Rosebud had her litter and it was really tough...

Rosebud, our barely 10 month old pregnant rescue kitty started labor at 10:30 last night and I believe it's finally over (6:00 am now). She had 3 orange and 1 black/gray. All 3 of the orange ones were stillborn. I am in a bit of shock. They were each moving right before they hit the birth canal and no matter what we did I couldn't get any of them to whimper. I worked on them for at least 15 minutes each and nothing. They were beautiful and fully formed. All 4 of the kittens were 4oz. each. Is that an average weight? The black/gray one is extemely loud, hungry, nursing with great vigor and appears to be extremely healthy. He was the only one born with a broken sac. The others I broke immediately. My gut tells me mommy may have too small a pelvis to birth live kittens, except, thank goodness, our little survivor. Mommy really had a tough time when it came to pushing them out. She was fairly quick but, quite literally, screaming in pain. It has been a very draining night and our 3 children will be up in less than an hour and they were so excited for her birth and babies, but when the first one was so painfull and stillborn I decided to not include the kids. I am sure they will be sad to hear. We counted 4 to 5 in her belly these last few weeks when constantly watching and feeling her stomach. Mommy Rsebud is taking care of her one well but keeps following me like I may still have one of her kitties in my hands Was there something I could have possibly missed? Thanks for being there...

No, there was nothing you could have missed. I am so sorry that some of them didn't make it, but as you said, it was difficult for mom- painful and perhaps she lacked the energy to push her kittens down quickly. Being a stray the parentage is questionable. Tom could have passed something to mom, who passed it to the kittens and that could have affected the whole process. Hopefully, this will be the last time momcat has to endure such pain, and you such agony. Good luck with the remaining kittens.

Originally Posted by brookebarker

... He was the only one born with a broken sac. The others I broke immediately...

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I thought I noticed this with Willow's #3 kitten, but thought I had to be imagining. He didnt seem to have a sac to clean. She took care of the first too perfectly, and good thing cuz they came within 10 minutes of each other, but #3 just kinda fell out. And I mean that litterally. She stuck her bum in the air and he plopped right down in the box with a thud. There was no cord to chew, I assumed it ripped. Anyway, so when #4 came, Willow did not clean his face right away. She was licking her, but not her face, so I took the cloth and wiped it away. I literally heard the breath. Then I waited and waited for her to chew through the cord, but she started to clean herself. I wasnt sure how long she could stay connected to the cord, so after a few minutes, I cut it for her. As soon as I did, she ate the placenta.
I'm sorry your reds didnt make it, sounds like you were a wonderful doula though and did everything you could to save them. I hope your little black/gray thrives and grows to be a wonderful cat! Do you plan on keeping him/her? Anyway, congratulations Rosebud on your new little kiddy! I bet she's glad it's all over. Willow seems to have a renewed aura already!

Originally Posted by Marianjela

I thought I noticed this with Willow's #3 kitten, but thought I had to be imagining. He didnt seem to have a sac to clean. She took care of the first too perfectly, and good thing cuz they came within 10 minutes of each other, but #3 just kinda fell out. And I mean that litterally. She stuck her bum in the air and he plopped right down in the box with a thud. There was no cord to chew, I assumed it ripped. Anyway, so when #4 came, Willow did not clean his face right away. She was licking her, but not her face, so I took the cloth and wiped it away. I literally heard the breath. Then I waited and waited for her to chew through the cord, but she started to clean herself. I wasnt sure how long she could stay connected to the cord, so after a few minutes, I cut it for her. As soon as I did, she ate the placenta.
I'm sorry your reds didnt make it, sounds like you were a wonderful doula though and did everything you could to save them. I hope your little black/gray thrives and grows to be a wonderful cat! Do you plan on keeping him/her? Anyway, congratulations Rosebud on your new little kiddy! I bet she's glad it's all over. Willow seems to have a renewed aura already!

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i had a litter like that but they were ok

I'm so sorry about the little ones, but it is good Rosebud has a kitten to nurse. I hope you were able to explain it to the kids OK - it is tough being a parent sometimes, whether human or fur babies.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss. Poor baby. I bet she is wondering what is going on. I am glad that at least one little guy survived.
Kudos to you for being so attentive and loving. It was not your fault.

I'm really sorry...but I agree with Hissy...probably best to make this her only litter and have her spayed.

Katie