How to give birth to a British cat at home?

How to give birth to a British cat at home? - briefly

To give birth to a British Shorthair cat at home, ensure you have a quiet and comfortable birthing area prepared in advance. Monitor the mother's behavior closely during labor, and only intervene if necessary or if complications arise.

How to give birth to a British cat at home? - in detail

Giving birth to a British Shorthair cat at home can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful preparation and understanding of the process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through this journey:

Preparation

  1. Create a Comfortable Birthing Area: Choose a quiet, warm, and secure location for your cat to give birth. A cardboard box or a pet carrier lined with clean towels or blankets can serve as the birthing area. Ensure it is easily accessible but also private to prevent stress.

  2. Gather Supplies: You will need clean towels, warm water, gauze pads, cotton swabs, and an antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine. Also, have a thermometer on hand to monitor the kittens' temperature after birth.

  3. Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the stages of labor in cats. This includes knowing the signs of false labor versus true labor, understanding how long each stage should last, and recognizing when intervention is necessary.

Stages of Labor

  1. First Stage: Dilation

    • Duration: Approximately 12-36 hours.
    • Signs: Restlessness, pacing, frequent visits to the litter box, decreased appetite, and nesting behavior (seeking out a comfortable spot to lie down).

  2. Second Stage: Delivery

    • Duration: Each kitten should be born within 10-60 minutes of the start of contractions.
    • Signs: Strong contractions, panting, and visible effort to push out the kittens.
    • Your Role: Monitor the birthing process but avoid interference unless necessary. If more than two hours pass without a kitten being born or if the cat appears distressed, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Delivery Process

  1. Birth of Each Kitten:

    • The first kitten usually arrives headfirst and is followed by subsequent kittens at intervals of 10-60 minutes.
    • As each kitten is born, gently clear the mouth and nose of mucus using a cotton swab or soft cloth. Ensure the kitten starts breathing within a minute of birth.
    • Place the kitten next to the mother to facilitate bonding and nursing.

  2. Placenta Delivery:

    • After each kitten is born, the placenta should follow within 10-30 minutes. If not, contact your vet as this could indicate a problem.

Post-Birth Care

  1. Monitor Kittens: Ensure all kittens are nursing and gaining weight. Weigh them daily to track progress. A healthy newborn kitten should gain 5-10% of its body weight per day for the first two weeks.

  2. Maintain Hygiene: Keep the birthing area clean by changing towels regularly and ensuring the mother has access to fresh water at all times.

  3. Veterinary Check-Up: Schedule a post-birth check-up with your vet within 48 hours of delivery to ensure both the mother and kittens are healthy.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

  1. Prolonged Labor: If more than two hours pass between the birth of kittens or if the cat shows signs of distress (e.g., excessive panting, lethargy).
  2. No Kitten After Two Hours: Contact your vet if no kitten is born after two hours of active labor.
  3. Placenta Retention: If the placenta does not follow within 30 minutes of a kitten's birth.
  4. Post-Birth Complications: Any signs of infection, lethargy, or lack of appetite in the mother or kittens should prompt an immediate call to your vet.

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can ensure a safe and successful home birth for your British Shorthair cat.