How many umbilical cords does a cat have? - briefly
Cats do not have an umbilical cord. Unlike humans and some other mammals, cats are born with their placenta already ruptured, so they do not require an external connection for nourishment during birth.
How many umbilical cords does a cat have? - in detail
Cats, like other mammals, have only one umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is a vital structure that connects the developing fetus to the placenta during pregnancy. It serves multiple critical functions: delivering oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the growing kitten, removing waste products such as carbon dioxide, and providing a pathway for blood flow between the two.
In cats, the umbilical cord typically consists of two arteries and one vein. These blood vessels are encased in a gelatinous substance called Wharton's jelly, which provides cushioning and support. The two arteries carry oxygen-depleted blood away from the fetus to the placenta, while the single vein transports oxygenated blood back to the kitten.
After birth, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, separating the kitten from the mother. The remaining portion of the cord on the kitten's body dries up and falls off within a few days, leaving behind a small scar called the navel or belly button.
The presence of only one umbilical cord in cats is a universal characteristic among mammals, reflecting the fundamental biological necessity for efficient fetal development and survival.