Expert: Jessica - 8/11/2010

Question
my cat has had two litters in the past. this time she has given birth to three kittens so far and all of them have been stillborn. is she in danger or am i worring over nothing.

Answer
Hi Lee,

It's always a concern when a cat gives birth to a stillborn litter, because we're not sure what the cause is.  If the only cause is that the pregnancy has ended prematurely, then the mother may not be in real danger.  However, if the kittens have died because the mother is infected with a virus such as feline distemper, feline leukemia or feline AIDS, or if she has a uterine infection, then she is in danger.  

To determine if your kitty is healthy, she should see a vet.  A uterine infection can be immediately life-threatening, as can feline distemper, and the other two viruses are contagious terminal diseases which are dangerous to other cats.  I would recommend that she be spayed as soon as possible, as well, and you can discuss plans for this with the vet during the visit.  Spaying will help eliminate the chances of a uterine infection and ovarian and uterine cancer in the future.  You may need to wait until she stops lactating, which should be in about 7-10 days.  

Good luck!

Jessica