how to help a cat give birth 8 step[hd]
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Pet Lovers
"Whether you are breeding purebred cats for a living or you are responsible for a cat that has become pregnant in your care, it is important to know what to do when the cat goes into labour and begins to give birth to her kittens (technically referred to as "queening"). It is important to get the supplies together, to have a sterilized area for her and to be on hand to help if needed. Here is how you can do your bit to make it easier for her.
1
Accept that for the most part, your cat will not need you but it will probably reassure you to hover around in the background and be prepared for complications
2
Take the pregnant cat to a licensed veterinarian to get checked out, if you can.
3
Set up a nest. Usually she will display nesting signs days before the birth is imminent and this is the perfect opportunity to direct her to the quiet, dark corner that you have already prepared for her. Cut down a large cardboard box with high sides and fill with old towels, fluffy blankets, newspapers etc., basically any old soft thing that you can spare and do not mind getting soiled. It shouldn't have any strong scents, since the mother and kittens recognize each other by smell. The laundry or a bathroom are great places to encourage her to remain; just ensure that no kids or dogs are rushing through this spot at any time. The mother must feel safe and relaxed in her nesting area. She should have easy access to fresh water, a little bit of food, and the litter box (which should be about two feet away--putting it too close can increase the chance of disease).
4
Set up a holding box to place the kittens in while their siblings are being born. It should be close to or next to the nest. Place warm water bottles on the bottom with a few towels over it to protect the kittens from getting burned and also to keep the warmth in the box. Do not use a heating pad because even if it's on low and there are blankets covering it, there is still the risk of the kittens getting burned.
5
Prepare the cat.
If you have a long-haired cat, you may wish to consider cutting the hair away from around the vulval region in advance (a few days or a week before birth). Some people also advise clipping long hair away from the nipples to assist the kittens in feeding. If you can't do it ahead of time, however, don't do it at all, as it could interfere with the kittens recognizing the mother's natural smell. This is not necessary but it can assist you in watching to see if the kittens are exiting correctly during the birthing.
Continue feeding her high quality food until she displays a reduction in appetite, which is a usual sign just before labor commences.
Know the signs that are likely to be displayed when your queen is going into labor. This is generally known as Stage 1, and will last between 12 and 24 hours:
She becomes listless and restless, looking for a place to hide (show her the nest)
She grooms excessively, including licking her vulva
She paces a lot and pants
She will purr and cry loudly
Her temperature will usually drop a point or two from the normal 102ºF/38.9ºC.
She will likely cease to eat.
She may vomit.
She may discharge blood.
7
Keep calm. Once the mother enters her nesting box and labor commences, the best thing you can do is to keep calm and be prepared. If there are any disturbances or animals around, or if she is moved to a strange place, she will delay labor. Otherwise, the process of birth is about to ensue, known as Stage 2:
The placental plug will be expelled a few hours before delivery. This protected the uterine region from infection during pregnancy.
The cervix starts to relax and the queen begins uterine contractions.
There's a build-up in contractions as the first kitten enters the birth canal. Contractions should be at 2 - 3 minute intervals and the mother will probably be in a crouched position. She may cry out and pant.
The amniotic fluid (water bubble) comes through first, followed by the kitten (either head first or rear paws first).
Once Stage 2 of the labour commences, it will last about 30 minutes to an hour and then the first kitten should be born. Each subsequent kitten will be about half an hour apart, sometimes up to an hour.
8
Ensure that the mother removes the amniotic sac from each kitten. This membrane is usually removed by the mother through licking. The kitten should be breathing and moving within seconds as a result. If she doesn't help the kitten quickly, break the membrane with your hands (wearing gloves) around the face to ensure that the kitten can breathe. Wipe the face clean with a gauze cloth.
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Published on 8/16/2014 /03:09| Category to Pets & Animals
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