New mother (feral) just threw up blood

I have a feral mother cat who gave birth to 5 kittens yesterday. She is less than 1 yr old. She just vomited what looks like it may be blood and mucus. Could this be the result of eating the placenta yesterday? she has been nursing and ate today, but I am worried about upsetting her trying to catch her (she is in my basement - long story) and having her harm the kittens or refuse to nurse after - as it did take some coaxing to get her to nurse initially. Has anyone seen this before - it has been about 36 hours since the first kiten was born.

With 5 kittens she may well have made herself sick. I would keep a watch on her and not upset her unless you see other symptoms. AS long as she is eating and pooping/peeing OK then I would not worry. While she is nursing feed her a good quality kitten food if you can, and also give her some kitten milk that you can get at a pharmacy. SOft unsalted cream cheese (Fromage frais) or natural yoghurt are nutritious snacks that will give her extra support and most cats love them. Don't give her cows milk as it may upset her digestion. I hope all goes well with her and the kittens. Keep us informed and do post some pictures.

Thank you for the reply - maybe I will be able to get some sleep now - Have to be up to feed the rest of the menagerie in a few hours - and as you know - Horses don't wait! I will keep you posted! They are a cute little bunch

For the kittens.. And I am sure that mom cat just got sick on cleaning up after all of her babies. :rub:

How is it going?

As you say, her having eating up the placentas, IF she threw up it would be bloody and mucusoe too,

Although people seldom reports them throwing it up, thus this symptom is not usual at all. Lets hope the unusual here her throwing up just thesegoodies (throwing up when they did ate too much happens often enough)

So, very good you are watchful and prepared for everything, but also be optimistic.

Can you go down, and not stressing nor catching her, be near her nest? perhaps even handle her kittens a short while, as long as she sees you and the kitten?

If yes, it would be good if you do weigh them every day, so you see they add weigh as they should. This is standard advice, all breeders do so, and also most rescuers.

Please continue with reports and any questions, so we will add on with more advices and suggestions if need be.

Pics are always welcome.  

Good luck!   *vibes*

I think it must have been that as there was blood and mucus, but thankfully all seems well today. I have handled all the kittens when I bring some wet food she will go and eat. I have another litter from another feral, that was born on 3/23, and they with there Mommy have been guiding little Oatmeal with nursing and feeling safe. They all came from the same colony. We are in the process of getting a TNR program in the borough (gave my presentation and it was passed - yippeee) but are still collecting the funds and organizing for the day. In the mean time, people who have trapped before our spay/neuter day have brought some special cases to me. This was the first in all the years I have ever encountered the vomiting thing and I have to say it really freaked me out. Thanks for the support on here! What a gift to stumble onto this sight last night. I will keep you posted on Mom and her kids (3 little reds and 2 tiny tigers).