What does a cat suffer from when its kittens are taken away? - briefly
When a cat's kittens are taken away, it can experience significant stress, anxiety, and even depression due to the strong maternal bond and instinct to care for its offspring.
What does a cat suffer from when its kittens are taken away? - in detail
When a cat's kittens are taken away, the mother cat can experience significant emotional and physical distress. The bond between a mother cat and her kittens is deeply rooted in instinct and hormones, particularly oxytocin, which fosters maternal care and attachment. Abrupt separation from her litter can lead to behavioral changes, such as restlessness, excessive vocalization, and searching behavior as she attempts to locate her missing offspring. This distress is often accompanied by physiological symptoms, including loss of appetite, lethargy, and even a temporary increase in stress-related hormones like cortisol. In some cases, the mother cat may exhibit signs of depression, withdrawing from social interaction and displaying reduced interest in her surroundings. Additionally, if the separation occurs too early, the mother may experience physical discomfort due to engorgement of her mammary glands, as her body is still producing milk for the kittens. This can lead to mastitis, a painful inflammation of the mammary tissue. The severity of these symptoms depends on factors such as the timing of separation, the cat's individual temperament, and the environment. Providing comfort, maintaining a routine, and ensuring the mother cat has access to familiar spaces can help mitigate her distress during this challenging period.