Why Do Cats Eat Their Kittens? 8 Possible Reasons

Breeding cats or caring for a colony of stray cats that frequently have litters can lead to distressing situations, such as witnessing a mother cat consuming her own kittens. Although not common, it is possible for this to occur. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can better prepare you for such situations. Let's explore the eight potential reasons why a mother cat might eat her kittens in more detail.

Why Do Cats Eat Their Kittens? The 8 Reasons

Unhealthy Kittens

One of the most common reasons for a mother cat to eat her kittens is if one of them is diseased or unhealthy, with a low chance of survival. The mother instinctively removes such kittens to prevent potential health risks to the rest of the litter. Cats have a keen sense of smell, and they can detect illness or disease in their young, prompting them to act to protect the overall health of the litter.

Stillborn Kittens

When a kitten is stillborn, it poses a risk of spreading bacteria to the rest of the litter. In such cases, the mother cat has no choice but to consume it to prevent potential infection.

Protecting the Litter

Mother cats are highly protective of their litters, especially during the first week or two after giving birth. Any interference near the nest can cause her to view it as insecure, leading her to move the kittens or, in some cases, eat them. In the wild, this behavior helps protect the litter from potential threats.

Stress from Predators

In the wild, mother cats face threats from various predators that might see their kittens as easy prey. To reduce stress and protect the remaining kittens, the mother may eat some of them if she feels they are not secure. This behavior is a survival instinct.

Long, Stressful Labor

Prolonged and stressful labor can leave a mother cat exhausted and famished. Eating a kitten can help her recover vital nutrients lost during labor. It serves as a way to regain energy and strength during a physically demanding time.

Mastitis

Mastitis, an infection of the mammary glands, can cause pain while nursing. It may also put the kittens at risk of infection. To alleviate the pain and prevent infection transmission, a mother cat may eat her kittens, and in the wild, this would help her milk production dry up. This behavior aims to protect both the mother and the remaining kittens.

Inexperience

Inexperienced first-time mothers may accidentally kill their kittens and, not knowing what to do, might resort to consuming them. Lack of maternal experience can lead to unfortunate accidents.

Malnourishment

In the wild, a malnourished mother cat may consume her kittens to obtain essential nutrients. Additionally, she often eats the placenta. If extremely underweight, she may eat the entire litter. Pet cats in the United States are less likely to face such malnourishment. Malnutrition can drive a mother cat to prioritize her own survival over that of her kittens.

Recognizing if a Mother Cat Ate Her Kittens

You can monitor the mother cat before and after birth and count the number of kittens born. If one or more kittens suddenly go missing, it's possible that the mother has consumed them. Newborn kittens cannot wander on their own.

What to Do If a Mother Cat Eats Her Kittens?

Do not punish the mother cat if she eats her kittens, as this behavior is natural and instinctive. Instead, promptly consult your vet to identify the possible reasons behind this behavior. If you notice a sick or neglected kitten among the litter, gently separate it from the rest and provide the necessary care and feeding.

Conclusion

While it may be shocking to witness a mother cat consuming her kittens, it's essential to understand that this is a natural instinctive behavior often influenced by factors like stress or undernourishment. Providing extra care, attention, food, water, and an ideal nursing environment can help support the mother cat during this critical phase of her life.