My cat is giving birth, what should I do?

Bringing a new litter of kittens into the world can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience.

As a cat owner, knowing what to expect and how to handle the situation is crucial to ensure both the mother and her kittens are safe during the birthing process.

This guide will walk you through the steps of what to do when your cat is giving birth, including signs to look for, how to assist if necessary, and what to do after the birth.

Signs Your Cat is About to Give Birth

Understanding when your cat is about to go into labor can help you prepare for the birth. There are several physical and behavioral signs to watch for in the days leading up to the birth:

• Nesting Behavior: As your cat approaches labor, she may begin to seek out quiet, secluded areas to give birth. This is known as "nesting." She may also start scratching or arranging blankets or towels.

• Increased Restlessness: Cats often become restless and may pace around the house. They might also vocalize more than usual as they begin to feel discomfort.

• Decreased Appetite: Some cats may stop eating or eat less than usual before labor begins. This is normal as her body prepares for the upcoming delivery.

• Physical Changes: You may notice your cat’s abdomen lowering, and her teats becoming enlarged and pink as the milk begins to form.

Once these signs appear, it’s important to ensure that you are prepared for the delivery.

The Three Stages of Cat Labor

Understanding the stages of labor can help you better assist your cat during the birthing process. There are three main stages of cat labor:

Stage 1: Nesting and Restlessness

Stage 1 can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours and is the period when your cat begins to exhibit nesting behavior.

During this stage, you may see her panting, pacing, and perhaps even vocalizing. She might seek out a quiet, dark area to give birth.

• Signs to Watch For:

  • Your cat will likely start scratching at bedding or carpets.

  • She may spend time grooming herself excessively.

  • You might notice her abdominal muscles tightening as she prepares for the next stage.

Stage 2: Active Labor and Delivery of Kittens

Stage 2 is the active labor phase, where your cat will give birth to her kittens. This stage typically lasts between 2 to 6 hours but can be longer for first-time mothers.

• Signs to Watch For:

  • Contractions: You may see your cat’s abdomen tightening as the kittens move down the birth canal.

  • Glistening Fluid: The first sign of a kitten arriving is usually the appearance of clear or reddish-colored fluid.

  • Kittens' Birth: The first kitten will emerge within 30 to 60 minutes of the first signs of labor. Each kitten typically follows within 15 to 30 minutes of the last.

It’s normal for the mother to lick and chew the amniotic sac off the kittens as soon as they are born.

Stage 3: Expulsion of the Placenta

After each kitten is born, the placenta will be expelled. It’s important to ensure that each placenta is delivered after every kitten, as retained placentas can lead to infection.

• Signs to Watch For:

  • The placenta will appear as a dark greenish sac.

  • Your cat will often eat the placenta, which is normal but not necessary.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

Most cats will give birth without any complications, but it’s important to be aware of danger signs that may require veterinary assistance:

• No kitten within 20-30 minutes after strong contractions.

• Strong contractions for more than an hour without the appearance of a kitten.

• Green or black discharge before the first kitten is born, which could indicate a stillborn kitten.

• Kittens stuck in the birth canal or unable to be delivered within a reasonable time frame.

• Your cat appears exhausted or distressed and is unable to push out the kittens.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What to Do During Labor

Providing Comfort and a Safe Space

As your cat goes through labor, it’s crucial to ensure that she is in a quiet, comfortable space.

Set up a birthing area in a low-traffic room where she can feel safe and undisturbed. You can use clean towels or old blankets to line her space and make it cozy.

Avoid disturbing her too much, but keep an eye on her progress, and stay prepared in case you need to step in.

How to Assist During Birth

Although most cats will give birth without assistance, there are certain situations in which you may need to help. Here are some tips:

• Breaking the Amniotic Sac: If the mother doesn’t break the amniotic sac, use a clean towel to gently tear it open. Be sure not to apply too much pressure, as the kitten is fragile.

• Clearing the Kitten's Airways: If a kitten is not breathing, gently rub it with a clean towel to stimulate breathing. If the kitten still doesn’t breathe, you can try gently suctioning the mouth and nose with a bulb syringe.

• Assisting in Delivery: If a kitten seems stuck, wait a few moments to see if your cat can handle the delivery. If not, contact your veterinarian. Do not pull the kitten unless instructed by a professional, as this could cause injury to both the mother and the kitten.

Post-Birth Care for Mother and Kittens

Postpartum Care for Your Cat

After the birth, your cat will need some postpartum care to ensure she stays healthy. Here’s what to do:

• Provide Fresh Food and Water: Make sure she has access to fresh food and clean water, as she will need nourishment to recover from the birthing process.

• Monitor Her Health: Keep an eye on her recovery, and ensure that she is passing the placenta properly. If she seems overly lethargic or refuses to eat, contact your vet.

• Provide a Quiet Space: Give her space to nurse her kittens and rest. Avoid unnecessary handling, especially during the first few days.

Care for the Kittens

Ensure that the kittens are nursing regularly. Each kitten should latch onto a teat and begin feeding within 1 to 2 hours after birth. If any kittens are not nursing, you may need to offer kitten milk formula using a small bottle or dropper.

• Monitor the Kittens: Ensure that they are warm and comfortable. Keep the kittens in a warm area, as they cannot regulate their body temperature.

• Check Weight and Health: Healthy kittens should gain weight and remain active. If you notice that any kittens are lethargic, not nursing, or losing weight, contact your vet.

When to Take Your Cat to the Vet After Birth

It’s always a good idea to have a veterinary checkup for your cat within 24-48 hours after birth to ensure she is recovering properly.

The vet will check for any retained placentas, signs of infection, or other complications that might arise after birth.

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Source: Planet of The Cats

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