Is it possible for a cat to be traumatised by having kittens?

Question

We have a semi-house cat, she's too wild to pick up but she'll come inside to take a short nap or eat something. She's always been very small for her age (she's about 18 months now but could be mistaken for a growing kitten) and she has had a first kitten. The kitten didn't live, she didn't take care of it just sort of lugged it around immediately after birth and dumped it in the house that same day. She is now a very different cat, very withdrawn, not eating, not as forward as she was. She's also disappeared for a few days this week and now she's back but very distant and eating even less.

We have a semi-house cat, she's too wild to pick up but she'll come inside to take a short nap or eat something. She's always been very small for her age (she's about 18 months now but could be mistaken for a growing kitten) and she has had a first kitten. The kitten didn't live, she didn't take care of it just sort of lugged it around immediately after birth and dumped it in the house that same day. She is now a very different cat, very withdrawn, not eating, not as forward as she was. She's also disappeared for a few days this week and now she's back but very distant and eating even less.


PS Actually her mum is in our garden too and she's terrific, her previous nest of kittens (all 18 monthers) are all still with her as is a new little litter.

Answer 1

Yes, she is feeling the loss! I have had many cats over the years, and my advice is to try and pick her up or get close to pet her and love on her. The more attention she gets the better she will feel. Another suggestion, is to look in your local paper or call the local vets office and see if anyone is giving away kittens or if the vets office has any that were left out on the streets. I have done this before and it made a big difference when she realized that she "had" another baby to mother! Good Luck

Answer 2

I have had many young strays that have had kittens. Some were good mothers, and others didn't know what was going on. That may be what happened. As with humans cats can go through post pardum, and post traumatic stress syndrome. It may be a little of both. Try hand feeding her a little at a time a few times a day to earn your trust. You might also try a nursing mother wet food (a good quality one from a pet food store), one tablespoon twice a day for a few weeks often has done the trick for me. Just be patient I'm sure with a little love and perseverance she'll come around. It can be hard. LoveBug6912 had some good ideas too. Best of luck.

Answer 3

She sounds like a feral cat that wasn't raised by it's mother, and didn't learn proper socialization skills. She was also probably the runt of the litter and may have been abandoned by her mother. The poor little thing, is there any way you could get her to the vet for a check-up, as she sounds just miserable.

Answer 4

The cat may be evil. Next time it is asleep have the local priests and shamen visit to give their professional opinion. Note: ask for a second opinion from an alternative faith as they may just be trying to make a quickbuck on the demon casting out service they are known to run from time to time.

If its head turns through 360 degrees then it probably is evil.

Answer 5

I would take her to the vet and have her neutered; and her mom, too. I think she is mourning the loss of her baby; they do mourn, in spite of what some people say. She didnt look after her baby because she didnt know how; quite often kits are lost from a first litter because of inexperience. I think she should be neutered and then loved rotten, because she is a poor lonely little scrap.

Answer 6

Agree with lovebug 6912 but consider also her physical health. If the kitten did not live it may because both it and the mother are not getting enough nutrients. I'd take her to the vet and spoil her rotten.

Answer 7

I agree this is odd that she only had one kitten. She may have something going on inside of her.
But really don't you think you should be doing something about the collection of cats u now have? Who will take them all when you move/get old or die?

Answer 8

Everyone is missing a vital point. - THE CAT ONLY HAD ONE KITTEN? This is rare even in small cats.

Personally I think she may have more - possibly dead or dying inside her, this would certainly make her act withdrawn, as they would be poisioning her from inside. She therefore wouldnt be eating etc.

Please please call the rescue society in your area. They can then set a cat trap and get her checked over. PLEASE.

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

yes