wish to give kittens up for adoption, it is advisable to do so after they are two and a half or three months old, when they no longer need breast milk and are awake better.
After three or four weeks of life, you will notice that the mother begins to reject her young and will not want to give them any more milk.
Cat behaviors after giving birth:
1- The cat meows a lot after giving birth:
Constant meowing could mean she is in pain, or that she is very nervous because it is her first time, or even that she is in heat.
2- The mother cat does not clean the kittens:
Most of the time, a mother cat will lick her newborn kittens immediately after birth. The purpose of this is to remove the amniotic fluid and membranes from around the kitten so it can breathe. Vigorous licking also stimulates the kitten's blood circulation. The mother cat will also chew on each kitten's umbilical cord.
However, sometimes this instinctive behavior doesn't occur, and you may need help. If the amniotic sac doesn't come out, or if the cat doesn't lick her kitten well enough to expel it, then take appropriate action. However, it's usually best to let the cat do it herself at her own pace.
3- Aggression against people:
Even the most affectionate and gentle cat can suddenly become aggressive and angry when she becomes a mother. Mothers are the only protectors their newborn kittens have, and they will do anything to keep them safe.
Most female cats, especially first-time kittens, are aggressive towards anyone who gets too close to them. This behavior may seem unusual to you, but it's perfectly normal and will lessen as the kittens grow.
Why does a cat leave her kittens after giving birth and place them near you?
Another behavior cats exhibit when giving birth is placing their kittens near you. Cats move their kittens around to ensure their safety, so if the place they are in isn't safe enough according to the cat's standards and she brings them to you, it's because you are a trustworthy person and she knows they will be safe with you.