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Cats/Queen who lost her kittens

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Expert: - 6/5/2007


Question
Hi Karen,

Please say that you can help me.  I am a new "grandma".  My queen gave birth on the 1st, however today (the 4th) my fiancee came home to a disturbing site.  The babies are dead.  Is there any special care or anything that we should be doing for the mommy?  Will she need milked or will she be ok on her own?  She was a new mother (1st litter), but the best mom I have seen to date.  Please, anything you can tell me will probably help!

Thank you,
Mourning Grandma Danielle in PA.

Answer
Hi Danielle,

I'm sorry for your loss. It's rough when the little ones die. The mom's milk will dry up by itself and she will suffer no ill effects from her litter dying. Do you know what caused it? She will most likely go into heat again within a couple of weeks after her milk dries. If you are letting her have a litter again take comfort in that the second litter is always stronger than the first. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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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