Some kittens or puppies may be accidentally smothered by their mother. Cannibalism occurs in both dogs and cats but is infrequent. A mother that has cannibalized her offspring should probably not be bred again. Male dogs and cats should be supervised near young offspring . They do not recognize their own offspring and do not participate in their care.
Males are threats to the young and many females protect their litter against any perceived threat.
Intact male cats, in particular, may pose real threats. Male cats commonly kill young kittens. Nonpregnant female dogs commonly display physical and behavioral signs consistent with pregnancy. This is infrequent in female cats. The abdomen may appear somewhat swollen and milk may be produced in the mammary glands.