Hi everyone. My rescued feral turned out to be pregnant. She had three kitten Tuesday night and one last night, almost 24 hours later. This morning, the day after her last kitten was born, she was panting a bit like when in labor. And now she started to stagger here and there when she walks. She had otherwise done amazingly without any complications and is taking wonderful care of her babies. The staggering is worrisome, though. Could she still have more babies inside, essentially having two periods of interrupted labor? Or could it be a retained placenta? We were not around for the fourth so I'm not 100% sure she expelled it. Or could it be hypocalcemia and what can I give her to help keep it at bay? My vet suggested giving her cheese when she was pregnant. She breathing normally, but clearly much more tired then even a day ago. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read this.
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Queens staggering a day after interrupted labor
- Thread starter ladym
- Start Date
hi and welcome to TCS!
congratulations to you, and momma cat for giving birth to 4 kittens!
i don't have experience with pregnant cats or cats who have just very recently given birth, but i'm sure someone will be along shortly who does have experience.
in the meantime, i'd like to ask for more information, so when one of our experts replies they will have some more details.
is momma cat eating, and drinking water? have you been feeding her kitten food during her pregnancy? has she been seen/examined by your vet during her pregnancy?
has momma cat been at a good weight -- like not too skinny? i'm talking about when you rescued her, was she possibly undernourished at that time?
re, possible hypocalcemia. does momma cat seen to be (part) siamese? siamese cats can be more prone to developing hypocalcemia. may i ask -- did your vet have concerns about possible hypocalcemia? i'm asking because you said your vet suggested giving her cheese while she was pregnant.
if i'm not mistaken, female cats can have mated and become pregnant by more than one male cat, and there can be days between the birth of kittens from the different fathers.
my opinion is that either hypocalcemia or a placenta that has been retained, or a different medical issue, it's important that momma cat be seen by your vet. the staggering definitely sounds like her body is stressed. it's very important for both momma cat and her kittens that she remain or is brought back to good health and strength. tomorrow is also friday, so the last day before the weekend. i've had cats with medical issues, and learned to bear in mind how close we were to the weekend -- when the vet's are closed.
are you prepared to hand feed the kittens, should the need arise temporarily? do you have some supplies set aside to do this?
we're here for you......
Yes, answers to those questions would help a lot. I can only add as a stepmom to 36 kittens that I've never seen the staggering after delivery. I really think you should get her to the vet tomorrow.
How is your mama cat doing now?
The staggering is not normal, but she could quite simply be exhausted. She may also be having after pains.
She most likely needs rest, and wet food. Her blood sugar could be low. Offering her a dish a day of kitten formula will give her the extra calcium she needs. Or, you can smear honey on her lips to lick off if she needs quick sugar.
If she is no better, get her to the vet for sub-q fluids and furtther diagnosis. Are her kittens nursing well?
Please keep us updated. I hope she'll be better soon.
The staggering is not normal, but she could quite simply be exhausted. She may also be having after pains.
She most likely needs rest, and wet food. Her blood sugar could be low. Offering her a dish a day of kitten formula will give her the extra calcium she needs. Or, you can smear honey on her lips to lick off if she needs quick sugar.
If she is no better, get her to the vet for sub-q fluids and furtther diagnosis. Are her kittens nursing well?
Please keep us updated. I hope she'll be better soon.
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Hello, again!
Here are links for info on Puerperal Hypocalcemia from the Merck Veterinary manual: http://vetbook.org/wiki/cat/index.php?title=Hypocalcemia http://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-calcium-metabolism/puerperal-hypocalcemia-in-small-animals; it refers mostly to dogs but apparently is intended for cats and other mammals. I am hoping that following Sarthur2's advice helps your kitty resolve her issues but getting a vet's opinion as soon as you can is still a good idea.
Here are links for info on Puerperal Hypocalcemia from the Merck Veterinary manual: http://vetbook.org/wiki/cat/index.php?title=Hypocalcemia http://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-calcium-metabolism/puerperal-hypocalcemia-in-small-animals; it refers mostly to dogs but apparently is intended for cats and other mammals. I am hoping that following Sarthur2's advice helps your kitty resolve her issues but getting a vet's opinion as soon as you can is still a good idea.
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Re extra calcium. The quickes way for an amateur, is to use boiled egg shells, crush them into fine powder, and sprinkle on her food, or with her water. Its pure calcium.
hi and welcome to TCS!
congratulations to you, and momma cat for giving birth to 4 kittens!
i don't have experience with pregnant cats or cats who have just very recently given birth, but i'm sure someone will be along shortly who does have experience.
in the meantime, i'd like to ask for more information, so when one of our experts replies they will have some more details.
is momma cat eating, and drinking water? have you been feeding her kitten food during her pregnancy? has she been seen/examined by your vet during her pregnancy?
has momma cat been at a good weight -- like not too skinny? i'm talking about when you rescued her, was she possibly undernourished at that time?
re, possible hypocalcemia. does momma cat seen to be (part) siamese? siamese cats can be more prone to developing hypocalcemia. may i ask -- did your vet have concerns about possible hypocalcemia? i'm asking because you said your vet suggested giving her cheese while she was pregnant.
if i'm not mistaken, female cats can have mated and become pregnant by more than one male cat, and there can be days between the birth of kittens from the different fathers.
my opinion is that either hypocalcemia or a placenta that has been retained, or a different medical issue, it's important that momma cat be seen by your vet. the staggering definitely sounds like her body is stressed. it's very important for both momma cat and her kittens that she remain or is brought back to good health and strength. tomorrow is also friday, so the last day before the weekend. i've had cats with medical issues, and learned to bear in mind how close we were to the weekend -- when the vet's are closed.
are you prepared to hand feed the kittens, should the need arise temporarily? do you have some supplies set aside to do this?
we're here for you......to help in any ways we're able to, and for support.
Otherwise, goats milk, youghurt, or cheeese - or kmr, are fine sources.
How is it going? Did you saw my advice on calcium from egg-shells?
I wrote my answer as quickly I could going to work, and its just at this moment I do notice I adressed it wrongly, in your tread by quoting wrong person...
