Help Your Cat Who Had a Miscarriage

Sometimes, a cat does not carry a litter of kittens to term. This can be very painful for your cat physically. Most cats do not react emotionally to a miscarriage, but in rare cases can become distressed. Make sure to take your cat to the vet after a miscarriage to make sure she gets the medical treatment necessary. At home, provide a safe, comfortable environment for her recovery. It's a good idea to get your cat spayed to prevent a miscarriage in the future.

Steps

Seeking Veterinary Care

1. Take your cat the vet if there is a late stage miscarriage. If your cat miscarries late into her pregnancy, veterinary help is necessary. A late stage miscarriage can result in an infection.
   • The average length of a cat's pregnancy is 65 to 69 days. If a miscarriage occurs in the later parts of the pregnancy, take your cat to see a vet.
2. Check your cat for parasites. If your cat is infected with parasites, this can cause a miscarriage. A cat who had a miscarriage should always be checked for parasites. If your cat has contracted a parasite, such as tapeworms, it's important to provide your cat with the right medication to treat the infection.
   • If your vet wants to test for parasites, you may need a stool sample. The vet may also want to perform a blood test.
   • Treatment varies depending on your cat's age, health, and weight. Your vet may be able to administer de-worming medication in the office or you may have to give your cat medication at home. De-wormers are usually pastes, gels, or tablets.
3. Ask your vet about medication. Cats usually recover from a miscarriage without trouble. However, in some cases medications may help manage pain and discomfort. Your vet will be able to determine whether medication is necessary for your cat.
   • Usually, antibiotics are administered to help with a miscarriage. This is because a cat that miscarries may develop an infection.
   • Pain medication and anti-inflammatory medication may be reccomended if your cat seems to be in pain.
   • Follow all your vet's instructions carefully regarding how to safely administer medication. Make sure to give your cat a full round of antibiotics, even after symptoms have passed.
4. See if you can test for underlying diseases or medical issues. Sometimes, miscarriages have no underlying causes. However, a variety of medical issues can lead to your cat having a miscarriage. Things like herpes, low levels of progesterone, or uterine problems can lead to a miscarriage.
   • Your vet will ask you about your cat's general health, as well as any unusual behaviors or concerning symptoms. If your vet suspects there is an underlying health problem at play, they will do the tests necessary to diagnose that problem.

Caring for Your Cat at Home

1. Isolate your cat if necessary. Cats usually do not respond emotionally to miscarriages the way people would. In rare cases, however, cats may become distressed and engage in behaviors such as pacing and acting agitated. In these cases, it's a good idea to isolate the cat in a calming environment.
   • Place your cat in a quiet room free of outside noise and distraction. Have everything she needs, such as food, water, and a litter box, in the room. You should also provide a warm bed.
   • Distressed cats often simply need space. However, you should check in on your cat on occasion. If she seems social, gently pet her and talk to her to calm her down.
2. Treat underlying conditions according to your vet's instructions. At home, follow the instructions you were given by your vet. Cats can safely recover from a miscarriage without a lot of intervention as long as they receive proper treatment. If your vet prescribed any medication or made any other recommendations for care, follow instructions closely.
   • Do not hesitate to call your vet if you have any questions. It's vital that you make sure you're caring for your cat correctly.
3. Watch for signs of complications. Most of the time, a cat will recovery from a miscarriage on her own with minimal intervention. However, monitor your cat closely after a miscarriage to make sure there are no complications.
   • Some cats may bleed heavily after a miscarriage or have other discharge near the anal area. If you notice heavy bleeding or discharge, see a vet.
   • If your cat seems to be in a lot of pain, you should also see a vet.

Preventing a Reoccurrence

1. Spay your cat. Unless you want to breed your cat, it's a good idea to have her spayed. You do not want to deal with another miscarriage in the future and caring for kittens can be costly. Spaying your cat will prevent pregnancy altogether.
2. Recognize the signs of pregnancy early. Seeing a vet regularly during your cat's pregnancy can decrease the risk of miscarriage. If your cat is not spayed and is around un-neutered males, she is at risk of becoming pregnant. Watch for signs of pregnancy so you can get your cat evaluated early.
   • Cats usually do not gain weight until the end of pregnancy, so you should look for other signs. The main way to tell your cat is pregnant is to look at her nipples. Early on in pregnancy, a cat's nipples will become noticeably darker and enlarged.
   • A cat will also gain weight throughout pregnancy, so changes in your cat's size can indicate pregnancy.
3. Provide adequate nutrition throughout the pregnancy. Cats need adequate food during pregnancy. A healthy diet can translate to a healthy pregnancy. You will need to add extra protein to your cat's meals throughout her pregnancy.
   • Talk to your vet about safe sources of extra protein for your cat. Your vet may recommend a particular brand of cat food.
   • Towards the end of your cat's pregnancy, your vet may want to switch her to kitten chow to provide her the nutrients to support breastfeeding.
   • You should always have food out for your cat while she's pregnant. Even if you usually schedule meal times, allow your cat to eat freely while pregnant.
4. Be proactive about parasites. Have your cat's stools checked regularly at a vet's office. This is especially important if your cat goes outside or has had fleas in the past. Parasites can cause a miscarriage, so keeping your cat parasite free can help prevent miscarriage.

Warnings

• Be certain that everything she comes in contact with during this time, including your hands, are absolutely clean. She is very prone to infection during this time frame.

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• Buy Pet Insurance

Sources and Citations

See also

• Care for Newborn Kittens
• Take Care of a Pregnant Cat
• Calm a Cat in Heat
• Tell if a Cat is Pregnant
• Tell If Your Cat Is in Heat
• Help a Cat Give Birth
• Separate Kittens from a Mother Cat for Adoption
• Deal With a Female Cat in Heat
• Wean Kittens
• Breed Cats