Why Does a Mother Cat Kill Her Newborn Kitten?

It's not uncommon to encounter situations where a mother cat kills her newborn kittens, a scenario that often leaves people baffled. What could possibly drive a mother to such a heartwrenching act against her own offspring? This article delves into the common reasons behind a mother cat's tragic decision to kill her kittens.

Possible Reasons for a Mother Cat to Kill Her Kittens

1. Insufficient Milk Supply: A mother cat typically gives birth to a large litter, and when the number of kittens exceeds her milk production, she may resort to killing the weaker ones to ensure the survival of the healthier kittens—a natural process of natural selection. If the mother's milk supply is inadequate and cannot be increased, consider supplementing the kittens with goat's milk to ensure their health and survival.

2. Postpartum Depression: A mother cat suffering from postpartum depression might also exhibit the behavior of killing her kittens. Lack of proper nutrition during pregnancy or after giving birth can weaken the cat's body and potentially cause neurological issues. The pain from the kittens suckling at the nipples can further exacerbate her stress, leading to the tragic act.

3. Poor Health of the Kittens: If a mother cat perceives a kitten to be too weak to survive or fears that it might transmit an illness to the others, she may choose to eliminate it to maximize the chances of survival for the healthier kittens.

4. Foreign Odors on the Kittens: Some cat owners, overly excited after their cat gives birth, may frequently visit the kittens, even touching or picking them up. If a kitten picks up a foreign scent, the mother may mistake it for an intruder and kill it to protect her other kittens. This behavior can also reflect a cat's distrust of its owner, as some cats may bring their kittens to their owners for attention or assistance.

5. Stress or Fear: Nursing mother cats are highly sensitive. If they are stressed or frightened, especially by the threat of other animals, they may kill their kittens to protect them. This is a behavior often observed in animals like dogs and lions.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies: If a mother cat feels she lacks sufficient nutrition, she might kill and consume her kittens to replenish her own energy, ensuring the survival of the rest. It's crucial for owners to manage their cat's diet meticulously during pregnancy and lactation to ensure adequate nutrition.

Recommendations for Owners

Choose highquality cat food to ensure your cat receives a balanced diet.

Adjust feeding methods according to the stages of pregnancy.

Supplement calcium during pregnancy to prevent postpartum calcium deficiency.

After the birth, manage the mother and her kittens carefully to minimize the risk of such tragic incidents.

If you notice the mother cat showing signs of discarding her kittens, isolate them immediately and feed the kittens with goat's milk.

By understanding these potential reasons, owners can better manage their mother cats postpartum, reducing the likelihood of such devastating occurrences.