Signs of Cat Dystocia: What to Look Out For

When Do Kittens Normally Born?

The timing of a kitten's birth can vary significantly, typically ranging from 5 minutes to 2 hours apart. Some cats may deliver a portion of their litter first, then pause for 12 to 14 hours before continuing. This can be a source of concern for owners, as it may indicate weak uterine contractions. Generally, if a kitten is not born within 12 to 24 hours, it may be a sign of dystocia, or difficult labor.

During normal delivery, a queen cat may lowpitched meow for 2 to 5 hours before giving birth. If she continues to move, meow, and groan for more than 12 hours, with a visibly contracted abdomen, and no kittens are born after two hours of straining, it's a sign of dystocia and immediate assistance is needed. If a kitten is visible at the vulva for more than 5 minutes without being delivered, it is also considered dystocia.

If there is a pink discharge from the vagina, or longerlasting dark green, smelly mucus, it indicates that the fetus has died and decayed. Immediate action is required to prevent harm to the queen.

Preventive Measures

To prevent complications, it's important to avoid breeding queens too early, as their pelvic bones may not be fully developed, leading to narrow pelvises during delivery. When selecting a sire, choose a male cat that is roughly the same size as the queen to avoid fetal dystocia. During pregnancy, the queen should receive a balanced diet to prevent obesity, which can also lead to delivery issues.

Additionally, the queen should have a moderate amount of exercise during pregnancy and should be in a quiet, dimly lit environment during labor, free from disturbances by strangers.