Essential Tips for Cat Delivery: A Comprehensive Guide
Cats' labor tends to be more susceptible to environmental influences. Unfamiliar surroundings, loud noises, or the presence of other strangers can all be stimulating factors that might lead to abnormal labor. If your cat is generally healthy during pregnancy and shows no signs of distress, it is often advisable not to rush her to the vet for delivery. Natural childbirth can be a viable option. However, it's crucial to have a few emergency supplies on hand, such as glucose water, scissors, cotton thread, cotton balls, and alcohol. Additionally, ensure a comfortable birthing environment, and during the process, try to resist the urge to disturb the mother cat unnecessarily unless there are clear signs of complications.
Abnormal Labor Situations:
1. Premature Labor: While not common, premature labor in cats is defined as a gestation period of less than 60 days. Although premature kittens can survive, they tend to be underweight and may have weaker constitutions, requiring special attention to their nutrition. Premature labor is often caused by accidents, infections, or stress.
2. Postmaturity: This refers to a situation where the cat has not given birth by the end of the normal gestation period, which is typically around 63 days. Postmaturity is usually not a cause for concern unless the gestation period extends beyond 67 days. In such cases, a veterinary ultrasound should be performed to check the fetus's condition and determine if a cesarean section is necessary.
3. Extended Labor: If the interval between the birth of one kitten and the next is more than 30 minutes to an hour, this is considered extended labor. It may be due to the mother cat's weakened constitution, which makes her prone to fatigue, or environmental factors such as the stress of a sudden stranger's approach. Offering glucose water can help replenish the mother cat's energy.
4. Difficult Labor: This is a situation where external assistance is required to facilitate the birth, as the cat may be unable to deliver or is experiencing significant difficulty. Common causes include narrow pelvis, pelvic fractures, hormonal imbalances leading to difficulty in contractions, uterine rupture, or torsion. These physiological issues can often be identified through predelivery checks, such as Xrays and blood tests. If there is a suspicion of dystocia, it's important to consult with a veterinarian before the birth to ensure that appropriate measures can be taken promptly. (Obese mother cats are more prone to dystocia.)
