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

Fasting once a week: Truth or myth?

Allegedly, fast is instinctively practised by both wolfs and wild dogs. This has led many people to that assumption, that our dog on the couch should, once in a while, be fasting as well. A wild animal surely knows what it is doing, nature is wise, you...

Dog History II: Hachiko

In this cycle, we will get to know interesting dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let us take a look what they have already achieved during our life together. We should find Hachiko in the dictionary next to the phrase...

When is excessive movement harmful for your dog

Have you ever wondered how much movement is healthy for your dog and when it can be harmful? Or that not every movement is beneficial? Most dog owners never think about this. It’s said that the more you move, the better. But this is not always true.

My experience with humane trapping

As I mentioned in previous articles, I occasionally help out my friend Markéta, who runs a cat shelter. I had the opportunity to take part in several humane trappings for stray cats and would like to share the experience with you today. 

Dog depression

Did you know that even your pet dog can suffer from depression? As with people, we shouldn’t underestimate the mental state of our dogs. How to recognize it and what to do about it?

Dogs and cats in the world I: Greece

In this cycle, we shall take a look at how cats and dogs are getting along in the world. Where people nurture and spoil them, or on the contrary they suffer and their situation is critical. Today I would like to introduce you to the cats of Greece,...

Overheating your dog

The approach of warm sunny days will surely entice many people to go for long walks. Many of us take our four-legged companions on vacation. It’s during these times that we should be careful about sunstroke, both for us and our dogs. How can we prevent...

What to do if your dog is overweight

Just like with people, being overweight can have a negative impact on a dog’s health. Preparing the right diet and amount of food to give them can sometimes be, however, like pure alchemy, and so your dog can start to become obese. If this is the case...

How to protect your dog from ticks

There seems to be more and more ticks year after year. Fortunately, the ways to protect our furry friends, whether dogs or cats, against these parasites are growing. Everyone can choose what product fits best for them and their four-legged companions.

Skinny guinea pig or hairless guinea pig

Until recently skinny guinea pigs were relatively rare in our country. Word about them is quickly spreading, however, and they have become a sudden hit among breeders. What’s it like having these guinea pigs and what do they like to eat?

Feline kidneys need good nutrition

The kidneys perform one of the most important functions in the body - cleaning the blood. Due to their small intake of water, cats are more burdened than other animals and therefore suffer quite often from kidney problems the older they get.