Is it safe to cut the cord between a baby kitty and the placenta?

Question

Hi, My cat just gave birth to ten baby kitties! she has three left that are still attached to the placenta but she is very tired, I was just wondering if cutting it and discarding the placenta myself was an okay thing to do or should I just let nature run its course?

Before I get laid out about her having the babies in the first place let me please defend myself by saying that I adopted her from the Dumb Friends League they said she was fixed and they gave me paperwork to that fact, something went wrong somewhere and yes I will be taking her back in after her babies are weened.

Also has anybody ever heard of a cat having that many babies actually survive? Just wondering if she is going to need help with feeding and cleaning and all?

Answer 1

I have assisted cats with having kittens a lot. Get a very clean town and sterile scissors and cut about two inches away from the babies belly....pinch the end of the cord left open with a clean towel until it is no longer bleeding...just a few seconds with most. You can also take a warm wash rag and wipe the babies faces clean if the mother isn't getting to it soon enough after birth and the baby is having trouble breathing. Ten is a lot...I would suggest helping and making sure they all get a chance to nurse...if you see any weak/small ones, I would suggest helping it nurse or going to your vet to get "special" kitten milk with bottle and help her feed the weak ones that are getting pushed out by the larger ones. Most with ten will not have all of them survive without assistance...smaller ones will end up not being able to get nursed because the bigger ones are stronger and they will usually die due to malnutrition and exhaustion from trying to fight their way in.

Answer 2

Yes, you can cut cord and remove placenta. Normally mother licks babies clean and eats it to keep predators from smelling and attacking. You should keep an eye on babies to see if all are feeding and getting licked. If not, you may need to take soft cloth and massage them to stimulate bowels. Get some kitten formula at good pet store in case you need it for babies being ignored. It is likely the cat does not have enough nipples to feed all at same time, but they may be vigorous in pushing each other away. Handle the kittens to socialize them and rearrange them at the mother. Get a litter box handy with ramp or steps so the kittens can get in and get some soft canned mush cat food for the time in a couple of weeks when you can mix the food with the formula and see if the kittens will lick it off your fingers.

Answer 3

Holy smokes 10 babies? Thats most unusual. No wonder Mom is tired. You can cut umbilical cord if you follow instructions. Call after hours Vet clinic and they will guide you. You must use care avoiding infection. Mom doesnt have enuff teats for all babies so you will have to rotate the babies and prepare to supplement with Esbilac kitten milk replacement formula and rub tummies. Good luck

Answer 4

If they are out, yes Cut the cord. Just make sure you stimulate them so they breathe on their own.
I would worry about the cat not getting rid of the after birth. The kittens should come out in a sac.

Answer 5

That litter does sound rather large, and you may lose a few. I would get your cat to a vet, along with the kittens, as soon as possible. Give a call to someone in your area. They can give you good tips and instructions on how to care for the new babies.

Answer 6

The vet has always told me that no it's not good to separate the placenta from themother or the kitten, the momma cat knows what to do, just leave it to, she'll be just fine.

Answer 7

no NOOOO nope you cant the cord well i tell you my friend had 4 new kittens and she cut the cord off the next day they where dead!!!! let the cord full off or you will be crying

Answer 8

yes. completely. the cord will dry out and break off..its perfectly okay.