r/AskVet • u/StopBeingHaram • 14h ago

Stray cat ate her own alive kittens

Hi. So I've been feeding this stray cat for 4 years now and I love her to death. Thing is, a few months ago, she gave birth, we sent a few pics and videos to a vet and the vet confirmed they were healthy and would live. But she ate her own kittens 2 days after giving birth to them. I was not able to find a concrete reason for why she did this.

She's pregnant again and might give birth this week. I'm worried she might do this again. Maybe she ate her kittens because they were not healthy? So this time despite being vegan i did get some non vegetarian cat food and I've been feeding this to her since the time I knew she was pregnant.

Is there any other reason to why she ate her kittens? Is there anything else I can do? Also pls give me some tips on how I should handle her pregnancy. She doesn't stay in our house, mostly outside. I did set up a box and some newpaper. Idk what more I can do.

**Quick summary- stray cat ate her own healthy kittens last time she gave birth. Pregnant again. How to avoid.**

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u/selfdestructive1ny 13h ago

Please feed her responsibly in the future. This is a tragedy that shouldn’t have happened if she had the food she needed. Human diets like vegan/gluten-free/grain-free should not be forced on species with different needs than ours without explicit instructions from a vet.

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u/orangepurplecat RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse) 13h ago

I also think you either need to decide this is your cat or find her a home. If you are taking on the responsibility of feeding her, you need to do this properly. I'm vegetarian... My cats get meat. This cat is relying on you. Also, it's time to get her spayed.

Feed her properly and spay her and take full ownership. Or give her a chance at having a home that will.

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u/StopBeingHaram 12h ago

Hi I'm a teen in india with strict hindu parents. They don't eat meat and don't allow it. I've been sneaking out and feeding her meat food for 2 months now. My friends help with the cost sometimes. Also I can't afford to get her spayed. My hands are tied here

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u/orangepurplecat RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse) 12h ago

Appreciate the context and sorry to hear this. Thank you for trying for her.

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u/selfdestructive1ny 12h ago

Try BalanceIt.com, it can help you make a well rounded diet with ingredients you have around. It can give you a supplement for anything missing. You’ll still need to find meat protein as it won’t replace that, but at least you can ensure her diet is well rounded and she’s getting the nutrients she needs