Indicators of a Cat's Full Delivery: How to Know It's O
During the birthing process of a cat, if the mother is particularly weak, she may experience dystocia, a difficult labor that can pose a serious threat to both the mother and the kittens. Therefore, it's crucial for cat owners to closely monitor their feline's condition during labor to ensure a smooth delivery.
How to Determine If a Cat Has Given Birth?
Cat owners can use several methods to ascertain whether their cat has successfully completed the birthing process:
1. Gently press on the mother cat's lower abdomen near the inner side of her hind legs. If the area feels soft and no firm lumps are detected, it's likely that the mother has finished giving birth.
2. After delivery, the mother's belly will visibly shrink and flatten. If there are still kittens inside, there should be noticeable movements, indicating the kittens are alive. Owners should feel around to confirm this.
3. The vulva remains engorged during labor, so checking for any remaining engorgement or contraction can help determine if the mother is still in the process of giving birth.
4. If the mother has stopped her birthing posture, appears exhausted yet relaxed, and starts to clean and groom her newborn kittens, this is usually a sign that she has completed the delivery.
5. If you're still unsure about the completion of the birth, it's advisable to have the cat undergo an ultrasound at a veterinary clinic to confirm the number of kittens. Postdelivery, if there's any doubt, a followup check can also be arranged.
How Long Does a Cat's Labor Last?
The number of kittens in a litter can range from 1 to 9, with an average of 3 to 5. Most cats deliver safely, clean the kittens, and provide them with colostrum. However, firsttime mothers may take longer to deliver. Labor typically lasts between 3 and 12 hours, with some cases extending beyond 24 hours, up to a maximum of 36 hours. The interval between each kitten's birth can vary from 10 minutes to 1 hour. If the delivery process seems excessively long, owners should be vigilant for signs of dystocia and keep a vet's contact information handy for emergencies.
Postpartum Care for Cats
After giving birth, a mother cat may develop postpartum hypocalcemia between 3 and 17 days, which can manifest as stiff gait, tremors, spasms, vomiting, and shortness of breath. These symptoms could be due to calcium deficiency. However, it's not recommended to oversupplement calcium before or during pregnancy, as it can lead to endocrine imbalances. It's best to consult a veterinarian to check the cat's blood calcium levels before administering any supplements.
If you have any questions or concerns after your cat has given birth, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary expert to ensure your cat receives timely assistance and care.
