While it's a natural instinct for many animals to consume the placenta, it's not strictly necessary for cats. Here's why:
* Nutritional Value: The afterbirth does offer some nutritional benefits, but it's not a crucial source of nutrients for the mother cat.
* Cleaning: The instinct to eat the placenta may also be related to keeping the birthing area clean and preventing predators from detecting the scent of the newborn kittens.
* Risks: Eating the placenta can sometimes pose risks to the mother cat, such as intestinal blockage or infection.
If your cat eats the afterbirth, it's perfectly normal. However, if she seems to be having difficulty or shows any signs of distress, contact your veterinarian immediately.
It's important to note that some veterinarians recommend removing the placenta from the birthing area to reduce the risk of infection. You should consult with your vet for their specific recommendations.