As the saying goes, "Tiger poison cannot eat its seeds." It means that the ferocious tiger, out of its motherly nature, takes great care of its own cubs and never harms them. So why do some female cats eat their own kittens? This type of female cat has what is commonly known as cub-eating, which is a pathological condition. This vice occurs in both young and old female cats, but it is more common in old female cats. The causes of phagocytosis are complex and not yet fully understood. It is generally believed that it may be related to the following aspects: ​​​​​​

(1) Baby-eating may be a remnant of the wild habits of its species. Because cats have strong protective characteristics, it may occur when the kittens are frightened during or after childbirth and feel insecure, or when the newborn kittens are contaminated with other odors, causing the mother cat to doubt whether they are her own kittens. The phenomenon of cannibalism.

(2) It is related to the neurological type of the female cat. Some female cats are too neurotic and dote on their kittens too much, licking the kittens excessively, causing the kittens' skin to become torn and their internal organs to protrude, and they are eventually swallowed by the mother cat.

(3) Improper feeding and management during pregnancy. It is caused by the lack of protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in the feed, insufficient supply of drinking water before and after childbirth, especially when the ambient temperature is too high, causing the female cat to become extremely thirsty.

(4) Some of the kittens may be stillborn, or the kittens may die soon after birth. After the mother cat ingests these dead kittens, she gradually develops a bad habit of eating her kittens. This may be one of the reasons why older female cats are more prone to cubivory.

Based on the above reasons, to prevent female cats from eating their cubs, we should first strengthen feeding and management, especially before and after separation, sufficient protein, vitamins and mineral feed must be given. According to reports, adding 50 to 60 grams of fish or meat to the feed every day during the 10 days before and after delivery may be beneficial to prevent the occurrence of cannibalism. In addition, it is also beneficial to give the female cat plenty of clean drinking water before and after delivery, to allow the cat to exercise properly during pregnancy and to increase its exposure to light.

Of course, when the female cat is separated, it is also very important to create a warm, dry, dark, secluded and undisturbed environment so that the female cat can have a sense of security during the separation process and after giving birth. Do not let strangers approach the female cat during the separation process. Even cat owners should not interfere with the separation process of the mother cat at will. Do not catch the kittens directly with your hands, and do not allow the kittens to be contaminated with any odor, etc., all of which will prevent cannibalism. has a great impact on the occurrence of.

In addition, for postpartum stillbirths or kittens that die shortly after birth, take them out promptly and carefully without disturbing the mother cat, and do not let the mother cat swallow them. Female cats with cannibalism should not be kept for breeding purposes and should be sterilized or eliminated.