I am making this post as the idea of cubs gaining permanent injuries by lack of protection didn't prove popular enough!
A popular idea that came up though was cubs gaining scars if they were not protected and an accident occurred. The scars would be removeable decor, like the ones you occasionally obtain from sparring.
The cubs would still loose % in their chance of survival as before, but the scars would be a reminder for you to put the cub under protection and it would add to realism of the game.
If you support the idea thank you ^-^ if not, please let me know what to change/how to improve the idea!