Step-by-Step Guide to Cat Birth Assistance: A Comprehen

Many breeders may not interfere with the mother cat, as she is often experienced and capable of handling everything on her own. However, this scenario is quite rare. In most cases, we find ourselves stepping into the role of a midwife, either partially or fully involved in the entire process of the mother cat's labor.

Typically, the actions we assist the mother cat with include, but are not limited to:

Assisting the mother cat in pulling the kittens out of the birth canal.

Breaking the amniotic sac.

Clipping the umbilical cord.

Clearing the kitten's airway.

Disinfecting the umbilical cord with iodine.

Weighing the newborn kittens.

Recording the birth time, gender, and weight of the kittens.

Administering penicillin injections to both the mother and the kittens to prevent infection.

Injecting oxytocin (also known as Pitocin) into the mother cat after the delivery to help her uterus contract and promote milk production.

Newcomers to breeding often hesitate to get involved, often due to uncertainty about what to do and a fear of making mistakes. However, as experience grows, you'll find that the mother cat is more comfortable with your help, and the survival rate of the kittens can significantly improve.

Assisting During Labor

It's usually the case that the mother cat will deliver each kitten without issue, handling the process herself. However, there are instances where the mother cat needs assistance to bring the kittens into the world—especially in cases of breech deliveries.

For firsttime mothers, it's not uncommon for the first kitten to be born slowly. A slow delivery can lead to the kitten suffocating. Gently pulling the kitten downward by the skin behind its neck can help it emerge more quickly—potentially saving its life.

Steps for Assisting in a Cat Birth

Break the amniotic sac: If the kitten's head is the first to emerge, you should break the amniotic sac to prevent the kitten from accidentally inhaling fluid into its lungs, even if the kitten is only partially delivered.

Clamp the umbilical cord: Once the kitten's entire body is out, use a hemostat to clamp the umbilical cord about two centimeters away from the kitten's abdomen.

Further clear the airway: Gently clean the kitten's mouth, expel any fluid from the airway, and rub the kitten's body to stimulate breathing. You want the kitten to cry, as it indicates deep breathing.

Clip the umbilical cord: Once the kitten is successfully delivered and the airway is cleared, cut the umbilical cord. If the mother cat is willing, she can eat the placenta, but avoid overfeeding her, as it may cause her to vomit.

Disinfect the umbilical cord with iodine: One of the most important things to do as part of the birthing process is to immediately disinfect the umbilical cord. Apply iodine to the entire cord from the end to the abdomen, which is necessary to prevent umbilical cord infections.

Weigh the kitten: Weigh each kitten at birth; every breeder needs an accurate scale to measure the kittens.

Keep accurate birth records: When each kitten is born, write down: the birth time, weight, color, gender, count of placentas, and note if the count matches the number of kittens. Placenta retention is dangerous.

Penicillin injection: Prepare a box placed on an electric blanket. If the mother cat is delivering another kitten, you can place the newborn kitten in a separate box until the delivery is complete. If the mother cat has not delivered, give her the newborn kitten and encourage the kitten to latch onto the nipple to start suckling.

Oxytocin injection: After the mother cat has delivered all the kittens, inject her with oxytocin to clear her uterus and help stimulate milk production.

Final Reminders

Once the mother cat has delivered all the kittens, clean the birthing box and change all the bedding. Return all the kittens to the mother. Now, your role shifts from active assistance to observation:

Monitor the kittens' weights daily and provide supplemental milk if necessary.

Ensure each kitten is latched onto a nipple and feeding properly.

Check that the mother cat is not still in labor.

Make sure the kittens are grouped together to stay warm.

Remember, having an excellent standard birthing procedure can be incredibly helpful. It can save the lives of some kittens, as sometimes, if you do nothing, these kittens may quickly perish.