Cats usually have pregnancies and give birth without trouble. But what if your cat is very young or old? What if this isn't her first pregnancy? Problems might come up. This article will guide you in understanding pregnancy and delivery in cats.
You'll learn signs that might mean a vet should step in. It will help you get ready for an emergency. With a pregnant cat at home, it's good to prepare for the unexpected. If you're ready for an emergency, maybe there won't be one!
Gestation Period In Cats
Understanding the Gestation Period
Cats have a gestation period that averages 64 days. It typically ranges between 62 and 67 days or approximately nine to ten weeks.
If your cat has been pregnant for more than 67 days, it may be time to consult your vet immediately.
Monitoring Your Cat's Temperature
If you plan to be present when your cat delivers her kittens, it's essential to start monitoring her temperature two weeks before her expected due date.
Doing this at the same time every day will help you identify patterns. Your cat's temperature should generally be between 101 and 102 Fahrenheit. When it drops below 100F (98-95F), she should give birth within 24 hours.
To take the temperature rectally, lubricate a thermometer with petroleum jelly. Gently and slowly insert it about 1 inch into the rectum. If you meet resistance, don't force it. Ear thermometers, while less invasive, may not provide accurate readings.
Preparing for Labor: Items You'll Need
Essential Supplies
You'll need various supplies to aid your cat during labor. These include:
- Clean towels for drying and comfort.
- Blunt scissors to cut the umbilical cord if the mother doesn't.
- Dental floss to tie off the umbilical cord.
- A baby's suction bulb clears mucous from the kitten's mouth or nose.
- An adjustable heating pad with a thick cover for keeping the newborns warm.
- A small cardboard box lined with thick towels, in case the mother rejects the kittens.
- Your vet's phone number is kept handy for emergencies.
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Creating a Nesting Area
Location and Comfort
Around 4 to 7 days before labor is estimated to begin, provide your cat with a suitable nesting area. This space should be dry, quiet, and warm.
Providing nesting materials such as towels or blankets will make the area comfortable.
Importance of Familiarity
The nesting location should be familiar to the cat and free from other cats or excessive human activity. Any sudden changes in the environment may stress the cat, possibly delaying labor or leading to neglect of the kittens.
Risks of Moving
Moving a pregnant cat or significantly altering her surroundings can have negative effects. It may cause her to move her kittens or even neglect them. Consistency and calm are key to a successful birthing process.
By breaking down these areas into smaller, focused sections, the reader can better navigate the content and understand each aspect of preparing for a cat's pregnancy and labor.
Stages of Cat Labor
Pre-Labor Signs: 12-48 Hours Before Delivery
In the twelve to forty-eight hours before labor, your cat may seem more anxious and restless. She may begin looking for a nesting place and lick her abdomen and vagina persistently in preparation for birthing.
There may be a discharge that precedes birthing, but she might lick it away before you observe it. Some cats may stop eating, while others continue to eat throughout the process. You may also notice more rapid breathing, or even loud yowling and pacing.
Active Labor: The Onset of Contractions
As active labor begins, and uterine contractions start, your cat will likely lay on her side. She may frequently squat and press downward to push the kittens out.
Typically, the first kitten should arrive within an hour after the onset of contractions. Additional kittens may arrive immediately or with intervals up to 2 hours between each.
Although not common, labor and contractions may stop for 24 to 48 hours after the delivery of the initial kittens, and then labor will resume, and more kittens will be delivered.
How to Support Your Cat During Labor
Monitoring and Observation
During labor, it's essential to keep a close eye on your cat but avoid unnecessary interference. Ensuring the environment remains calm and comfortable is crucial for a smooth birthing process.
Providing a Safe Nesting Area
Your cat will need the nesting area you prepared earlier to be available, meeting her needs for privacy and comfort during the birthing process.
When to Call the Vet
If anything seems unusual, such as prolonged periods between kittens or signs of distress from your cat, you should be prepared to call your vet.
Post-Labor Care
Care for the Newborns
After the kittens are born, you may need to help clean them and ensure they latch on to nurse properly.
Watch for Postpartum Issues
After delivery, it's important to keep an eye on your cat for signs of postpartum complications. Consulting your vet if any concerns arise will ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and her new kittens.
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Kitten Stuck in the Birth Canal
Time Limit in the Birth Canal
A kitten should not spend more than fifteen minutes in the birth canal. While in the birth canal, pressure on the umbilical cord deprives the kitten of oxygen.
How to Assist the Kitten
If you should see a kitten in this situation, grab it gently with a soft cloth, and pull it backward and downwards in motion. Grab the kitten by its hips or shoulders, not his head or legs.
Normal Arrival Position
It is normal for kittens to arrive either head first or tail first.
The Amniotic Sac
Description
Each kitten arrives wrapped in a jelly-like membrane filled with clear fluid (the amniotic sac).
Immediate Action if Broken
If the sac is broken in the birth canal, the kitten needs to be delivered immediately.
Mother's Interaction with the Newborn
Mother's Initial Response
Good mothers immediately begin licking the kitten, which breaks this sac allowing the kitten to breathe. This licking stimulates the kitten's circulation and respiration.
Human Assistance
In the rare case where the mother does not free the kitten's mouth from the obstructing membrane, you should do it for her by rubbing the kitten in a soft towel to dry it and stimulate respiration.
Handling the Placenta and Umbilical Cord
Placenta and Umbilical Cord
The placenta is still attached to the kitten at this time. It will slowly come out following each birth. The mother will also chew off the umbilical cord at this time. If she forgets to do this to one or more of the kittens, DO NOT PULL THE CORD, tie off the cord with a length of dental floss and snip the cord about an inch long.
Importance of Mother's Role
It is important to let the mother do these things herself if she will because through licking and mothering the kitten she bonds with it and recognizes it as her infant. She may eat the placentas, this is normal.
Nursing and Aftercare
Nursing the Newborn
Your cat will probably begin nursing the kitten(s) before the next kitten arrives. If she doesn't, you will want to place the kitten(s) on one of her nipples. The nursing will stimulate her uterus to contract further so you may see a blood-tinged or greenish, yellow discharge.
Post-Birth Discharge
After birth, the mother may discharge bloody fluid for up to 10 days. The discharge will be spotty. If it is a heavy discharge or foul-smelling -- get the cat to the vet immediately!
Warning Signs of Problem Pregnancy:
Spontaneous Abortion
Spontaneous abortion refers to the natural loss of the fetus. There is nothing that can be done in this case, and it's nature taking its course. Nevertheless, the cat should be seen by a vet to ensure her well-being.
Extended Pregnancy Duration
If the cat is pregnant for more than 67 days, this may indicate a problem that requires veterinary attention.
Low Body Temperature
The cat's temperature being below one hundred for more than one day can be a sign of an underlying issue.
Eclampsia
This condition occurs about three weeks after the delivery, or sometimes later in the pregnancy. The queen may be losing calcium quickly, resulting in a wobbly and stiff gait. Other symptoms include irritability and vomiting. Eclampsia can be fatal and requires immediate veterinary intervention.
Weakness or Lethargy
If the cat appears depressed, weak, or lethargic, this could signal an issue that needs to be addressed by a vet.
Obstructed Birth Canal
A kitten lodged in the birth canal for more than ten minutes without the ability to dislodge it requires immediate assistance.
Prolonged Contractions
The cat having contractions for more than four hours without any kitten appearing is a sign of a problem that needs prompt attention.
Purulent Discharge
Vaginal discharge that is pus-like, foul-smelling, or appears thick and infected, known as Purulent Discharge, requires immediate veterinary care.
Placenta Count Mismatch
If there are more kittens than placentas, it can be a sign of a problem that requires monitoring or veterinary intervention.
Mother's Neglect
Mom ignoring the kittens and moving them out of the nest may indicate stress or other underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Weak or Unnourished Kittens
Kittens that appear weak, unable to nurse, or are not receiving enough milk to look plump and satisfied should be checked by a vet.
Signs of Mastitis
If the mammary gland (breast) is hot, hard, or painful, known as mastitis, it can be a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
Restlessness in Kittens
Kittens that are mewing constantly, working the nipples, not sleeping, or are restless might signal an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
High Temperature Post-Birth
If the mother cat's temperature is over 102.5, and two days have passed since she gave birth, it may indicate an infection or other complication that requires prompt veterinary attention.
If any of these signs appear, CALL YOUR VET!
Conclusion: A Joyful Experience
Caring for a cat during pregnancy and labor is a rewarding responsibility that requires careful attention and compassion.
By understanding the signs of labor and being prepared with the right environment and necessary supplies, you can help ensure a smooth and safe delivery for your beloved pet.
The arrival of kittens is a joyous occasion, marking a new chapter in your cat's life and your own. Embrace the process, and don't hesitate to consult with your vet if any questions or concerns arise.
After all, the health and happiness of your cat and her new family are worth every effort.
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Written Contributions by Gaye Flagg
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