Urgent: What to Do If a Mother Cat is Breathing Rapidly

Care Instructions for Postpartum Cats

After giving birth, a mother cat may face a variety of complications, with one common issue being rapid breathing. The likelihood of postpartum complications in cats is influenced by individual differences in their health. While some complications may not significantly affect the mother, others can be lifethreatening. Therefore, proper care is essential for a postpartum mother cat:

Ensure Adequate Nutrition and Hydration.

Following the birth, it's crucial to promptly provide the mother cat with sufficient nutrition and hydration to prevent exhaustion. Adjust her diet to include highprotein, vitaminrich, and calciumenriched foods to quickly replenish her nutrients. Since the mother cat will be nursing her kittens, her energy and calcium needs will be significantly higher. During this period from postpartum to weaning, make sure to provide ample calcium and other essential nutrients to avoid deficiencies or postpartum fever.

Avoid Bathing.

Do not bathe the mother cat for the first month after giving birth. During lactation, her immune system is weakened, making her more susceptible to upper respiratory infections or other stressrelated reactions. Additionally, this helps prevent bacterial infections in the vulva area.

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care.

If the mother cat exhibits symptoms of rapid breathing, loss of appetite, or signs of weakness, tremors, seizures, or depression two to three days postpartum, these are abnormal and require immediate attention. Take her to a veterinary hospital for an Xray to check for any underlying issues and receive prompt treatment.

Of course, it's not just the mother cat that needs care; the kittens also require attention:

Newborn kittens are fragile, so it's important to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in the nesting area. Place newspapers or puppy pads to make cleaning easier and reduce the risk of infection. When handling the kittens, wear gloves that have been properly sanitized and have no strong odors. Regularly observe the mother and kittens' health, and if you notice any unusual signs like weight loss, excessive crying, or a lack of interest in nursing, take these seriously and consider a veterinary checkup if necessary.

This concludes our guide on postpartum care for mother cats. For more cat care and nurturing tips, stay tuned for future posts from Oxygen Pet Doctor.