Kittens' Health and Proper Development if their Mother had Pyometra

by Deb
(Dublin, CA, USA)

I am considering adopting an Ocicat from a breeder who told me that the mother cat had pyometra prior to breeding and that their vet advised them to breed her to prevent another infection. She then produced a litter with 2 live males and 2 partially formed fetuses. Are there any increased risks of 1) health problems or 2) less than optimal development concerns for the surviving kittens?


Dear Deb,

Of course I can't be certain without examining the kittens myself, but assuming that the surviving kittens are growing and thriving, and that they have been examined by a veterinarian and received a clean bill of health, it is unlikely that the pyometra suffered by their mother will have any lasting effects on the kittens. The partially developed fetuses were much more likely the result of the mother's overall health than an indicator of the kittens' health.

Thank you for writing in with your questions,
Dr. Neely