Hi everyone, I'd be grateful of some advice please. 2 days ago our little cat (technically kitten, 10 months old) gave birth to 4 beautiful kittens. All look a good size and have been feeding just fine. The mother, Bella, is taking care of them and mostly seems very comfortable. During labour she craved company so I stayed with her all night & day and she now totally trusts me with her kittens. Following the 4th birth she was still breathing quickly for hours though there were no more contractions. Even now when I rest a hand on her belly it seems tight, but I can't feel any lump inside so I'm certain there's nothing left in there. She ate all four placentas and 7 hours after giving birth got up to cry for food. I figured she wouldn't have an appetite if there was a chance of going back into labour? Also, is it normal for the entire nipple area to feel hard? Not lumpy, more like really thick skin, the actual nipples are soft and the kittens aren't having trouble feeding.
Now and again she'll lay down on them but will get up when they yell at her for it, I guess she's still getting used to finding suitable lying positions. Earlier today she urinated and there was some blood, which I've read can be normal at this stage but I'm still a bit worried. The vet isn't far away, I'd just rather not separate her from them since they've bonded so well, not unless it could be an emergency.
I really appreciate you reading this and offering any advice. If you want extra information, ask away.
PS. We are getting her spayed immediately after this. We always planned to but didn't in time, she's a very tiny cat so we hardly thought she was mature enough! We have 4 other cats (one is her mother, both from a shelter) all spayed/neutered.
Now and again she'll lay down on them but will get up when they yell at her for it, I guess she's still getting used to finding suitable lying positions. Earlier today she urinated and there was some blood, which I've read can be normal at this stage but I'm still a bit worried. The vet isn't far away, I'd just rather not separate her from them since they've bonded so well, not unless it could be an emergency.
I really appreciate you reading this and offering any advice. If you want extra information, ask away.
PS. We are getting her spayed immediately after this. We always planned to but didn't in time, she's a very tiny cat so we hardly thought she was mature enough! We have 4 other cats (one is her mother, both from a shelter) all spayed/neutered.
