Why Some Kittens are Born Dead

Stillbirth, or the birth of a dead kitten, happens in about four percent of all litters.

There are a number of reasons why a kitten might be stillborn. Some causes are preventable and some are not. These are some of the most common causes:

1. Fetal Resorption

Fetal kittens can get “lost” during the pregnancy and be reabsorbed by the mother’s body. This is most likely to happen during the early stages of pregnancy, before the kittens are fully developed and before the mother cat starts to show.

2. Maternal Health Problems

A mother cat who is unhealthy or undernourished is more likely to give birth to stillborn kittens. Some medical problems that can lead to stillbirth include:

- Diabetes

- Kidney disease

- Liver disease

- Infections of the uterus

- Obesity

3. Placental Problems

The placenta is the organ that connects the mother cat to the developing kittens and supplies them with oxygen and nutrients. If there is a problem with the placenta, it can prevent the kittens from getting the nutrients they need and may cause them to be born dead. Placental problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Infections

- Toxins

- Trauma

4. Umbilical Cord Problems

The umbilical cord is the cord that connects the mother cat to the kitten in utero. If there is a problem with the umbilical cord, it can prevent the kitten from getting oxygen and nutrients and may cause it to be born dead. Umbilical cord problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- Kinking or twisting of the cord

- Compression of the cord

5. Genetic Problems

Some genetic disorders can cause stillbirth. These disorders can be inherited from either the mother cat or the father cat, or they can be caused by a mutation in the genes of the kittens themselves. Genetic problems that can lead to stillbirth include:

- Siamese Dwarfism

- Manx syndrome

- Osteopetrosis

- Polycystic kidney disease

6. Environmental Toxins

Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as lead, mercury, and pesticides, can also cause stillbirth. These toxins can cross the placenta and reach the developing kittens, where they can damage the tissues and organs.

7. Trauma

Trauma to the mother cat, such as being hit by a car or falling from a height, can also cause stillbirth. Trauma can damage the placenta or the umbilical cord and it can also cause the mother cat to go into shock, which can lead to stillbirth.

If you have a mother cat who is pregnant, it is important to take her to the vet for regular checkups to help ensure that she remains healthy and that the kittens are developing properly. If you have any concerns about your pregnant cat, contact your vet immediately.