Cat Giving Birth: All You Need to Know

Ever felt that tight knot in your stomach, bubbling anxiety, wondering if your furball is going to be okay?

Don't worry, I've been there too.

So let's talk about cat birth, its stages, possible complications—and ease your worries. 😺

Ready?

Let's dive in!

Common Birth Complications

When it comes to cats giving birth, you should know how to spot trouble.

Here are some common problems you might come across:

1. A difficult birth, called dystocia, can happen for a few reasons - maybe there's something wrong with the mother or the kittens are too big for her.
2. Obstructive dystocia is when there's something physically in the way of the birth, and the vet usually needs to step in.
3. Functional dystocia is the most common type in cats and it happens when the mom just can't get things going. Stress, age, obesity, poor health, or medication can all play a part.
4. Sometimes, the babies aren't in the right position for birth, which is called foetal malpresentation.
5. Other times, they're not even positioned correctly in the birth canal - that's called malposition.
6. And then you've got malposture, which is when the babies are oriented incorrectly in the birth canal.

If you're a breeder, it's your job to keep a close eye on the mama cat for any changes in behavior, her belly getting bigger, fluid levels, and her history of giving birth.

By catching any problems early on, you can ensure to do whatever needs to be done quickly and give the best care possible. 😺

But did you know that not all kittens in a litter may share the same father?

Let me explain the fascinating concept of superfecundation and delve into the stages of cat pregnancy...

Duration of Cat Pregnancy

If you want to understand how long your cat will be pregnant, here are ten important things you should know:

1. Sometimes kittens in the same litter can have different fathers due to a process called superfecundation.
2. On average, cat pregnancies usually last around 63 to 65 days.
3. But remember, there can be exceptions and some cats may have shorter or longer pregnancies.
4. The placenta starts forming once the eggs reach the uterus.
5. Around two weeks into the pregnancy, you'll begin to notice changes in your cat's behavior and body.
6. By the fifth week, the organs of the kittens are almost fully formed.
7. In the sixth week, you might observe signs like "quickening," nesting behavior, and an overall sense of excitement.
8. About one week before delivery, early labor signs will start appearing.
9. Certain factors can trigger earlier births than expected.
10. If the pregnancy is shorter than 60 days, there is a higher risk of the kittens not surviving.

And did you know?

It’s normal for cats to give birth to about four kittens per litter, but occasionally they can have larger litters...

As you get ready for your cat's journey through pregnancy, keep these facts in mind. 😻

Preparing for Cat Birth: Supplies and Environment

For a smooth delivery process when your cat gives birth, you'll need some essential supplies.

Clean towels, heating pads, umbilical cord clamps, and lubricant are necessary to have on hand.

As a responsible cat owner, you ought to avoid overbreeding and limit your cat's breeding to three times a year. This helps maintain their health and wellbeing.

In the final week of pregnancy, creating a comfortable environment for your cat is vital.

During this time, she will instinctively search for a suitable birthing bed on her own.

Allow her to find a quiet and secure spot where she feels safe.

Taking these precautions ensures a safer and more relaxed birthing experience for both you and your beloved feline friend.

Helping Your Cat During Birth

Here's what you gotta do to help your cat give birth:

1. Know that cats have different moods during labor.
2. Figure out if your cat wants space or wants you around.
3. Give the right kind of support based on what your cat needs.
4. Be aware of the different stages of birth.
5. Let the momma cat handle removing the sacs by licking them.
6. Only step in if there are problems like delays, distress, or previous difficulties.
7. Get professional help if things get too tricky.
8. Step in when kittens are stuck or need help breathing. 🐾

You're a crucial part of this process.

So always be alert, prepared, and ready to lend a hand if needed.

So as you help your cat during birth, there's one thing I want to draw your attention to.

I understand that you may have concerns, and that's completely normal.

But if you're curious about why a pregnant cat may be vomiting, I have just the resource for you.

Check out my article on Pregnant Cat Vomiting.

It's filled with information and solutions that can help address your concerns.

Postnatal Care: Caring for Newborn Kittens

Taking care of newborn kittens requires special attention and care.

Here's what you need to remember:

1. Keep an eye out for any birth defects. Kittens can be born with issues in their legs or have problems with their eyes, ears, or heart. It's important to closely watch them and get help from a vet if anything seems wrong.
2. Make sure they stay warm right after being born. Newborn kittens aren't able to control their body temperature yet, so it's crucial to keep them cozy. Drying them gently, keeping them close, and covering them with a blanket will ensure they're comfortable and safe.
3. Be prepared for the possibility of rejection. Sometimes, a mother cat might not accept one or more of her babies. In these cases, you have to decide what's best - whether to take care of the rejected kitten yourself, find a foster home, or, in extreme cases, consider euthanasia.

Being well-informed and attentive will make a purrfect difference in ensuring the well-being of the newborn kittens.

Now, you might be wondering what complications can arise during and after cat birth.

From metritis to uterine prolapse and mastitis, there are potential problems that require immediate veterinary attention.

But that's not all; lactation tetany and the benefits of spaying also come into play.

Stay tuned to learn more about these fascinating aspects of cat birth!

Puerperal Complications

Metritis: A Common Postpartum Complication

Giving birth is a beautiful experience, but sometimes it's not smooth sailing.

One problem that can occur after giving birth is called metritis.

It's when the uterus gets inflamed within three days after giving birth.

If you notice that your cat still has tissue from birthing in her uterus, it can cause infection and discomfort.

What should you do if you suspect metritis?

Reach out to your vet right away.

They will likely give your cat antibiotics to clear up the infection.

In severe cases, emergency spaying might be needed.

Uterine Prolapse: A Rare But Serious Situation

Another complication that can happen after giving birth is uterine prolapse.

It rarely happens, but when it does, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Imagine this: your cat's uterus slips down and comes out of her vaginal opening.

It's quite scary.

In this situation, don't wait – call your vet immediately.

They will guide you on how to gently push the uterus back into place before taking her for professional care.

Mastitis: When the Mammary Glands Cause Trouble

You've probably heard of mastitis before, but did you know it can affect cats too?

Mastitis is when the mammary glands get inflamed, and it can make nursing painful for mama cats.

If you notice any redness, swelling, or warmth in the mammary area, it's time to intervene.

Try applying some heat and giving gentle massages to help with milk flow. Regular milking sessions may also relieve pressure.

However, if things don't improve or get worse, antibiotics may be necessary to fight the infection.

Lactation Tetany: A Fancy Term for Low Calcium

Now, here's a complicated term for you: lactation tetany.

It sounds intimidating, but all it means is low calcium levels during or after childbirth.

This condition can cause muscle twitches and spasms – not something your cat wants to experience.

To address lactation tetany, your vet will likely suggest an injection of calcium. It helps replenish the calcium levels in your cat's body, providing much-needed relief and prevent further problems.

Spaying: Preventing Complications and Promoting Health

Prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to your cat's health.

I highly recommend considering spaying your cat around five months old.

Spaying not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also has various health benefits.

It significantly reduces the risk of uterine infections (like metritis) and eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancers.

And let's not forget, no more messy heat cycles!

Considering all these complications, you must provide proper care and seek professional help when needed.

Keep a close eye on your cat's well-being because she deserves the best.

And that wraps up today's article.

If you wish to read more of my useful articles, I recommend you check out some of these: Pregnant Cat Breathing Fast, Can a Cat Nurse Kittens That Arent Hers, Is Majesty Palm Toxic to Cats, Can You Travel With a Pregnant Cat, and Do Cats Shed More When Stressed Scared

Talk soon,

-Sarah Davis