What Are the Causes of Premature Births in Felines?

Pregnant cats can give birth prematurely for many reasons.

Although cats are notorious for being prolific breeders, there are times when a cat may give birth to kittens prematurely. According to "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," any kitten born before the 60th day after conception will die.

Illness

Many illnesses can cause premature birth in cats. These include the feline herpes virus, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

Nutrition

Pregnant cats that are starving or cannot get adequate food will give birth prematurely in order to try to survive.

Considerations

According to Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, cats with hypoluteoidism cannot produce enough of the hormone progesterone to keep the kittens for a full term.

Poisons

Being exposed to certain chemicals can cause a cat to give birth prematurely. These include some foods high in Vitamin A such as raw liver, household chemicals or human medications such as glucocorticoids or antibiotics.

Injury

If the pregnant cat is severely injured, such as hit by a car, she will abort in order to try to keep herself alive.

References

• "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" Delbert G. Carlson, DVM, et al.; 2007
• Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine: Reproductive Failure in the Cat
• Abortion, Spontaneous (Pregnancy Loss) in Cats

Resources

• Kitten Rescue: Premature Kittens
• Pregnancy Diagnosis & Caring for a Pregnant Cat
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in Cats and Kittens