What to do if my cat is giving birth? - briefly
If your cat is giving birth, ensure she has a quiet, warm, and safe space to deliver her kittens. Monitor her progress but avoid interfering unless there are signs of distress or complications, in which case contact your veterinarian immediately.
What to do if my cat is giving birth? - in detail
If your cat is about to give birth, it's essential to be prepared and know what to expect. Here are some detailed steps you can follow:
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Preparation Before Birth: Ensure that your cat has a comfortable and quiet place to give birth. This could be a box lined with blankets or towels in a secluded area of your home. Make sure the space is warm, as newborn kittens are unable to regulate their body temperature for the first few weeks of life.
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Signs of Labor: Recognize the signs that labor is beginning. These may include restlessness, pacing, and frequent visits to the prepared birthing area. Your cat might also start nesting by digging at the bedding or rearranging it. Another sign is a decrease in appetite.
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Initial Stages of Labor: During the initial stages, your cat will experience contractions but may not push yet. She might pant, lick her genitals, and possibly vomit as a way to clear her system. This stage can last for several hours.
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Active Labor: When active labor begins, you'll notice more intense contractions. Your cat will start pushing and straining. The first kitten should arrive within an hour of the onset of active labor. If more than two hours pass without any progress or if your cat is in severe distress, contact your veterinarian immediately.
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Delivery: Once the kitten starts to emerge, do not interfere unless absolutely necessary. The mother should break the amniotic sac and clear the kitten's airways by licking it. If she doesn’t start nursing within 10-20 minutes, assist her by stimulating her nipples with a warm, wet cloth.
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Umbilical Cord: The mother cat should sever the umbilical cord and consume the placenta. This is a natural process that helps to clean and stimulate the kitten. If she doesn’t do this, you may need to intervene gently.
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Monitoring Kittens: Keep track of the number of kittens born. Cats typically give birth in intervals of 10-60 minutes between each kitten. If there are no more kittens after two hours, contact your vet. Sometimes, a kitten might be stuck, and veterinary intervention may be required.
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Post-Birth Care: Ensure that the mother cat has enough food and water to support her milk production. Newborn kittens should nurse frequently, ideally every 1-2 hours. If you notice any signs of illness or distress in either the mother or the kittens, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or unusual discharge, contact your veterinarian promptly.
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Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up visit with your vet within 48 hours to ensure that both the mother and her kittens are healthy. This is crucial for early detection of any potential health issues.
By following these steps, you can provide a safe and supportive environment for your cat during labor and birth, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both her and her newborn kittens.