What comes out first when a cat gives birth? - briefly
During a cat's birth, the first thing to emerge is the amniotic sac, followed by the kitten inside it.
What comes out first when a cat gives birth? - in detail
When a cat gives birth, the first thing that emerges is the amniotic sac, which contains the fluid surrounding the kitten. This sac acts as a protective cushion for the developing fetus throughout the pregnancy. As the queen begins to push during labor, the pressure from contractions causes the sac to appear at the vulva. The sac may appear as a bubble-like structure and is often transparent or slightly opaque. Once the sac is visible, the queen will continue to push, and the kitten’s head or hindquarters will follow, depending on the kitten’s position in the birth canal. In most cases, kittens are born headfirst, but breech births, where the hind legs emerge first, are also common and generally not a cause for concern unless complications arise. After the kitten is fully delivered, the mother will instinctively break the amniotic sac, clean the kitten, and sever the umbilical cord. This process ensures the kitten can breathe and begin its life outside the womb. The entire sequence is a natural and well-coordinated event, driven by the queen’s maternal instincts.