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Cats/Mom's reaction to dead kitten
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Question
Our mom cat had been acting strange this afternoon and following us around. Tonight when I checked the kittens, I found one of them dead laying off to the side by itself. They are about 4 days old. I removed it, but as soon as I did mama stopped feeding the kittens and started searching for the one I had taken out. I wrapped it up well in a paper towel and put it back in the box with the others and mom seemed content to lay back down and feed again. But obviously I can't leave the kitten there very long. What are my options? I really don't want to hand feed them if there's anyway I can get our 7 month old mama cat to continue. She got pregnant at her 1st heat. Yikes. She was only about 4 1/2 months. After the initial shock of labor she has seemed to do really well up to this point.
Hi Lori,
Sorry about the little one. Try this. Get a small stuffed animal and place that in the kitten's place. That might work. She might be ready for you to remove the dead kitten now. She should know by now that the kitten is dead. When you remove it she may search for it but it won't be for long. She will return to the others. If she was going to give up on the other kittens she would have already. If she still gives up on the kittens, write back and I will help you. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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