Cats eat the afterbirth because of instinct. This is to prevent any predators smelling searching out the kittens to devour.
They generally eat the placenta after they have ensured the kittens are safe and washed down. Cats usually will remove the sac from around kittens when they are born and then they will lick them all over to encourage circulation in the newborn's bodies.
There is also a rumor that it is done as it will give the mother extra nutrients that they have lost while giving birth. The placenta is made of vital nutrients such as protein and the cat will have lost much of this during giving birth and so tries to replenish lost nutrients.
After birth, cats may discharge fluid for up to 10 days. To remove the placenta you may have to tie some dental floss around it. This will cause it to fall off the cat. Do nothing else as it may cause problems for the cat.
There are numerous things to consider when a cat has kittens. Do not disturb the cat and watch from afar. If the cat runs into difficulties such as a long labor then consult the vet about it as soon as possible to try and sort out any issues. If kittens can't breathe check their airways. Cats who have never have had kittens before may be startled and not know how to take care of kittens when they come out, so keep a close eye on them until the cat gets back to normal.
This should all make for a healthy and care-free birth and pass no heed if your cat eats the afterbirth, it is completely natural.
They generally eat the placenta after they have ensured the kittens are safe and washed down. Cats usually will remove the sac from around kittens when they are born and then they will lick them all over to encourage circulation in the newborn's bodies.
There is also a rumor that it is done as it will give the mother extra nutrients that they have lost while giving birth. The placenta is made of vital nutrients such as protein and the cat will have lost much of this during giving birth and so tries to replenish lost nutrients.
After birth, cats may discharge fluid for up to 10 days. To remove the placenta you may have to tie some dental floss around it. This will cause it to fall off the cat. Do nothing else as it may cause problems for the cat.
There are numerous things to consider when a cat has kittens. Do not disturb the cat and watch from afar. If the cat runs into difficulties such as a long labor then consult the vet about it as soon as possible to try and sort out any issues. If kittens can't breathe check their airways. Cats who have never have had kittens before may be startled and not know how to take care of kittens when they come out, so keep a close eye on them until the cat gets back to normal.
This should all make for a healthy and care-free birth and pass no heed if your cat eats the afterbirth, it is completely natural.
