Where did her kittens go?!

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jaeho

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This is the second time my cat Kara (a Japanese bobtail) got pregnant and gave birth. The first time she gave birth (in a shed behind our house), my family and I were away for three days. When we got back, we didn't find any kittens, to our dismay. The second time she got pregnant, I made sure I was around and, indeed, I was there when she was giving birth to three kittens. One of them was stillborn, but the two seemed healthy. She was taking care of them for a week or so but one day when I got back from work, they disappeared! Where did her kittens go?

Somebody told me that perhaps a male cat may have been stealing and/or killing Kara's kittens so that she wouldn't be busy taking care of them and that he could mate with her again. Is this behavior true among cats?
 
jen

jen

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They could have been killed or she could have killed them if they were sick.
 
catsknowme

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Yes, harsh as it is to accept, the behavior is true. Not only among cats, but dogs & other mammals as well. The unneutered males will kill another male's offspring, so that the mother will go into heat again and have his offspring instead. And mother mammals will kill their own young if there is illness; it allows for more milk for the stronger babies, since without human intervention, the sick babies are doomed anyway. Condolences on the loss of Kara's kittens - you should consider having her spayed, since it seems that her young don't do very well. Cats can have complications from birthing babies, and with so many kittens and cats needing homes, why risk your precious Kara?
 
hissy

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I would also recommend that you get Kara spayed. A cat that just had kittens, especially a breed specific cat should never be left outside. There is to much risk to the kittens and the mom (chances are good she is pregnant again). I do hope you will get this cat spayed.
 
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kathylou

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I recall that some members had big problems getting their cat spayed in China. At the very least, she should be allowed to have her kittens in a safe place, like inside.
 
pushylady

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I've heard there is a shortage of vets in China, so it's probably quite difficult to get Kara spayed. I think it's a little harsh for everyone to jump down Jaeho's throat on this issue, especially as this is her first post. In an ideal world, all services would be easy to come by for everybody.
 
gayef

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Originally Posted by pushylady

... I think it's a little harsh for everyone to jump down Jaeho's throat on this issue, especially as this is her first post. In an ideal world, all services would be easy to come by for everybody.
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I must agree! And I think it is time to remind EVERYONE that this forum is to HELP those who come here requesting assistance, not place blame!!

Jaeho, please ... keep this kitty indoors!! Since she is not spayed, she will become pregnant again. If you have access to veterinary services, get her spayed as soon as you can, but if you cannot have this done, please keep her inside only so she won't become pregnant again.
 
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Originally Posted by jaeho

This is the second time my cat Kara (a Japanese bobtail) got pregnant and gave birth. The first time she gave birth (in a shed behind our house), my family and I were away for three days. When we got back, we didn't find any kittens, to our dismay. The second time she got pregnant, I made sure I was around and, indeed, I was there when she was giving birth to three kittens. One of them was stillborn, but the two seemed healthy. She was taking care of them for a week or so but one day when I got back from work, they disappeared! Where did her kittens go?

Somebody told me that perhaps a male cat may have been stealing and/or killing Kara's kittens so that she wouldn't be busy taking care of them and that he could mate with her again. Is this behavior true among cats?
Click to expand...
How terribly sad. I agree with Gayef, that if you can't get her spayed, start keeping her inside only. Of course, this assumes you don't have a male inside! I am sorry for your losses, but this kitty should never be allowed to have kittens, IMO. She must be sad about it, too!
 
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goldenkitty45

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I would get the female spayed. And keep her as an indoor cat. If you can't or won't spay her, then you need to keep her confined indoors when she has the kittens.

Any reason she's not spayed or is outside?
 
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There really isn't any way to know what happened to the kittens.

It would be very wise to get her spayed as soon as possible. If that is not possible, she should be kept indoors. If she does get pregnant again, it is very important that she is allowed to have her kittens indoors so you can keep an eye on them. Otherwise as you have experienced, literally anything can happen to them.
 
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