Cat birth from start to finish

Do you have a pregnant cat at home? Is this stage slowly coming to an end and you are starting to panic about the birth? Let me take you through it from the beginning to the end. Let's take a look at when it is necessary to intervene, when the help of a veterinarian is needed and when to leave the cat in peace.

Cats usually give birth to 2-5 kittens. Their exact number can be determined by X-ray, but this is not commonly done. If you are worried about your cat, your vet can do an ultrasound, check the heart sounds, and estimate the number of kittens.

 

You are sure to notice the beginning of labor. The cat will begin to lick herself around her vulva and may start to groan. If she's giving birth for the first time, she may appear nervous. Her temperature drops below 38 °C, then contractions begin and within an hour, quite soon after the amniotic fluid outflow, the first kitten should be born. Kittens are born about 15 minutes apart, but it may even be an hour, so don't panic. 

 

The cat removes the kittens from the amniotic sac after birth. If she doesn't do so, it's time for you to step in. Very carefully tear the sac and remove the kitten. By licking her kittens the cat not only cleans them, she most importantly stimulates them to start breathing. However, she may be so exhausted or busy giving birth to another kitten that you may have to intervene. Take a towel and gently rub the newborn kitten, simulating a cat's tongue. It is also good to place the kitten nose down so the amniotic fluid drains from its airways.

 

After the kittens are born, the cat eats the placentas, but you should first count the placentas and make sure the number corresponds to the number of kittens. If a placenta stays in the cat, you should go see the vet, as it could cause an infection.

 

Another process you need to help the mother with if she can't handle it herself is cutting the umbilical cord. She will usually cut it with her teeth, but if she doesn't, tie a piece of strong thread around the umbilical cord about 2 cm from the kitten's body, and then one more knot 2 cm further. Then all you have to do is cut the cord with sharp scissors between the knots. 

 

When the newborns are clean, they immediately begin looking for their mother's nipples and begin to suckle milk. Don't unnecessarily touch the kittens or cat; let them get used to the new situation and take care of themselves.

 

If everything goes smoothly, don't panic, give the mother some peace and leave everything to her. Cats often give birth at night, leaving a surprise for you in the morning. You should only seek out a vet if the water broke and the cat has been pushing for a long time but no kittens are coming. Another dangerous situation requiring expert intervention is dark, bloody or foul smelling discharge. If you're not sure, leave the cat and call a vet. After you describe the situation he will either calm you down or instruct you to come to the clinic.

 

If you are dealing with this now, I wish you strong nerves and good luck.

 

Related articles

How to visit the vet without stress and fear

It's no secret that dogs like to visit the vet about as much as we like to visit the dentist. For most dogs, it causes stress that lasts for several hours. Thanks to their instincts, they sense it before you even leave for the vet's clinic. How can you...

Essential oils - a potential evil for your cats

Many of us love essential oils, whether it's because of their smell or their curative effects. Every other home has an aroma lamp or diffuser. But did you know what effects these fragrances have on your cats, and that they can seriously harm them?...

Kukur Tihar: Nepali dog celebrations

The second day of Hindi festival called Tihar is devoted to dogs. Their loyalty and devotion is celebrated, they are honoured as companions, guardians and friends. A holiday which is full of lights and colours doesn’t forget about stray dogs and it is...

Taking care of a brown rat – bathing

Brown rats are very cleanly animals. You can see them licking themselves several times a day and thus keeping their fur in a perfect condition. They suffer if their environment is not suitable, even though they can survive it. Many people think they...

5 tips to keep your dog happy and healthy

For us, devoted dog parents, changes in our lives often include our dog companions. Moreover, the stuff we do to keep our furry friends happy and healthy also commonly influence us as well. We owe them for better life and they deserve to get the same...

10 funny tricks you can easily teach your dog

It is sometimes fine to disrupt dogs’ routine by an interesting activity and what might be better than to teach your dog some tricks. Dogs hate boredom, even the greatest lazybones welcome some distraction. Here you have a couple of tips for tricks you...