My cat is giving birth, what should I do at home? - briefly
If your cat is giving birth at home, ensure she has a quiet, warm, and comfortable space to deliver her kittens. Monitor her progress but avoid unnecessary interference unless there are signs of distress or complications.
My cat is giving birth, what should I do at home? - in detail
If your cat is about to give birth, it's essential to be well-prepared and informed to ensure both the mother and kittens remain safe and healthy throughout the process. Here are some key steps you can take:
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Prepare a Quiet and Comfortable Space: Cats prefer quiet, secluded areas for birthing. Set up a cozy, warm nest in a cardboard box or a cat bed lined with blankets or towels. Ensure the space is draft-free and away from loud noises or other pets that could disturb her.
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Monitor but Don't Interfere: Allow your cat to labor naturally without interference. Cats instinctively know how to deliver their kittens, so it’s crucial not to disrupt this natural process unless absolutely necessary. However, keep an eye on her progress in case of any complications.
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Understand the Stages of Labor:
- First Stage: Your cat may become restless, pant heavily, and start nesting behavior. She might also refuse food. This stage can last from 6 to 12 hours.
- Second Stage: Contractions intensify, and your cat will start pushing. You’ll see the kittens begin to emerge. This stage usually takes less than an hour for each kitten.
- Third Stage: The placenta (afterbirth) is delivered after each kitten. Ensure all placentas are accounted for, as retained placentas can cause infections.
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Assist if Necessary: While cats typically give birth without issues, sometimes complications arise. If a kitten is stuck or your cat has been pushing for more than 15 minutes with no progress, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Clean the Kittens: After each kitten is born, gently clean their mouth and nose to stimulate breathing. Use a soft cloth or cotton swab. If the kitten isn’t breathing after a few minutes, you may need to perform kitten CPR, which involves carefully compressing the chest and giving rescue breaths.
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Keep the Mother and Kittens Warm: Newborn kittens are susceptible to cold. Ensure they stay warm by keeping them close to their mother or using a heat lamp or heating pad set on low. Avoid direct contact with heating pads to prevent burns.
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Monitor Feeding and Elimination: Kittens should nurse within the first hour of birth. Observe for signs that the kittens are nursing properly, such as swollen bellies and contented mewing. If a kitten isn’t nursing well or is weak, contact your vet. Also, ensure that all kittens pass their first stool (meconium) within 48 hours to prevent blockages.
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Provide Post-Birth Care: After delivery, the mother cat may eat the placentas, which is normal and helps clean the birthing area. Offer her water and a small amount of food to maintain her strength. Keep the area clean to prevent infections.
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Schedule a Veterinary Check-up: Even if everything seems fine, it’s wise to schedule a postnatal check-up for both the mother cat and the kittens within 24-48 hours of birth. This ensures all are healthy and developing properly.
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Emergency Signs: If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately: heavy bleeding, foul odor from the vagina, more than two hours between kitten deliveries, or lethargy in the mother cat or kittens.
By following these steps, you can support your cat through this important event and help ensure a successful and safe birthing experience for both her and her newborn kittens.