Please help :(

My little girl, who is not very old herself, got pregnant. She started going into labor yesterday and had her first kitten at about midnight last night. It is now 6:30AM and no signs of other kittens, although it seemed like she had way more then one in her belly. Her belly is still a little hard, and she has been purring non stop since labor started. She is feeding and taking care of her kitten very well though but hasn't used the litter box and is still not hungry or thirsty. Just wants a ton of love. I feel worried that something could go wrong with my precious baby. I'v been crying for the past hour because I just don't know how to handle this very well, someone please, please help.

Situation and solution depends on.

If you didnt know how many they are, so we cant know if she is done or not...

Both is possible, and this question comes quite often... - they are a little swollen inside, so that is why it is often not clear if there is one kitten left...Or if it is this natural swelling.

If she is done, so is she done, and hopefully all is well.  (or?)

If she is not done, you shall know it is quite common they can take a pause. Several hours or even several days!

The key to know who you shall behave, is how she is behaving!  If she is calm, seems contend, happily busying herself with the kitten(s) - be observant and watch out, but you dont need to panic nor be too nervous.

If she is visibly in distress, perhaps even has a long unfruitful labor, or any other clear difficulties - follow her closely, be ready to contact your vet (=usually you SHALL contact your vet). Be ready to rush her in....

Continue to report and ask questions!

Welcome to our Forums!

Good luck!

ps. try to be calm, be near her. let her feel she has your support.  if YOU are weeping and behaving nervous, SHE may get nervous...

I know, this is easier to say than do, but so it is.  Both when your cat is sick, or your child or your old mother...  But this is a big part of YOUR role in this.   

Thanks so much! I've been with her all night, I was wondering if it would be okay to leave her for a little while to get some sleep? Still nothing yet, but she is quite content and just loves her little kitten and licks it and cuddles it. I was also wondering if it would be okay after the whole birthing process to let the dad cat in to see her? They are pretty attached and she has been trying to get out of the bathroom every time I opened the door, as he tries to get in. I seriously appreciate your reply, this is one of the most terrifying things ever I think because my cat cant tell me in words how she is feeling and I just want her to always be my playful and cuddly little Cute.

Don't let daddy cat in, and if he isn't already neutered get him done ASAP.  He will remain fertile and able afterwards for a while as well, so keep them apart except under close supervision (no nipping out to get a drink or go to the loo for example) until she has been spayed.  She can get pregnant again very soon after delivery, especially if she has just one kitten.

Also find out from your vet how soon after delivery he will spay her. 

It is in all their best interests and yours for them to get neutered.  For you, neutering a couple of cats is cheaper than raising a litter of kittens (about evens for 1 kitten), and far cheaper than a c-section should anything go wrong.  Daddy cat also probable has vile-smelling urine which will gradually revert to normal once he is neutered.  For daddy cat he won't be subject to sexual frustration which can eventually make some males quite nasty, and for her there are a couple of very considerable health benefits - you are reducing the risk of her getting breast cancer, and almost completely getting rid of the risk of her getting pyometra, a potentially fatal infection of the uterus.

Weigh her kitten or kittens each day on scales that weigh to the nearest gram, and record the results.  The kitten or kittens should put on at least 10g most days - not putting weight on for more than a couple of days is a big warning that there is a problem.

selenagreggs said:

Thanks so much! I've been with her all night, I was wondering if it would be okay to leave her for a little while to get some sleep? Still nothing yet, but she is quite content and just loves her little kitten and licks it and cuddles it. I was also wondering if it would be okay after the whole birthing process to let the dad cat in to see her? They are pretty attached and she has been trying to get out of the bathroom every time I opened the door, as he tries to get in. I seriously appreciate your reply, this is one of the most terrifying things ever I think because my cat cant tell me in words how she is feeling and I just want her to always be my playful and cuddly little Cute.

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As you do worry, the best is probably to take your matterass to her room, and sleep there, on the floor if need be.  Till you are fairly sure how it is.  Otherwise, you will just continue to be nervous and dont get any good sleep anyway...

If they are good friends, he is a friendly tom, and she visibly wants his company, it is not physically dangerous. He may even be some sort of help mom.  that is not unusual. Or he at least will lick and wash her. He dont even need to be the biological dad, it is enough he is friendly and they are good pals, and she wants him being there (observe, there ARE dangers with not so friendly toms!).

The real danger is he can impregnate her anew if they are together...  And you dont want this, EVEN if you dont mind a second litter.  You want at least a half a year between the two litter.

although I do second Oriental: if you arent a breeder, so please do neuter them both...

So, you must decide, but

All put toghether:  the best is prob to keep them be isolated, the mom and kittens for themselves.

We just had the 2nd kitten! I feel so much better knowing it is all going smoothly. There is an all black and an all white with a black spot on its head.

I repeat:  don't let him in.  They might normally be good friends but there are new kittens.  My friend let one of her Siamese in with another who has just had a litter, and they are normally the best of friends.  The proud mother attacked the other cat thankfully without damaging anyone.  It might be OK, but it might not be OK.

I probably won't be letting him in to see her anytime soon. She seems pretty tired and our other cat is rowdy 24/7 which probably wouldn't be good for her
Thanks for the help

She looks very content. I'm glad she had at least two. It's very important to have a sibling to play with. They teach each other that biting hurts.

It would be a good idea to have your male cat neutered as soon as possible. She can get pregnant again right away and there are already so many unwanted kittens in the world.

Welcome to TCS

I will definitely be getting him fixed on Friday, but until then I will keep them away from each other. never again will I have to go through this alone! She still has only had two but I feel like I can still feel more when I just place my hand on her stomach. She is still just as lovey and calm. I'm wondering how much longer she will be in labor? and is it okay to move her once she is all done? She is in my only bathroom and I don't want to disturb her to much when she needs to rest.

He can stay fertile for a while after neutering (some sperm hides in the tubes). So don't let him near her for a while. . .I want to say at least a month, but ask your vet what he/she thinks about how long.

If she's not straining or in distress, it usually means everything's OK. There can be a few hours between kittens in a normal delivery. If you have any pressing questions, calling your vet is always a good idea . They can tell you what to look for.