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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in PetsCats · 1 decade ago

my cat gave birth to 4 kittens this morning,?

One died, why did this happen? i was not home at the time of the birth, the 3 kittens left are fine, the are in a nice warm nursing box in private. Also is there any thing i need to do to keep them okay, and is there any thing the queen will need?

13 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    It was probably still borne possibly due to a congenital defect. It could have been the runt of the litter and its lungs were not fully developed. There are numerous reasons. Sorry for the loss. The new mother will need to eat kitten food since it is higher in protein and nutrients. This will support her and her milk supply much better over the next few weeks.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    When our cat gave birth it only had four kittens. Some friends also had a cat give birth recently and they only had four so I think it's pretty common. I'm not sure on the food, but whatever you're doing is probably fine. When the kittens get bigger you'll probably need to get them something different, but you won't have to worry about that until they are weaned. I love the fact that cats are usually clean animals. Once the kittens start to crawl around more just put them in the litter box every once in a while and they'll catch on pretty fast on what it's for. Hope everything works out great. Good luck!

  • 1 decade ago

    Make sure momma cat eats! My cat had kittens a couple years ago and she did just fine. Everything comes naturally for cats. Try putting them in a box with mom that has towels or a blanket in them so that they can all stay warm. Also, make sure the box is low enough that mom can get out. She will need to use the litter box, eat, walk around, etc. Even if she leaves her kittens for a while, she'll come back to them. I was very skeptical about my cat being a good mom, but she did excellent. Good luck with the babies, enjoy watching them grow. It sure is fun. And please get your momma cat spayed so that she won't have any more litters. And then neuter/spay the babies when they are old enough.

    Source(s): Cat owner
  • Ratufa
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Stillborn kittens aren't uncommon. It can happen for any number of reasons (birth defects, etc).

    If you haven't already been doing so, you should feed the queen a good-quality kitten food, instead of adult cat food. Nursing (and pregnancy) put a lot of strain on a cat's system and the extra nutrients in kitten food helps. Also, make sure she has plenty of water.

    If the queen has been outdoors, she should get checked for fleas and worms. Flea-caused anemia can cause major health problems for kittens. Be very careful when treating fleas/worms in kittens, since most treatments for cats may harm young kittens.

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  • 1 decade ago

    It happens especially with the last one to be born. I assume this is her first litter. The cat uterus is shaped like a sausage. It happens that the furthest one dies in long labor due to the fact that it gets all the contractions and is stuck in there for a long time till the others in front of him are out. Your queen will need kitten food, fresh meat/protein. You can try raw egg if she will take it. The protein is important to produce milk for the kittens.

  • 1 decade ago

    I just want to add this to everyone else's advice. Please change the bedding in the box at least every day. The babies need to be kept clean. If the mama "made a mess", that bedding should have already been replaced. I always use newspaper sheets, with a big folded towel over it (for warmth). Congrats on the kittens, and good luck in the coming days........enjoy...............

    Source(s): 35 yrs breeding cats
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    some just arent healthy some times. it happens. it might have been the runt, it might have been sick and mom killed it. animals do sometimes kill their young.

    you should call the vet and let them know she had kittens, your vet will want to check them over. just make sure that food, water and a warm place are available to your cat so she can care for the kittens. if she's not feeding them you need to get to a vet because you are going to have to take care of them for her.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    it often happens that animals will have still Born's its not a big deal. as for the rest just make sure they are in a box where they cannot wonder around. the mother will take care of the rest and make sure the mother always has clean litter and food and water available at all times. you are doing fine and enjoy the new company. If you have any more questions please ask me iam very experienced with animals

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The kittens was either very weak or it was coldand ended dying because there wasnt enough warmth, kittens need to stick together with their mom so they wont get cold especially when they are born.

    Source(s): Good Luck! With your cats, my 8 cats and kittens are a handful!
  • 1 decade ago

    Sometimes this happens. It was probably too weak to survive. The Mother will know if her kitten is sick and will therefore reject it.

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