How to Help a Cat Give Birth (with Pictures)

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How to Help a Cat Give Birth (with Pictures)
How to Help a Cat Give Birth (with Pictures)

Video: How to Help a Cat Give Birth (with Pictures)

Video: How to Help a Cat Give Birth (with Pictures)
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Whether you're a breeder or simply have a pregnant cat, it's important to know how to act at the right time. A feline pregnancy usually takes 65 to 67 days, so once you've confirmed the pregnancy, you need to start preparing for the birth of the cats. puppies. Here are some tips.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Preparation

Help a Cat Give Birth Step 1
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 1

Step 1. Look for signs of pregnancy

The most common are: large, pink teats, swollen belly and lack of heat

Help a Cat Give Birth Step 2
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 2

Step 2. Take the cat to the vet as soon as you suspect she is pregnant

  • The doctor will check for complications and advise you on how to prepare for the birth.
  • This visit is even more important if the animal is obese or has other existing conditions, as it will be more susceptible to complications.
  • In some cases, the veterinarian may determine that continuing the pregnancy is too dangerous and sterilizing the pussy is the most humane thing to do.
  • He will also be able to estimate how many puppies will be born; this can be very helpful for you to be able to determine the end of the birth.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 3
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 3

Step 3. Adjust the cat's diet when she is about 42 days pregnant, that is, when her belly is visibly swollen

The animal will have different nutritional needs at this stage, so be aware.

  • Before that, stick to the diet as usual.
  • After 42 days, use puppy food. As the cat's uterus will put pressure on her stomach, she won't be able to eat much, so this increase in calories is important.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 4
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 4

Step 4. Assemble the nest

The cats look for a warm, calm and safe place to give birth. The pregnant cat will likely begin to show signs of searching days before giving birth; this is the perfect time to show her the nest.

  • The laundry area or the bathroom are the ideal rooms; just make sure that children and other animals are not wandering around. The cat needs relaxation and security in the nest.
  • The animal needs access to fresh water, feed and, of course, a toilet bowl. This box needs to be a little away from the nest so as not to increase the risk of disease.
  • Take a large cardboard box and line it with soft things like towels or old blankets.
  • Remember that no material can smell too strong, as the cat and kittens will recognize each other through the scent.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 5
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 5

Step 5. Prepare the cat for the birth of the kittens

Continue to give quality feed and see if there is any reduction in appetite, which usually indicates that delivery is approaching.

  • If the cat has long hair, it might be better to cut it around her vulva a few days before the hatchlings are born. In addition, some professionals recommend doing the same in the area of the teats to facilitate the feeding of kittens.
  • However, if you can't trim your hair in advance, forget about this tip. Doing this too close to birth can interfere with the smell and, consequently, with the recognition of the puppies.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 6
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 6

Step 6. Prepare for the birth of the puppies

In addition to a cardboard box, water, feed and a toilet, you need to have some other materials nearby.

  • A carrying case is important in case the cat needs to be taken to the veterinarian.
  • Keep your cell phone charged and leave the clinic number programmed into the device.
  • Have a pile of old towels to clean the puppies.
  • Buy a pack of powdered milk specifically for newborn kittens, as well as a bottle, in case the cat has a problem and cannot breastfeed the babies.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 7
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 7

Step 7. Track the duration of pregnancy

There is a margin of error in this duration, but if the cat spends more than 67 days waiting for the kittens, it is best to take her to the vet.

He will most likely have an ultrasound to see if the puppies are healthy and suggest waiting another 4 or 5 days. If delivery does not start naturally, a cesarean may be needed

Help a Cat Give Birth Step 8
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 8

Step 8. Look for any signs of complications, whether illness or abnormal discharge

  • Abnormal discharge: A greenish-yellow fluid may indicate a uterine infection, a very green fluid may be a sign of a placental separation, and a bloody discharge is likely indicating a ruptured placenta. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a veterinarian right away.
  • Illness: Pregnancy stresses the body and can weaken the immune system. If the cat is unwell (vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, lack of appetite, etc.), make an appointment with the veterinarian.

Part 2 of 3: During childbirth

Help a Cat Give Birth Step 9
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 9

Step 1. Don't meddle

Accept that, if everything is going well, the cat won't need anyone. Just being present in the room will comfort her.

  • Stay far enough away not to impede the birth, but close enough to intervene if necessary.
  • Be prepared for possible complications.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 10
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 10

Step 2. Know the signs of an impending birth and become familiar with them

Phase 1 usually lasts from 12 to 24 hours. Please note:

  • The cat is listless or restless, looking for a place to hide (show the nest);
  • She licks the vulva too much;
  • She paces and gasps;
  • She cries and meows loudly;
  • It has a degree or two lower in body temperature (normal is approximately 38. 9 ºC);
  • The cat doesn't eat;
  • The cat vomits;
  • If she has a bloody discharge, see a veterinarian right away, as this usually indicates something is wrong.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 11
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 11

Step 3. Once the cat is in the nest, and the birth begins, the best thing to do is to stay calm, be prepared and keep an eye on each kitten's birth

Both you and the environment need to be calm. If the cat is disturbed in any way, it may delay delivery. Phase 2 normally develops as follows:

  • The cervix will start to relax and contractions will come;
  • As the first puppy enters the birth canal, the contractions will build up. They will likely come at 2-3 minute intervals, and the cat will likely be crouched down (as if doing some physiological need) and meowing;
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 12
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 12

Step 4. Amniotic fluid will come out first, followed by the kitten's head or hind legs;

  • Once Phase 2 begins, it will take approximately half to an hour for the first puppy to be born. Each subsequent kitten will come about half an hour apart.
  • Keep an eye! If the cat is lying down and pushing hard, but no kittens come out, there is probably a problem. Check that there is nothing in the vulva region. If not, call the vet. If a puppy is partially out, let the cat push for another 5 minutes. If nothing happens during this time, wash your hands, hold the kitten and pull gently - preferably when there is a contraction. If the puppy does not glide easily, call the veterinarian.
  • Keep watching and see if the cat starts licking the puppy to remove the membrane from the amniotic sac. The kitten will start breathing and moving in a matter of seconds.
  • If not, tear the membrane with sterile, gloved hands. Wipe the puppy's face with a dry, clean towel.
  • Place the kitten under the cat's snout and wait to see if she will start licking it. If she ignores you, dry the animal with a clean, dry towel. At this point, the puppy usually starts crying, which gets the cat's attention. So put the baby next to her again.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 13
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 13

Step 5. Check the placenta

Each puppy has one, and she leaves after he is born. If the placenta stays inside the cat, it can cause a fatal infection if you don't consult a veterinarian.

  • Do not try to pull the placenta.

    If you do, the uterus may rupture, which will kill the cat. If you suspect that any placenta has not been expelled, take the animal to the veterinarian.

  • Many cats eat the placenta because it is full of hormones and nutrients important to the body. Do not interfere in this process! But be careful not to let the cat eat the puppy together for lack of experience.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 14
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 14

Step 6. Let the cat eat only two or three placentas, as excessive nutrients can cause diarrhea or vomiting

  • Clean and sterilize your hands. Take off your watch and any rings and wash your hands with an antimicrobial soap. Lather the back of the hand and the wrist as well. Rub for approximately 5 minutes. Then clean your nails with a brush.
  • Do not use other products, such as alcohol gel, for example. It does not kill all germs and leaves remnants on the skin, which will pass to the kittens, which will then be licked by the cat. This will make her sick.
  • Washing your hands is just a precaution. Let the cat handle the birth alone. Only intervene if there is a problem.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 15
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 15

Step 7. Do not cut the umbilical cord

Most cats will separate you on their own. If not, consult your veterinarian.

  • Do not cut the umbilical cord if part of it is still inside the cat.

    As it gets trapped in the placenta, it can get trapped inside the animal and cause a fatal infection. Instead of intervening, call the vet and follow his instructions.

Part 3 of 3: After childbirth

Help a Cat Give Birth Step 16
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 16

Step 1. Kittens need to be breastfed as soon as possible as colostrum contains important antibodies

  • Puppies are blind and deaf as soon as they are born, so they seek out their mother's teats through smell and touch. This can either happen immediately or a few minutes after delivery.
  • The cat can wait for all the kittens to be born before allowing them to suckle. However, if she starts rejecting them, prepare the puppy-specific milk you bought and feed them from the bottle.
  • If breast milk is not coming out for some reason, you will notice kittens meowing in frustration. In that case, consult a veterinarian as he may stimulate the flow. In the meantime, give them the baby milk powder.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 17
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 17

Step 2. Analyze the health of the kittens

  • If a puppy is making choking or gurgling sounds, it is because there is fluid in the airway. It is best to hold it between your hands with your head on your fingertips and gently rock it down. This will help to expel fluid from the lung. Clean his face with gauze. Wear gloves throughout the process, but be careful as a newborn kitten is slippery.
  • If the mother is uninterested in the puppies, rub her scent on them. If nothing happens, you will need to care for the kittens without her help, which should include constant feeding and an incubator. As this is very complex, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
  • Don't be alarmed if one of the puppies is stillborn. First, see if it's really dead before burying it. You can try to revive it by rubbing it with a damp, warm cloth. Other tips are to raise and lower the paws and blow his face.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 18
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 18

Step 3. Analyze the cat's health

Keep food and water very close to the box, as the mother will not want to abandon the babies even to eat or need to be done. Eating is important to maintain energy and pass nutrients to puppies through milk.

  • Especially on the first day, the cat can be lying down all the time.
  • Check her constantly to see if she is recovering well from the birth and taking care of the kittens.
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 19
Help a Cat Give Birth Step 19

Step 4. Note the time and day of birth, sex, weight and also when the placenta was delivered

All of this information can be useful if you are a breeder

Tips

  • When bottle feeding, hold each puppy on its stomach, as holding it on its stomach (as you would a human baby) while nursing can lead to serious lung problems.
  • After each feeding, it is recommended to have the puppy burp in a similar way to a human baby. Hold the puppy in a comfortable position with its head higher than the rest of its body, patting its back very gently. Allow time for the air to rise from your stomach into your mouth. This will prevent gagging and regurgitation.
  • When time for delivery approaches, make the bed with dark sheets. Even though you've made a nest for the cat, she may decide that this is the perfect place to give birth because that's where she feels comfortable.
  • Do not approach the cat during delivery, unless necessary. You could end up all scratched and bitten.
  • Unless you are a breeder, sterilize the cat. This lowers the risk of pyometra, an infection that fills the uterus with pus after heat; it can be fatal if the animal is left untreated.
  • If everything is working out, don't interfere.

Notices

  • If the cat does not have the first kitten within two hours of the start of labor, see a veterinarian immediately. The same is true if there is an interval greater than an hour between one puppy and another. If that happens, don't panic! The best thing to do is stay calm.
  • Other troublesome signs for getting smart and seeing a veterinarian right away include:

    • The first puppy doesn't come out even after an hour of strong contractions;
    • The cat gives birth only partially;
    • Loss of bright red blood from the vagina.

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