What will happen if a cat doesn't give birth to all its kittens? - briefly
If a cat does not deliver all of her kittens, it is typically due to complications during labor or a failure in the birthing process. In such cases, prompt veterinary intervention may be required to safely deliver the remaining kittens and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the newborns.
What will happen if a cat doesn't give birth to all its kittens? - in detail
If a cat does not give birth to all of its kittens, several scenarios can unfold, each with distinct implications for both the mother and the remaining kittens.
Firstly, if some kittens are stillborn or fail to develop properly within the womb, the mother's body will naturally expel them during labor. This process is known as resorption, where the fetus is reabsorbed into the uterine lining and passed out of the body without noticeable signs. In such cases, the remaining kittens typically continue to develop normally.
If a cat gives birth to only some of its kittens, it might be due to incomplete labor or dystocia. This condition can be caused by factors such as uterine inertia, where contractions are insufficient or weak, or maternal exhaustion. If the mother appears to have completed labor but one or more kittens remain unborn, immediate veterinary intervention is crucial. A qualified vet can perform a cesarean section to safely deliver the remaining kittens and ensure their survival.
In some instances, the retained kittens may be alive but unable to survive outside the womb without assistance. If not promptly delivered, they could suffer from asphyxia or other complications that compromise their health and chances of survival. Therefore, timely veterinary care is essential to prevent potential fatalities among the unborn kittens.
For the mother cat, an incomplete delivery can pose significant health risks. Prolonged labor can lead to uterine infection, which may require antibiotic treatment or even surgical intervention. Additionally, the mother might experience postpartum depression if she senses that some of her kittens are missing, affecting her ability to care for the remaining offspring effectively.
In summary, while a cat's body has mechanisms to handle stillborn or unviable kittens during labor, any deviation from a normal delivery requires immediate attention. Prompt veterinary intervention can ensure the safe delivery of all kittens and mitigate potential health risks for both the mother and her offspring.