The phrase
"unborn kittens" refers to baby cats that have not yet been born.
Full definition
Some experts believe that the virus does not cross the placental barrier to
unborn kittens in utero or via breast milk during nursing.
Unborn kittens at 1 - 4 weeks gestation are usually killed by the infection and the foetus is reabsorbed by the mother or spontaneously aborted.
FIV may be transmitted to
unborn kittens if their mother is infected during pregnancy.
There are some risks to
unborn kittens when using modified live vaccines, especially at certain stages of gestation.
Unborn kittens at 1 — 4 weeks gestation are usually killed by the infection and the fetus is reabsorbed by the mother or spontaneously aborted.
It has also suggested that there may be trans - placental transmission, i.e. from the pregnant queen to
her unborn kittens.
Unborn kittens can also pick up the virus during gestation if the mother is infected.
Cesarean Section (surgical delivery of kittens) is rare in cats unless there are complications such as dystocia (
an unborn kitten lodged in the birth canal).
For the health of
the unborn kittens and your healthy cat momma, do not try to feel around for the kittens while they are in her womb.
Mothering cats can also spread the virus to
their unborn kittens; therefore, it is highly recommended that pregnant cats are routinely vaccinated to prevent spreading FPV to their offspring.
There are different strains of the virus and some may be more damaging to
unborn kittens than others.
Sadly, FPV does cross the placental barrier, which means that a pregnant queen will transfer the virus to
her unborn kittens.
There are different strains of the virus and some are may be more damaging to
unborn kittens than others.