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.
According to some estimates, around 5-10 percent of all dogs can be partially or completely deaf. Apparently, dogs with white coats are more prone to deafness. Even though it does not affect only older dogs, it is not a topic that is often discussed....
Nowadays, it is common for town cats as well as village cats to be castrated. The reasons are understandable and people have fortunately moved away from the old-fashioned tradition of drowning kittens. But what to expect from castration, especially in...
It is said that a dog is a man's best friend Recent research therefore tends to focus on how dogs think and what they perceive during specific moments. The diversity of their thinking is based on the fact that dogs have gradually become involved in...
Fetching is a favourite activity for many dogs. Some dogs have it in their genes. Others must be shown how it is done before they start enjoying it. As with all other commands, positive motivation and rewarding are important. How to go about it?
The Czech Republic had the honour of taking on the host role and providing a venue for the World Dog Show organised for exhibitors, breeders and dog breed enthusiasts. It was agreed among the visitors that the event was successful. As a venue for the...
Do you find it hard to decide when there's so much to choose from? If you're like me, it's best to try out the harness first before you buy it for your four-legged friend. Today, the selection of dog harnesses is truly varied. There are harnesses for...
Autumn is here. And with it comes the flu season. Colds and other ailments associated with this time of the year do not only affect people, but also their four-legged friends. Especially widespread and highly dangerous in case of non-treatment is the...
Breed registry, pedigree, bonitation, bonitation card or bonitation commission, exterior, breeding certification - these are all terms that you will inevitably encounter if you want to have a 'certified' dog, namely a dog with a pedigree. What...
These little creatures, which we have adopted as full-fledged pets, the same as cats and dogs, are much more interesting than seems at first glance. What are the five peculiarities associated with the most numerous order of mammals, which every...
Gastric torsion is the nightmare of all dog owners. According to statistics, in three out of five cases gastric torsion happens at night. This is a very serious illness with a mortality rate of 30-40 percent. In order to prevent gastric torsion, it's...
The events of recent weeks have reaffirmed the importance of cynologists in rescue teams. The rescuers' four-legged partners help search not only in rubble after natural disasters but also track missing or injured persons in inaccessible terrain. Now...
How to give first aid to your pet? We often don't find out until something happens. Fortunately, there are more and more courses for complete laypersons. During these specialized seminars or webinars, owners of four-legged friends can find out the...
