We have taken in a pregnant stray cat, who has given birth to her litter of kittens this afternoon. Three of the kittens are nursing and well, while one has a serious birth defect. The spine of the kitten has a long open wound and it cannot move its back legs. (Spina Bifida in cats?) It is pulling itself towards Mom with front paws, and Mom is nursing it.
I have NO experience with birthing cats and I am now at a loss. Will nature take its course? Do I take this kitten to the vet to be helped along? I want to do the most humane thing for this little creature. Starving to death seems rather cruel. How would the mother cat react (very young cat herself) if I just take away one of her babies. I don't want to put the others at risk.
Thanks for your help.
I have NO experience with birthing cats and I am now at a loss. Will nature take its course? Do I take this kitten to the vet to be helped along? I want to do the most humane thing for this little creature. Starving to death seems rather cruel. How would the mother cat react (very young cat herself) if I just take away one of her babies. I don't want to put the others at risk.
Thanks for your help.