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Feline dystocia and kitten mortality up to 12 weeks in pedigree cats
Petra Černá1,2, Sneha Joseph Pugalendhi3, Darren J Shaw3
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Insights
Dystocia incidence in pedigree cats is higher than historical data. Factors like queen age, gestation length, and litter size influence dystocia, while breed and birth complications impact kitten mortality.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Reproduction
- Feline Genetics
Background:
- Dystocia and kitten mortality are significant concerns in pedigree cat breeding.
- Previous studies have assessed birth-related statistics over 30 years, necessitating updated data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of dystocia in pedigree cat breeds.
- To investigate kitten mortality rates up to 12 weeks of age.
- To identify factors influencing dystocia and mortality in pedigree cats.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study utilizing convenience sampling.
- Online questionnaire distributed to registered cat breeders in 29 countries.
- Data collected from 448 breeders on 853 litters (3560 kittens) across 45 pedigree breeds.
Main Results:
- Dystocia requiring veterinary intervention occurred in 14.9% of litters, with breed-specific variations (0-22.2%).
- Caesarean sections were performed in 10.7% of litters, most frequently in Cornish Rex cats.
- Kitten mortality varied significantly by breed, with Bengal cats showing the highest rates (23.4%) and Ragdolls/Norwegian Forest Cats showing lower rates.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of dystocia in pedigree cats has increased compared to historical data.
- Queen's age, gestation length, and litter size are key factors affecting dystocia risk.
- Kitten mortality is influenced by the need for caesarean sections, birth defects, and specific cat breeds.
Objectives:
The aim of the present study was to establish the incidence of dystocia in pedigree cat breeds and investigate mortality rates in kittens up to the age of 12 weeks.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted that utilised convenience sampling. Registered cat breeders from 29 countries whose cats had given birth within a single year (2019) were asked to complete an online questionnaire. This study is the third in a series over 30 years that have assessed changes in birth-related statistics in cat breeds.
Results:
Data were collected from 448 breeders on 853 litters, with 3560 live-born kittens from 45 pedigree breeds (as per the queens' breed). The incidence of dystocia that required veterinary intervention was 14.9% and varied by breed (range 0-22.2%). Caesarean section was required for 10.7% of litters, most commonly in Cornish Rex cats. Despite apparent breed variation, there was no statistically significant difference among breeds. Queens aged over 5 years and litters of more than six kittens were associated with a reduced risk of dystocia, whereas a longer gestation period increased the risk. Bengal cats had the highest cumulative kitten mortality up to the age of 12 weeks (23.4%). Significant breed differences (P <0.001) were noted, with Ragdoll and Norwegian Forest Cats having lower litter mortality compared with Bengal and British Shorthair/Longhair cats.
Conclusions And Relevance:
The incidence of dystocia in pedigree cats was higher than the historical values for non-pedigree and pedigree cats. The age of the queen, gestation length and litter size affected the incidence of dystocia. Kitten mortality was affected by the requirement for caesarean section, presence of birth defects and breed.
