Miscarriage in cats: causes, symptoms and treatment

Miscarriage in cats can occur at any point during pregnancy, and even though the cat does not usually react emotionally, the experience can be very physically stressful for them. If you suspect that your cat may be miscarrying, there are a few things you should know so that you can give them the care they need.

Since our pets can't communicate with us when they're going through something, it's important that you try to recognize unusual behavior. Here you can learn more about miscarriages in cats, their causes and the symptoms.

What is a miscarriage in cats?

If you suspect that your cat may be pregnant, the first thing you should do is visit your veterinarian to check their health and monitor their pregnancy. Miscarriage in cats occurs when the life of the fetus ends during pregnancy.

Even if the cat is well cared for and appears to be healthy, miscarriage can occur at any time for various hormonal or physical reasons. If you have unfortunately had a miscarriage, your veterinarian can help you avoid secondary problems (such as infections). A thorough examination is also helpful to find out the reasons for your cat's miscarriage.
To avoid pregnancy and prevent future miscarriages, it is advisable to have your cat neutered as early as possible.

Signs of miscarriage in cats

Pregnancy is a physiological process and not a disease. However, it can pose a major risk to your cat's well-being. That's why it's important to keep a close eye on them during this time. The signs of miscarriage in cats can be missed if the miscarriage occurs in the first few weeks of pregnancy, but symptoms are usually more pronounced when the pregnancy is at a later stage. The following should be taken into account:

Unusual discharge during pregnancy
Fever - Signs include decreased appetite and decreased water intake, decreased activity, decreased interaction, or aggressiveness toward humans/cats.
Abdominal pain or discomfort - Signs may include the cat sitting in a hunched over position instead of lying flat or curling up.
Premature births or birth of non-viable foetuses
Dehydration
Depression or inactivity
Vomiting or diarrhea
Loss of appetite or decreased appetite

Causes of miscarriage in cats

There are many possible causes of miscarriage in cats, in most cases health problems are one of the causes. It is important to know that miscarriages occur very early in pregnancy (in the first month) and can go unnoticed. In some cases, your cat may lose some fetuses but still give birth to healthy kittens. This is a sign that something is wrong - it is advisable to take the cat to the vet as soon as possible!

Here are some of the most common causes of miscarriage in cats that you should know:

Viral, bacterial and parasitic infections
Injuries
Hormonal changes
Severe stress
Chemical exposure
Vitamin deficiency
Congenital defects
Old age

How is a miscarriage in cats treated?

After a miscarriage, the veterinarian can use ultrasound to examine whether there are still viable foetuses and whether the cat can carry the pregnancy to term. If the veterinarian determines that the remaining fetuses are not viable, he can determine the best treatment plan to prevent consequential damage.

miscarriage - blood tests, histopathology or cultures of vaginal fluid.

Treatment after a miscarriage usually depends on the causes. For example, if the veterinarian determines that the abortion was triggered by an infection, he can prescribe antibiotics and infusions. In any case, your veterinarian will suggest a treatment that is specifically tailored to your cat.

How does a cat recover after a miscarriage?

After a miscarriage, it is important that you follow your veterinarian's recommendations. If treated properly, your cat will soon feel better and make a full recovery.
Sometimes cats also need emotional support. If you feel that your cat is depressed or very restless, you should provide them with a safe place to rest after ruling out possible medical causes. Also, make sure that you spend more time with her and show her affection so that she feels more comfortable and confident. If your cat doesn't return to normal behavior within a few days, your veterinarian or a cat behavior specialist can help you with advice and/or medication.

The best way to take care of your cat is to maintain their health. If you want to learn more about how to best care for your cat during pregnancy, then check out our tips for a healthy pregnancy in cats next!