My cat is giving birth right now, how can we tell when she is done?

Question

She has given birth to four healthy kittens. We had a place for her to give birth, but she decided to have them in my mother in law's dresser, instead. When we thought she was done, we moved her into the place we had ready, But it feels like one more may be in there. She seems so be having very small contractions and she's still a bit twitchy. How can we tell if she is done or if there is another one? We know it isn't a placenta, because one came with each of the kittens. Anyone have some advice?

Answer 1

If she is delivering them on her own, she will stop when she is done. You have nothing to worry about. If you handle the kittens too much, she will hide them. Don't be offended by this, it is her very strong instinct to hide and protect her helpless kittens. Congratulations on becoming a Grand-Meow. Love Ya!

Answer 2

When she is ready to give birth she will become very restless and pace as if she is looking for something, and she will become very vocal. She also might make many unproductive trips to the litterbox but eventually will settle into her maternity bed (Note: If she is not well accustomed to her bed she may choose another suitable spot. Do NOT move her or make her use the maternity bed if she doesn't want to. Let her give birth where she chooses.). Once she settles into her spot she will go into labor which can last up to 12 hours.

During this time you should prepare for the birth by getting a bowl of disinfectant solution, clean towels and cloths, scissors, dental floss, and petroleum jelly together. In the meantime mom will prepare herself for birth by finding a comfortable position (some cats stand up while others lay down, never try to move the mother at this point).

The female may scream as the first kitten is born, don't be alarmed this is normal especially for a first time mom. Unlike humans, some kittens are born head first and some are born feet first. Each birth will take about 15 minutes. Once the kitten is born mom should break the amniotic fluid (if the mother doesn't do this you will need to break it with your scissors as the kitten will not be able to breathe until it is free of the fluid), clean the kitten thoroughly (if the mom doesn't clean the kitten you should clean it and even go so far as to hold the kitten upside down and use a small syringe to suck the fluid from the mouth and throat), eat the afterbirth, and sever the umbilical cord. If the mother doesn't cut the umbilical cord you will need to. Tie dental floss around the cord about 1 inch away from the kittens body and cut the umbilical cord on the mom's side of the tie. Don't cut it too close to the kitten as infection or death can occur. Also if you notice the mom trying to chew too close to the kitten stop her and cut it yourself. If you notice her having trouble giving birth at any time you can put some petroleum jelly on her to ease the kittens coming out.

The entire delivery generally takes between 2-5 hours but can last up to 12 hours. Litters are usually of between 4 and 6 kittens, although litters of just one or two kittens can be common. After all kittens are born mom will take care of her kittens and rest! If the mom does not seem to be taking care of her kittens you may need to take over. If this is the case consult your vet immediately for specifics.

Make sure to watch over the mom after birth for any bleeding or discharge. Also watch her to make sure she is nursing properly. As for the kittens you may want to keep a weight chart for them. When born they are deaf, blind and should weigh about 3-4 oz. They should then gain weight every day. It is extremely important that they begin suckling and start gaining weight. If they are having trouble finding the nipple on their own don't hesitate to help them out. Also keep the maternity bed warm (80 F) and draft free. If possible you may want to drape a heating pad over one side of the bed. Also contact your vet after the birth for a schedule of vaccinations and checkups for the little ones and the mom.

Answer 3

she would be waiting to greater desirable than in all likelihood seek for a place to nest in. it must be at the back of a settee in a closet or some place quiet for her new borns. you may make up a field for her with an previous towel in it and placed it interior the closet with the door open, she might use it. we've had cats that have given beginning interior the path of the lounge even yet in maximum cases they go with to circulate some the place in hiding. relatively there is not any longer something you need to do. mom nature will take it incredibly is direction except there are problems after which you will possibly ought to take her to a vet. be confident to have her spayed until eventually now she has yet another muddle. wish you come across residences for all the toddlers.

Answer 4

Sometimes it takes a little longer for one or more kittens to come out. Maybe since you are moving her while this is going on, she is getting stressed out and she will not continue on until she feels more secure ( a cat can do that!). Just let her be unless she appears in distress..

Answer 5

Cats can have kittens hours after the first, and usually when you think they're done - out pops another...or two. Rule of thumb - when you think she's done - plan on another. Just sit back and be patient. Mother nature will take it's course.

Answer 6

My advice is to enjoy the moment. It is a beautiful thing. She'll take as long as she needs to so let her be. You might be making her nervous so relax and let nature take its course. There's not much else you can do except take the others advice and have her spayed unless she is a purebred and breeding her is what it's all about.

Answer 7

When the kittens stop coming out. And as soon as those kittens are weaned, get her spayed.

Answer 8

Let her be. For now. When the kittens go to their permanant homes, get her fixed!

Answer 9

sounds like there is another one if you can feel a lump and counted all the placenta's. give her time. get a vet check tomorrow.

Answer 10

Hasn't anyone heard of spaying? We'll, sounds like she's doing fine on her own. Just let her be. Then get her fixed in about 2 months or so!