Miscarriage In Cats - All You Need To Know

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During pregnancy, you must fully protect your female cat and her kittens. At this time, pregnant cats are especially prone to some health problems and complications, one of them being a miscarriage.

Miscarriage in cats can occur in any stage of pregnancy, and you must fully understand your pregnant female cat to notice if something is wrong.

In case of a miscarriage, a female cat doesn't have to lose all of her kittens (as many people will think), and she could deliver a few healthy and live ones. Stay with us to better understand miscarriage, symptoms, and how you can protect your female cat during pregnancy. 

What is miscarriage in cats?

Miscarriage is a medical term that refers to the loss (death) fetus during the pregnancy stage. This can occur anytime during pregnancy, and the signs could also vary.

Miscarriage is a sudden and spontaneous health issue that can happen to your pregnant female cat, and it can happen as resorption when the dead embryo or kitten stays in the body or as a complete abortion where they will leave the body.

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Types of miscarriage

Early miscarriage happens during the first half of pregnancy; it could go unnoticed since the embryo will absorb into the body.

Late miscarriage happens during the second half of pregnancy, and outcomes will greatly vary. Kitten (s) can still be passed or mummified (the cat's body will create a membrane around the fetus that will serve as protection).

Symptoms of miscarriage in cats

The symptoms can vary depending on the type of miscarriage that happens to your cat. In resorption, your female cat may not show any signs or symptoms, and most cat owners will not even realize that the cat had a miscarriage.

For the later miscarriage, some symptoms could be present, and some of them include

• Extended vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Vaginal discharge
• Fever
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Delivery of dead fetuses

RELATED: When Do Newborn Kittens Open Their Eyes? All You Need To Know

What are the causes of miscarriage in cats?

There could be many possible reasons why your cat could have a miscarriage of one or more of her kittens, and some of them include

• Different injuries
• Feline leukemia virus
• Feline herpes virus
• Chlamydia
• Congenital defects
• Genetic problems
• Hormonal imbalance
• Usage of different meds
• Inbreeding

Since miscarriage can happen lightning fast, you must do everything to protect your female cat. Always talk to your vet and ask for additional advice to protect your cat and avoid miscarriage.

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Are some breeds more prone to miscarriage?

Any cat breed could experience this problem, and there are no specific cat breeds that we can say will have a higher chance of miscarriage. Every cat could potentially have a miscarriage, and because of that, it is important to always properly take care of your pregnant cat.

How is miscarriage diagnosed?

Sometimes, a miscarriage could go unnoticed if you don't even know that the cat is pregnant and if the miscarriage happens in the early stage of pregnancy.

If you suspect that your cat had a miscarriage, bring her to the vet for testing. Ultrasound could be a good starting point to determine if the cat is pregnant and if the fetuses are visible.

Ultrasound or x-rays will be needed to confirm that no left fetuses were retained. The remaining living fetuses will need some support to prevent their miscarriage.

All the dead fetuses should be removed to protect your cat so she wouldn't develop any infection and possibly death.

RELATED: How Fast Do Cats Grow & When Do They Stop Growing?

What is the treatment for miscarriage?

Correct treatment will depend on many factors surrounding the pregnancy and the miscarriage. If a cat develops an infection, she may need IV fluids and antibiotics. No matter what is the real cause of miscarriage, most cats will fully recover and will not experience any additional problems.

Your vet will find a way to help your female cat and prevent any additional problems or complications for the cat.

Miscarriage in cats recovery

For a few days after the miscarriage, you should monitor vaginal discharge and contact your vet if you notice anything unusual.

You may expect your cat to show signs of depression after the miscarriage, but this will go over time.

Your vet will advise you to bring your cat for a regular check-up more often to ensure that everything is alright and that there are no additional problems.

RELATED: Vet Corner: Fading Kitten Syndrome - All You Need To Know

Can miscarriage be prevented?

It is hard and almost impossible to prevent miscarriage, especially because it can develop quickly. The best thing you can do as a breeder is to provide everything for your pregnant cat and always closely monitor her for any signs or symptoms of problems.

Even if you do everything right, there is still a possibility of a miscarriage, but this is the best you can do.

If your cat experiences a miscarriage, you must find the reason behind this in case of a future pregnancy. Depending on the main reason why the miscarriage has occurred, your vet could suggest not breeding that cat anymore.

World Cat Finder Team