Preparing for kitten arrival

So I took in a rescue last weekend who turned out to be pregnant. The vet said today she's due this week so I was just wondering if anyone can give me some advice.

What's my role when the kittens come along?

I'd like to keep track on weight progress and things like that, will mum be okay with me doing this?

What things should I have to hand when it happens?

Thanks!

SmudgieCat said:

So I took in a rescue last weekend who turned out to be pregnant. The vet said today she's due this week so I was just wondering if anyone can give me some advice.

What's my role when the kittens come along?

I'd like to keep track on weight progress and things like that, will mum be okay with me doing this?

What things should I have to hand when it happens?

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Is the mom very shy, or does she seems friendly?

If she is friendly, you shouldnt have difficulties with weighting them, nor be near at the birthing.

If she is shy, if may be possible still, but you must weigh them respectfully.  Near the nest, so mom sees you and the kittens. You do it quickly, and lay back the kittens before it begins to squeak and protest.

With a little luck you dont need to do antyhing at the delivery. But good you are near and can observe.  Sometimes they do need assistance.   Also, it is good if you see if the placentas come out.  Not always easy as they usually eat it up at once, but still - better safe than nervous.   Also, if there are many kittens, dont let her eat more than 4 placentas - there is increased risk of severe diarhea after many placentas.

Some links:

We have a good collection of articles in the Cat Health section which you can access by scrolling up to the brown bar, clicking on Articles,and then choosing the Cat Health section and scrolling through the choices.  To make this super easy for you, I am copying the links regarding birth, delivery and newborns for you here.  After reading this information, let us know if you have any more questions.  And good luck with your approaching new arrivals.

Birth, Delivery and Newborns

How to Tell if My Cat is Pregnant?

Cat Pregnancy

How Do I Know When My Cat Will Give Birth?

Pregnant Cat? What to Prepare For the Birth

Help! My Cat is Having Kittens!

Premature Kittens

Post-Birth Complications in Cats

And also:

http://www.icatcare.org/advice/my-cat-having-kittens     ( This is a link to a group of articles on cat pregnancy, birth and kittens.   Read the ones on normal cat birth and on " when to wait and when to worry"  )  

Good luck!

Hanks so much for your advice Stefan

Il have a good look through and possibly print some off. Thanks!

So cookie gave birth at 5:30am this morning so around 19 hours ago now to 6 healthy kittens. She was so quiet we missed the first two but saw the rest come with placentas and things. Since she's been in her bed with them she's been panting with her tongue poking out of her mouth, sometimes with her mouth open. In addition to this when me or my dad leave the room she constantly cries until we come back. She seems to be leaving the bed a lot to stretch out in front of the fan so I was wondering is the panting because she's hot? She feels very warm but I put this down to the need to keep her kittens warm and it's actually quite hot out, but I'm concerned about the clingyness? She's still purring and doesn't seem to be in pain but I thought I'd ask as I've never done this before!

It is possible there is another kitten and she is in labor again as they often pant when they are in labor, and it is possible to have kittens hours or even days apart.  Most cats are clingy when they are in labor. How hot is it?  Do you have a room thermometer? 

Here are a few articles for you to read that go into greater detail.  This may help you figure out what is going on.  Of course this is a holiday weekend, but if you are really worried, if she doesn't feed her kittens or acts strangely, you may need to take her for a vet check.  The info here should help you determine if anything is wrong.

Help! My Cat is Having Kittens!

Premature Kittens

Post-Birth Complications in Cats