Buzz
So, your beloved cat has just given birth! Generally, cats can give birth at home without any complications, but how can you tell if the mother cat has finished delivering all of her kittens? A typical litter usually ranges from 4 to 12 kittens, so it's important to know how many kittens might still be on the way. Here are some signs that could indicate your cat still has kittens inside her that haven't been born yet.
Steps
Your cat is panting heavily.
Heavy panting during labor is completely normal for cats. The mother cat is putting in a lot of effort to deliver her kittens, and it can be quite exhausting. You'll notice a significant change when she has delivered all of her kittens. If she continues to pant heavily even after the first few kittens are born, it might mean she still has more to deliver.
- Cats are capable of managing the birth process on their own and rarely require assistance, so if your cat is panting, restless, and licking excessively for more than 24 hours without signs of progress, it's best to consult a veterinarian for advice on what to do next.
The cat is crying out in pain.
Just like humans, cats experience pain during childbirth, which is why they may cry out loudly when going into labor. During the birth process, the mother cat may either moan, cry, or yowl when the kittens pass through the birth canal.
- If your cat is wailing for over an hour without any signs of labor, contact a veterinarian, as this may indicate a difficult birth.
The cat is pushing to give birth.
During the second and third stages of labor, the mother cat will push. It may look like she is straining to defecate. Although the kittens are tiny, they still require a strong force to pass through the birth canal. After each kitten is born, the mother typically licks and cares for it before continuing to push for 10-15 minutes.
- After the first kitten is born, additional kittens will arrive, typically 10 minutes to an hour apart.
- Contact a vet if the mother cat has been pushing for over 25-30 minutes, as this could indicate a kitten is stuck in the birth canal.
There is a fluid-filled sac in the birth canal of the mother cat.
Yes, it's the kitten. It appears as a dark sack emerging through the mother's vagina. However, if the fetus hasn't come out within 10 minutes after its head has emerged, it might be stuck. In this case, it's best not to try pulling the kitten out yourself, as it could cause discomfort for the mother cat and make it more difficult for the kitten. Contact a veterinarian for guidance on how to proceed.
The cat is licking its genital area.
The mother cat licks to break the sac around the kitten. This double-layered sac is filled with lubricating fluid to help the kitten pass through the birth canal smoothly. When the mother senses the kittens moving, she will continue to lick her genital area.
The placenta hasn't been delivered after the final kitten is born.
The placenta is typically expelled after each kitten is born, about 15 minutes apart. However, if a kitten has been born and the placenta (the reddish-brown mass) has not come out, it might indicate that there are still more kittens inside the mother.
- Sometimes, 2-3 kittens are born before the placenta is expelled. There's no fixed rule here, but you should keep an eye on the process if possible.
- It’s quite normal for the mother cat to eat the placenta after giving birth!
- If one or more kittens are born without the placenta being delivered afterward, contact a veterinarian. Retained placentas in the uterus can lead to infections.
The cat may act aggressively or be highly cautious.
This behavior can be confusing but it is temporary. After giving birth, the mother cat's priority is to protect herself and her newborn kittens. The birthing process also disrupts her body, and she is trying to adjust. The mother cat will begin to calm down once the birthing process is over.
- Do not yell or correct the cat’s behavior with methods like spraying water. This will only make her more defensive.
- Sometimes, aggressive behavior can last for 3-4 weeks after the kittens are born due to hormonal influence. This often occurs when the mother starts showing aggression during pregnancy.
- Note this change and ask your vet what you can do to help your cat feel safe.
The mother cat is not fully focused on her newborn kittens.
The mother cat will briefly attend to her kittens after they are born, and then continue pushing. The bonding time between mother and her newborn kittens is precious, but the mother cat cannot rest or fully care for them until she has finished giving birth. Depending on the number of kittens, you may notice the rhythm of the mother cat: panting, pushing, licking her kittens, nursing, and repeating the process.
- If you notice that the mother cat is not paying attention to her kittens, such as not licking them or nursing, contact a veterinarian for advice on what to do.
- Remember to give the cat space so she and her kittens can bond. This will help the mother feel comfortable and relaxed. You’ll have plenty of time to cuddle the newborn kittens later.
- It is best not to leave the room during the birth, as the mother cat may follow you.
There is discharge from the cat's birth canal.
The discharge may be clear or light brown in color. As contractions become stronger during labor, you may notice a small amount of discharge from the cat’s birth canal. This discharge may occasionally contain blood, but this is normal.
- Contact a veterinarian immediately if the cat is bleeding heavily, as this could be a dangerous sign.
- Inform the veterinarian if the mother cat continues to discharge blood for more than a week after giving birth.
The cat is not hungry.
The kittens need to eat, and so does the mother cat. The mother cat often doesn't seek food immediately after giving birth; it may take a few hours before she feels hungry, sometimes up to 24 hours.
- Consult with a veterinarian about the nutritional needs for both the mother and her kittens to ensure they get the proper nutrients.
The number of kittens born is fewer than shown in the image.
No matter how excited you are, don’t forget to count the kittens. Sometimes, in your excitement, you may forget to count the newborn kittens. If the number of kittens on the previous X-ray or ultrasound image was greater than the number of kittens born, seek advice from a veterinarian on what to do. The mother may need surgery to remove the remaining kittens.
- The vet may examine the images to check how many kittens remain in the mother’s womb. They may also run blood tests to ensure the mother cat has normal calcium and blood sugar levels. Finally, ultrasound may be used to monitor the kittens’ heartbeats.
