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Cats can have multiple litters per year and they usually give birth with minimal fuss and few problems. However, a very small percentage of kittens may die during birth or within the first 8 weeks of life. It’s upsetting, but it is natural, and there are steps that you can take to ensure that the mother cat and her kittens are healthy so they have the greatest chance of surviving birth. On average, 85% of kittens usually survive.
Litter Size
An average litter of kittens is between four and six, but this can vary from one to as many as nine. Younger mothers and those giving birth to their first litter will usually have fewer kittens, while experienced mothers in their prime can comfortably have as many as 7 or more.
The mortality rate, which is the ratio of kittens that die, at or within 8 weeks of birth, is approximately 17%. This means that, in an average litter of six, one kitten may not survive, though actual survival rates can vary based on factors like maternal health, genetics, and environmental conditions.
What to Do With a Dead Kitten After Birth
It is the mother’s instinct to clean her kittens. This will include any that were stillborn or died soon after birth. As harrowing as it might seem, it is essential that you leave the kitten with the mother so that she is aware of what has happened.
Once the mother realizes this, she usually turns her attention to her living kittens. Carefully remove the dead kitten and take it to your vet if you wish to have it cremated. Alternatively, you can bury the kitten in a small box, but whatever your next step, be sure to remove the kitten from the mother.
Why Would a Whole Litter of Kittens Die?
Although it is unlikely, it is possible that a whole litter of kittens can die. If several kittens from the same litter die, the mother could have an infectious condition such as feline panleukopenia virus (also called feline distemper) or toxoplasmosis.
By the time a kitten converts to eating solids and being more independent, at around eight weeks of age, they will have a much greater chance of survival. As such, the first two months of life are the most important.
What Can Cause Kittens to Die?
Some kittens are born very weak, and they may not have the strength to feed from their mother properly. These kittens usually perish soon after birth. Some are stillborn, which means that they perish before they are born. Other causes of death soon after birth include a kitten not receiving the food and nutrition they require from their mother and even death caused by the mother herself. Young mothers can get stressed, and they may stop feeding their kittens or cause them physical harm that will lead to their death.
How Many Kittens Usually Survive in a Litter?
Cats are prolific breeders, and a mature, experienced mother can have up to nine kittens in one litter, although the average litter size tends to be around 4–6 kittens. Any of a number of issues can cause one or more kittens to be stillborn or perish soon after birth. While this can be difficult to experience, it is natural, and approximately one in every five kittens dies before they reach 8 weeks of age.
Related Reads:
- Will a Mother Cat Abandon Her Kittens If Touched By Humans? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ
- How To Take Care of a New Kitten (The Complete Guide)
Featured Image Credit: TaniaVdB, Pixabay
