Sometimes cats reject one or more kittens after giving birth, without offering them the care they need to survive. This behavior may seem cruel to us, but for cats it is a behavior that follows the survival instinct. If your cat has rejected one or all of her kittens, you'll want to do everything you can to help the little ones.
Although raising newborn kittens without their mother is difficult, it is not impossible. Below, we explain how to understand this behavior and what to do to care for rejected kittens.
Why does my cat reject her kittens?
There are several reasons why a cat may reject her kittens. Some of these reasons are related to the condition of the kittens, the health of the mother, or simply her instinct. Here we explain the most common causes:
- Health problems in kittens: One of the main reasons a cat rejects her kittens is that she detects a health problem in them. Kittens that are born sick or deformed may not receive care from the mother, as she will prioritize her care on those with a higher chance of survival. Also, if a kitten is very weak, the mother may remove it to prevent the others from becoming infected or to concentrate her efforts on the strongest ones.
- Too many kittens in the litter: If the litter is too large, the mother may not have enough milk to feed all the kittens and may reject some to ensure the survival of the strongest. Female cats, by their natural instinct, know that they will not be able to adequately care for a litter that is too large.
- Stress or lack of a suitable environment: A noisy, unstable or stressful environment can make the mother feel insecure and reject her kittens. Cats seek a quiet and safe place to raise their young, so it is essential that the space she has chosen is respected.
- Mother's illness: If the mother is sick or in pain, she may reject her kittens. This is especially common if she develops mastitis, an infection of the nipples that prevents her from nursing her kittens due to the intense pain.
- Lack of maternal instinct: Some cats, especially first-time or very young cats, may lack a developed maternal instinct. This can lead them to not know how to care for their kittens and, consequently, reject them.
What should we do if the cat rejects her kittens?
If you notice that a cat has rejected her kittens or a particular kitten, it is important to act immediately to ensure the kitten's survival. Here are some guidelines for caring for a rejected kitten:
1. Keep the kitten warm
Warmth is essential for newborn kittens as they cannot regulate their body temperature. If the mother has rejected them, you must ensure that they remain warm at all times. Place the kitten in a box with some rags or towels, preferably wool, to keep it warm.You can also use a hot water bottle or electric blanket with caution, making sure the heat is not excessive to avoid burns.
If you have several kittens, it is best to keep them together, as they will keep each other warm and feel more secure.
2. Provide adequate nutrition
Kittens need to eat frequently to survive. If the mother refuses to feed them, you will need to do it yourself using a special bottle for kittens. As for milk, it is crucial that you use specific formula milk for cats, available at pet stores and veterinary offices. Avoid using cow's milk or any other type of milk not designed for kittens, as it can cause very serious digestive problems.
Kittens need to be fed every 2 or 3 hours, even at night. Make sure they are eating enough to maintain their energy and growth.
3. Stimulates the kitten's digestion
Newborn kittens depend on their mother to encourage them to go to the bathroom. If the mother has rejected her kittens, you will have to take over this task. After each meal, gently rub the kitten's genital area with a damp cotton pad or warm towel. to stimulate urination and defecation. This mimics what the mother would do by licking them.
It is vital that you follow these steps after every meal, as lack of stimulation can lead to serious health problems.
Possible solutions when the cat is sick or stressed
In some cases, rejection of pups may be due to the mother experiencing pain, illness, or high levels of stress. Here are some important steps to follow:
- Take the cat to the vet: If you suspect that the mother is ill or experiencing pain, it is essential to take her to a veterinary clinic for a full evaluation. Conditions such as mastitis must be treated to ensure her recovery.
- Provides a suitable environment: If the mother is stressed, make sure her environment is quiet and safe. Avoid moving her from one place to another or exposing her to too much noise. Provide synthetic pheromones, such as Feliway, can be of great help in reducing your anxiety.
When to contact a veterinarian?
While human intervention can save the life of a rejected kitten, it is important to understand that some situations require the help of a professional. If the rejected kitten shows signs of extreme weakness, low weight, breathing problems, or any other signs of illness, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.Additionally, if the mother continues to reject other pups or displays unusual behavior, it is also advisable to visit the vet to ensure there are no underlying problems.
Finally, if the cat is only rejecting one or two kittens from a large litter, it may be necessary to seek the help of a feline behaviorist who can guide you on how to help the mother fulfill her maternal role.
As you can see, raising kittens rejected by their mother is a challenging task, but with patience, dedication and proper care, it will surely not be too difficult for you to raise them.