I did not know my cat was pregnat! She just had one kitten!?

Question

This was 3 hrs ago... should I expect more??? And does she have milk?

yes this is her first litter... Just one kitten so far!!!!!

Answer 1

If you didn't know she was pregnant, it is likely that the litter is small, otherwise you would have noticed!

Singletons are rare, but not impossible. Only one kitten is conceived with each mating, so if she didn't have the opportunity for repeated copulations during this heat there may be just one.

It is perfectly normal, especially if it is a first litter and the litter is small, for there to be a gap of about 12 hours between two batches of kittens. That is, the mom cat will have one or two kittens, there will be a long gap, then she will have one or two more. Do expect her to act strange, since this is her first litter and she doesn't quite understand what is happening, but if she seems actively trying to give birth (squatting and pushing) and nothing comes out, call the vet. If she hasn't had more within about 12 hours of the first one, and she is acting normally, then that is it.

Normally she would have milk... have you not seen the kitten nurse ? More important is how she is treating the kitten. If she has cleaned it and lets it nurse, all is well. If she is ignoring it or actively rejecting it, she hasn't got a clue, and you will have to handraise the kitten.

Also, not a pleasant thought, but I should ask: did you witness the birth of the first one? It is possible that she had at least one more but, ahem, ate it. Newborn kittens are just about the size of the prey that cats kill and eat... when the mother gives birth there are hormones that kick in that will cause her to behave like a mother and not a predator, but sometimes they are a little "late" coming in and the first kitten gets eaten. Usually by the second one the mom gets it.

Answer 2

This might be the only one, What was the size of the kitten? If you cat will let you touch her than place your hands around her belly, gently rub or squeeze lightly if you feel little lumps than she might have more, if so they might not be ready to be born. I have a cat now that just had her first litter, she had 4 than about 3 hours she had 2 more, another cat I had was preg. and one day she had 1 and sadly it was dead the next day she had the other 3 one more was dead, so even if she does have more the might not be dead.

Put her in a dark quiet room with the kitten and just leave her alone,Check on her every once in a while. she might be nervous. Good luck

Answer 3

It is entirely possibly for several hours to go by between puppies or kittens, about the max time I would wait would be 12 hours and if she has not had another kitten within 12 hours but is still acting as if she is uncomfortable I would get her to a vet and they can X-Ray her and determine if she has anymore and then either determine if surgery is needed or if medication will help her deliver. If you're worried and want to you can get her to a vet sooner. A kitten could be too large to pass into the birth canal and if it is stuck there no other kittens will be born and the longer the kitten is stuck the less likely for it to survive.

Answer 4

I would say she'll have another one or two depending on her age. Yes she has the ability to feed them. Watch to make sure she takes interest in her baby. Here's two good sites I found on helping Mom with her kitty's. Has she taken the sack off the first kitten? They have to Eat the sack off,I knowit's gross but my best friend had a 6month old kitten that got out and got pregnant and had 3 kittens. She however,did not know how to take care of her babies and they did not make it, so please keep an eye on your cat if she is young, and call your vet. Like I said here are some websites for you,if your cat is old enough,she will probably take care of most everything you just may need to give her a box lined with towels to put them in to keep them safe and warm. Good luck. Let me know if you have any more! How exciting

Answer 5

For a cat to have one kitten is not unheard of or strange, its just rare.
A friend of mine had a cat who only had one kitten and yes, the mother cat had plenty of milk to feed her baby.
I had a cat who had started hanging around my apartment one summer and she became pregnant. When it was time for her to deliver , she woke me up screeching at 8:30 am
Screeching, by the way, is the only way I can describe it.
She took all day to deliver 4 babies.The first one came around 9:30; second one came around 11; and the third one came around 1:30 pm, and the last one came around 2pm.
If you think that there are more babies to come and she seems unable to give birth, take her to the vet or call them.
Otherwise, let nature take its course.
Question: Did you not notice that she was putting on weight and had a nice size belly?
When you petted your cat did you not feel, gently, the little "bumps"?

Answer 6

Sometimes they only have one or two. My older female never had less than 3 kittens and never more than 6 at a time. She is spayed now for obvious reasons. If she allows, gently feel her belly for more of them. If there are more and she isn't showing signs of labor in less than 12 hours, take her to the vet and have her checked out. Some cats can delay labor if they feel their safety is threatened. They can also delay between kittens if they need to rest. If you can't feel anymore kittens, but you are still worried, check with your vet.

Answer 7

There may be more so make a bed for her and the baby or babies in a dark quite room with her litter food and water,,she might have more so keep your ears peeled..she has milk and they know what to do as it's in the feline genes,,,If there are no more by tomorrow than she will only have the 1 kitten,don;t pick the babies up as she;ll stress out and hide them and might kill it if she gets real stressed,, good luck to you and kitty cats.,

Answer 8

Congratulations !! Watch for more, she should be able to handle things OK. Sometimes your cat wants you to sit with her while she gives birth.. She should have milk. If it seems like the kittens aren't eating good, you can see your vet tomorrow. Later, get her fixed so you won't have to find homes for another litter.

Answer 9

Holy crap I wouldent know what to think haha. Anyways yes she will probably have quite a few more if not you should probably take her to the vet considering a cat almost never has just one kitten and they could be stuk. And yes it is the natural thing for her to produce milk I don't think you should worry about that

Answer 10

First - it is normal for 1-3 hours to pass between births...check to make sure there is no off color discharge coming from the cat. the smallest litter i have ever seen was 2 from a cat. she should be more relaxed and very tired when she is done but if she seems the least bit uncomfortable rush her to an emergency vet...likewise if you see any weird discharge.
congrats on your babies