Survival Rate of First-Time Mother Cats and Why Kittens Are Vulnerable
The survival rate for a mother cat's first litter is generally around 60%. This lower rate is primarily due to the mother's lack of experience, which can lead to various complications for the kittens. However, with attentive care from their human companions, the survival rate of these young kittens can be significantly improved. First-time mother cats often face challenges. They may not instinctively know how to properly sever the umbilical cord, or they could accidentally crush their kittens. Over or underfeeding can also be an issue, which makes a 60% survival rate fairly typical. A first litter might have 6 to 8 kittens, and seeing 2 to 4 survive is often considered a positive outcome. However, with human care and attention, this survival rate can be significantly boosted. Therefore, it is essential for cat owners to be especially vigilant during a first-time cat birth. Furthermore, ensuring the mother cat receives proper nutrition during her pregnancy is crucial. Owners s...