My cat ate her kittens. Why does she do this and how can I stop it?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Animals are very good a 'cleaning up after themselves', so if there was a dead little kitten then it isn't that surprising that the mom would eat it. In the future, removing the dead kittens before the mother can eat it is a good idea. In the mean-time, please monitor Venica for signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, painful abdomen, weakness), and if she shows any signs please bring her to a vet. Best of luck with Venica.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Oh no! If the kitten looked premature she may have miscarried it. Sadly this happens in the animal world as it does with humans. It is also unfortunately natural for a cat to eat a dead abnormal kitten. It isn't wrong for Lala to be examined by a Vet. They can take an X-ray to see how many kittens are left and use the ultrasound to see if they are moving and have heart beats. If there is no vaginal discharge, fever, she is acting fine and is eating hopefully she can deliver the remaining kittens. I wish you the best!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ziggy. I would have him take her into a vet immediately. She needs to be checked to see if there are more kittens yet to be born, and she likely needs assistance to give birth. I also recommend d him getting her spayed after she weans any kittens, as if she ate a kitten, she may not be a good mother. Best of luck.

Hi there. Some cats are naturally good mothers, and some aren't - especially when they're so young. A one-year old cat is still barely more than a kitten herself. So this is a sad situation, but not all that uncommon. I would recommend having her spayed now to prevent any further litters in the future.

Hi and thank you for using PetCoach. I would recommend removing and bottle raising the kitten. Please also catch and spay the mom as soon as you are able, as she may go into heat again quickly. Articles below for information on raising bottle kittens. Good luck. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1738 http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576

Hello. Usually, the reason a mother, any mother, will harm her young is if she feels they are in danger. Try & keep the area where she had the kittens as quiet as possible, limiting visits & unnecessary handling of the kittens. Keep other pets, especially other cats out of the area, too. Keep food, water & a litter box close so she does not have to leave her babies, but make sure everything stays clean & no insects or vermin are attracted to this. Hopefully, she will feel safe for herself & raise a healthy litter. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The placenta can be passed before, after or with the kitten. Sometimes animals eat the placenta before we notice. I would assume it passed. If she isn't eating, lethargic or has a fever she should be seen by a Vet. I highly recommend doing so regardless to see how many more kittens are left and discuss spaying her in the next 4-6 weeks before she comes in to heat again. I wish you the best!