Stray had first kitten over 12hrs ago

We were adopted by a stray about 3 weeks ago. Took her to vet, where I found out she was pregnant, vet thought about halfway along. But, that was a week ago, and she had a kitten last night about 9pm. It's now 1pm, and she hasn't had any more. I think I can feel kittens still in her abdomen. When should I be concerned if she hasn't had another birth?

Part of the answer, is how is the first kitten?  Is he healthy, thick, all hairs, or thin without hairs = premature?   If he is premature (fight on if you want him to have any chance), she may pause, and deliver the rest when their time come, in several days later.

But pauses, shorter or longer, are quite common, so the rule of thumb is:

If she is contend, seemingly no problem, busies happily herself with the already born - observe, but you dont need panic.

If she is in any distress - observe double watchful, be prepared to phone your vet - and be prepared to rush her in...

I hope I answered your question!

Good luck!

 Welcome to our Forums!

Here an article about prematures, IF he is premature, this firstborn.

Good luck!

Hello Stefan,

I can't seem to find the article you were talking about regarding prematurity?  While I was trying to access, "Jade" gave birth to two more kittens.  The first one was in the sac for a long time, and was either stillborn or my fault because I didn't know to break the sac.  The second one was moving in the sac, and I panicked after a few minutes, and broke the sac for Jade.  After trying to stimulate the first ?stillborn?, I put the kitty back in with Jade.  She tried stimulating, but to no effect.  Unfortunately, now she seems to be neglecting the "third" kitty.  That little kitten is making me nervous, since the breathing seems to be shallow.

I'm guessing that they are premature.  They are very tiny, and look like mice.

HELP

Here is the article again

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/premature-kittens

fight on if you want them to have a chance. It is an uphill fight, but worth taking, if they seem to be fighters.

You must prob  help with handrearing, and making sure they have extra warm. Perhaps also extra moisture in the air.

I shall continue and try to seek a couple more articles.

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/kittens/handrearing.html

this one come up after a quick googling:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/32203/premature-kitten-care

Good luck!

Jade gave birth to 2 more kittens yesterday. One was still born (kitten #2), and all attempts to revive weren't successful. The other (kitten #3) was moving and breathing,but I always thought the breathing was agonal in nature. Unfortunately, when my son woke up,the third kitten was gone. Kitten #1 is still alive, but very tiny & premature. Only 63 grams.
So, now I'm worried that perhaps the mom's milk has not come in. How can you
tell? I have gently squeezed a few nipples, but see no milk or colostrum. I have been giving kitten milk 1-1/2ml at a time. But, I think mom is mad at me, keeps moving the kitten under the couch. When we came home today, the kitten was alone and very cold under the couch. I don't want to take the kitten away, but she is not caring for the kitten. I have even considered putting the kitten in my shirt tomorrow, & taking it to work with me so it will be warm and fed. I just can't take time off work, but I worried all day I would return to a dead kitten today. Honestly, I don't know what is best anymore.

Jade gave birth to 2 more kittens yesterday. One was still born, and all attempts to revive weren't successful. The other was moving and breathing,but I always thought the breathing was agonal in nature. Unfortunately, when my son woke up,the third kitten was gone. Kitten #1 is still alive, but very tiny & premature. Only 63 grams.
So, now I'm worried that perhaps the mom's milk has not come in. How can you
tell? I have gently squeezed a few nipples, but see no milk or colostrum. I have been giving kitten milk 1-1/2ml at a time. But, I think mom is mad at me, keeps moving the kitten under the couch. When we came home today, the kitten was alone and very cold under the couch. I don't want to take the kitten away, but she is not caring for the kitten. I have even considered putting the kitten in my shirt tomorrow, & taking it to work with me so it will be warm and fed. I just can't take time off work, but I worried all day I would return to a dead kitten today. Honestly, I don't know what is best anymore.

Stefan,
I'm so very sorry for not thanking you for all of your help, advice, & support. I'm just terribly worried about the surviving kitten. I don't want to remove it from Jade, but finding it so very cold today really worries me.

63 grammes is not extremely low, I had heard about 55-56 grammes who did made it, with some help of the owner.  Although it IS critical of course. Your proposal of having it on you at your chest is a very good idea. Works beatifully for babies in poor countries where their hospitals dont have enough of gears for premature borns children,  and it works for kittens. 

As this kitten is still alive, please fight on, as it is apparently the fighter I talked about.  Proceed on your own hand, without the mom, if necessary.  with a little luck, the moms maternal instincts will kick in after awhile, but for now - you must take charge.  Please.

See her as an orphan.  IF you get any help from mom, fine, but do all necessary yourself.

Continue with often reports and questions!

Get ideas from:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/hand-rearing-kittens

www.kitten-rescue.com

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/kittens/handrearing.html

Good luck!