Almost every cat owner had toat least once take birth in his petit. Usually a happy mother immediately begins to lick and feed her offspring. But sometimes there are non-standard situations when they refuse newborn babies. From this article you will learn why a cat eats its kittens.
Duration of gestation
Immediately we say that no one specialist is capablewith an accuracy of one day to determine when fertilization occurred. The duration of a normal pregnancy is on average 63-65 days. If childbirth begins earlier, then the babies will be unviable.
Those who don't know why cats eat their kittens,It will be interesting that the duration of pregnancy also depends on the breed and age of the animal. So, short-haired individuals give birth at 58-68 days, and long-haired can walk up to 72 days.
Signs of Pregnancy
It should be noted that the first symptoms mayto appear already after ten or fourteen days after mating. But sometimes they appear a little later. It all depends on several important factors, including the physical condition of your pet. Those who want to understand why cats eat their newborn kittens must learn to recognize signs of pregnancy.
An animal awaiting the appearance of offspringbecomes less active and gains weight. In the remaining days before birth, the cat has a constant drowsiness and loss of appetite. On the occurrence of pregnancy may indicate a slightly swollen pink nipples. However, this is not a very significant symptom, since it is observed after estrus. Starting from the fifteenth day, the embryos can be seen with the help of ultrasound echography. On the twentieth day it is possible to hear the kittens heartbeat.
Features care for pregnant animals
Тем, кто хочет разобраться, почему кошки едят your kittens, you need to learn how to monitor your pet. It is advisable to deworm and vaccinate shortly before mating, since no medication should be given to the pregnant animal. In case of an unexpected illness, the pet must be shown to the veterinarian.
In general, care for a cat waiting to appear.offspring, is reduced to providing it with complete peace and good nutrition. If the basis of your pet's diet is dry food, it is recommended to consult with a specialist which one is suitable for a pregnant cat. If she uses natural products, then you need to include in her menu carrots, egg yolk, chicken, buckwheat or rice.
It is also important to ensure that the animal does not jump withhigh cabinets and not in contact with street relatives. It is better during this period not to let him out of the house in order to prevent the possible development of infectious diseases. Experienced cat owners advise to prepare a place for delivery in advance. It is advisable to choose for this a quiet, warm and cozy corner.
Why do cats eat their kittens?
Just before birth, the animal begins to manifestcauseless anxiety. Some cope on their own, while others may need help. As a rule, after the appearance of offspring, the newly made mother begins to take care of her children. But, unfortunately, there are exceptions.
Professionals know several reasons whycats eat kittens at birth. Usually, children who have hidden health problems are subject to destruction. The animal feels it at the level of instincts and kills the sick young.
Also a cat can destroy a kitten that isbirth time entangled in the placenta. A tired animal may simply not notice the baby. Another reason is the presence of mental disorders. Some animals are prone to cannibalism. And in order to cross the fine line that separates the desire to protect offspring and hysteria, even insignificant stress is enough.
Ways to solve the problem
Having understood why a cat eats its kittens, you needunderstand how to prevent such a sad development. To protect future offspring from inappropriate behavior of the mother, you need to follow a few simple guidelines. It is important to conduct only the planned mating. Before mating, it is advisable to take your pet to the vet. Perhaps he will prescribe a complete examination to identify and solve hidden problems with her health.
So that you do not have a question:“Why cats eat their kittens”, childbirth should take place under the constant supervision of a qualified professional. Ideally, on the eve of this day, it is necessary to define a pet in a veterinary clinic, where she will stay for several days under the clock control of professionals. An important role in preventing such problems is played by systematic examinations of the mother and young, which contribute to the timely detection of diseases or inappropriate behavior of the animal.
