Postpartum Care for Cats: Essential Tips & Precautions
1. Postpartum Care for Cats
After giving birth, some cats may experience a decline in both their mood and appetite. It's crucial to ensure that the environment is kept warm and quiet, as these factors play a significant role in their recovery.
Cats with a large litter require extra attention, as you must monitor each kitten's feeding and weight gain daily. Insufficient milk supply can lead to developmental issues in the kittens. Since the mother's milk production is linked to her diet, both the mother and her kittens should be under constant observation.
2. Precautions for the Birthing Area
After giving birth, it's important not to disturb the mother cat as she tends to her kittens. Some mothers may frequently move their kittens to new locations out of fear that they might be lost. Indoor cats are less likely to eat their kittens due to environmental factors or discomfort, so maintaining a familiar environment is beneficial.
3. Postpartum Hypocalcemia
Between 3 to 17 days postpartum, a mother cat may suffer from hypocalcemia, which can manifest as stiff gait, listlessness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur, it's best to consult a veterinarian to check the calcium ion concentration in her blood. Treatment can then be administered accordingly. However, it's not advisable to oversupplement calcium before giving birth, as this may lead to endocrine disorders.
4. Nutritional Supplementation
Inadequate nutrition in the mother cat can result in her kittens receiving insufficient milk nutrition.
Tip: For more information on postpartum care for cats, you can watch "What to Watch Out for in a Mother Cat's First Month Postpartum" for detailed guidance.
