? Oxytocin induction failed....HELP!!!!

I have a very pregnant Siamese mix cat. She is 2 1/2 years old and this is her first litter. She was mated on 5/6/05 - I called her vet. today - (70 days post mating) She has shown NO signs of even thinking about having kittens. Her Temp. hasn't dropped, she is eating like a pig and she is not searching for a nesting place. Vet told me to bring her in - she gave her a shot of Oxytocin which did not produce labor. Vet said to bring cat back in for another injection 4 hours later - still did not produce labor.
Vet wants to do a C-section tomorrow morning at the cost of $1,500. I am SURE of the date of mating - but the Vet. said that she may not have "implanted" right away....so we may be a few days off.
My question is.....should I wait a few days and see if the cat goes into labor on her own - or have the surgery done tomorrow morning? I would hate to shell out $1,500 for a cat that just may go into labor on her own in a day or two.
She is not the least bit uncomfortable. She is resting a lot and quite "sweet" Her kittens are active,......VERY active. She had an x-ray today that showed at least 6 kittens....I will "assume" that being a larger litter the kittens will be smaller than if she just had 2 in her - and if she goes into the high end of gestation they will not be too big for her to deliver?
Any help, advice or suggestions needed AND wanted!!!!
Thank you in advance
Cathy

my ice went 73 days, and delivered on her own. i would wait, wont hurt!!!

Thank you Lisa for your response.....that makes me feel a bit better!!!! My concern at this point also is....where she was given the Oxytocin (TWICE) is it a MUST that she deliver the kittens within a certain amount of time - and also having been given the oxytocin, will that interfere with a normal delivery days from now??? I searched the internet for over 2 hours looking for answers to these 2 questions and found nothing. I was hoping that someone here has had experience or good knowledge of Oxytocin.

Thanks again
Cathy

i doubt it would interfer. the drug is mainly used as a pain reliever, and in cat that are IN labor, but its stalled, its used to stimulate harder contractions. IF that didnt stimuate her to have contractions, then she isnt ready, maybe in a day or two. if she did implant late which happens, then she will go when she is ready, i think time to worry would be about 75 days. cause then you knwo even if she implanted late, she should have gone into labor by then.

Originally Posted by LabRat

Thank you Lisa for your response.....that makes me feel a bit better!!!! My concern at this point also is....where she was given the Oxytocin (TWICE) is it a MUST that she deliver the kittens within a certain amount of time - and also having been given the oxytocin, will that interfere with a normal delivery days from now??? I searched the internet for over 2 hours looking for answers to these 2 questions and found nothing. I was hoping that someone here has had experience or good knowledge of Oxytocin.

Thanks again
Cathy

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Cathy...I left a message for the moderator (Gaye) who may have some experience with Oxytocin. I would continue to check back as not everyone is online at the same time.

Do you know for sure she successfully mated on that date?? Do you own the male she was mated with??

Katie

I cannot thank you guys enough for your quick and friendly responses!!!!! My cat "Terror" was put with the male on 5/5/06 he was removed on 5/7/06 at 5pm. When she was put with the male on the 5th she was
in the first days of her heat cycle. She howled like a cat in heat on the 5th of May and on the 6Th of May.....she was not vocalizing on the 7Th....the day her husband was removed from her.
So it is with certainty that I can say that she was mated within that short period of time....whether she actually implanted on that day........who knows - and there in may lie my problem. "technically" we could have 4 days or more to go - calander wise....she should have had them by now.
As I said she is not in any distress and it showing absolutely NO signs of even considering labor at this time.
And YES....obviously, I know who her husband is - they spent a lot of time together in the past. 5kittens have promised homes and I have 3 people on standby......in case - just for back-up. The owner of the Tom is taking fiirst pick.
Again thank you SOOOO much for everything!!!!
I will keep you posted on her progress.
Cathy

I have a question which I have asked at the end of this post ... but first:

The questions you have regarding the administration of the oxytocin are best addressed by your vet. While there may be those here who do have experience with using it, the fact is that each cat is different and only the vet who administered it to ~your~ cat should be counseling you as to it's benefits or risks.

At this point, I would wait it out a few more days unless she begins to demonstrate distress. So long as she is eating, drinking, pee'ing, poop'ing and otherwise acting normally (what I refer to as "the I-N-G's) then she is probably fine. However, you know your cat better than anyone else so it is your call. If you think something is wrong, then it probably is.

Now ... may I ask you why you are intentionally breeding a cat you refer to as a Siamese "mix"?

Gaye,
I believe that I will opt to wait a few days and see if it all happens on it's own - so long as she remains well. If anything changes or too much time lapses - I will have the C-Section done.
I chose to breed my cat because I want her to have a litter. I will be keeping a female from the litter - and the rest have homes. I waited for the breeding to happen until I had pronmised homes for the kittens. I also believe that I take offence to the fact that you would ask why I would want kittens from a mix breed cat. I am Irish and my husband Italian - should I have aborted my children because they were a "mix"....or not gotten pregnant
Are the only kittens worthy of life the ones that can bring in money- or can people responsibly breed a "unworthy" cat with the promise of loving homes without feeling like they have commited a grave sin?
My kittens have homes. I am prepared to spend over $1,500 to ensure the health and safety of my cat and her litter - PLEASE explain to me what the validity your question holds?
I would not have done this if I did not want the responsibility of the litter and/or the mother. I would not have done this if I did not have the financial means to meet a Vet. bill should a problem arise. I did not take this on lightly. I did plan this - many months in advance and I am more than comfortable with the descision and the fact that my cat and her kittens will recieve any and all treatment necessary. I am truly sorry for you if, in fact, you sincerely believe that life is not worthy without pedigree.....look at your own history and tell me what "worth" entails.

Thank you for your concern
\\Cathy

Originally Posted by LabRat

Gaye,
I believe that I will opt to wait a few days and see if it all happens on it's own - so long as she remains well. If anything changes or too much time lapses - I will have the C-Section done.
I chose to breed my cat because I want her to have a litter. I will be keeping a female from the litter - and the rest have homes. I waited for the breeding to happen until I had pronmised homes for the kittens. I also believe that I take offence to the fact that you would ask why I would want kittens from a mix breed cat. I am Irish and my husband Italian - should I have aborted my children because they were a "mix"....or not gotten pregnant
Are the only kittens worthy of life the ones that can bring in money- or can people responsibly breed a "unworthy" cat with the promise of loving homes without feeling like they have commited a grave sin?
My kittens have homes. I am prepared to spend over $1,500 to ensure the health and safety of my cat and her litter - PLEASE explain to me what the validity your question holds?
I would not have done this if I did not want the responsibility of the litter and/or the mother. I would not have done this if I did not have the financial means to meet a Vet. bill should a problem arise. I did not take this on lightly. I did plan this - many months in advance and I am more than comfortable with the descision and the fact that my cat and her kittens will recieve any and all treatment necessary. I am truly sorry for you if, in fact, you sincerely believe that life is not worthy without pedigree.....look at your own history and tell me what "worth" entails.

Thank you for your concern
\\Cathy

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Cathy....it isn't only Gaye that holds the opinion that mixes should not be purposely bred, it is the policy of the forums:

As a general rule, TCS is primarily concerned with cat welfare. Because of our strong committment to responsible cat care and treatment, we do promote and strongly encourage a pro-spay/neuter policy here. Unless you are an experienced, responsible, ethical breeder of pedigreed cats, we do not advocate breeding.

Notice also that the site does not advocate breeding unregistered purebreds either. So it isn't only mixes.

Katie

Oxytocin is used to increase contractions. It is not for pain control. IMO you should call the vet, and use their advice on whether to do the surgery now or to wait. I don't believe the vet would have given oxytocin or suggested a c-section unless he (or she) felt it was necessary. Although the TCS posters are very knowledgable about cats and kittens, your vet is the one who has examined your cat, and given her the prenatal care.

I have fostered 5 Momcats in the past 2-1/2 years. While I know that people have the right to allow their cat to have as many kittens as they want, I do wish that we could reduce overall kitten births to the point that each kitten would have a home.

Also, by not spaying, your cat is more prone to several illnesses.

The people at TCS will give invaluable advice about raising kittens. But many of us spend lots of time and money caring for unwanted kittens. You can help by requiring everyone who adopts one of your kittens to sign a contract requiring spay or neuter by 4 months. Or keep the kittens until they weigh 2 pounds, then spay or neuter before adoption. Then the new owners can reimburse for the cost. My foster agency spays/neuters before adoption.

There are other threads explaining about breeding non registered cats. If you want to learn more about it, I suggest you do a search.

That being the case I am sorry to have entered the wrong website looking for help with my pet. I was certainly unaware of the "Pedigree preference" I will mention that there are MANY posts about female cats "getting out" "Scratching screens" "Accidentally escaping". Congratulatory posts are made. These kittens are born - pictures posted and "Awwwww how beautiful" Don't look like pedigree to me and does NOT sound like "responsible breeding" either.
I had an honest question regarding my planned pregnancy - and I have the means to pay necessary Vet. bills. I did not post that I took on the responsibility of cat ownership and did not have the money to have her fixed,,,,,and then she just "got out"...and I say "OOPs....I'm expecting kittens...please congratulate me...I'll post pictures of my mutts without homes as soon as possible so you can all tell me how cute they are" You know what....in fact one post, actually stated that the cat was pregnant AGAIN.....UNPLANNED for the 2ND time. Below is the description for this site - what I could find anyways. I see nothing that suggest what you have stated....had that been the case - I would have respected that and gone elsewhere for help.
"Everything here is about Cats cats cats!!!" Please add "Pedigree cats cats cats" so others will not feel hurt by simply loving their unworthy pet and being responsible with breeding.
Again my apologies
Cathy





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Cathy....notice that in every one of those posts there is also a post that requests that the person spays/neuters their cats once the kittens are weaned and keep the cat indoors only until the spay surgery has occurred.

Here are the forum rules:

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15184

There is a HUGE overpopulation of cats....in my state alone...less than 50% of cats/kittens make it out of shelters alive. You won't find such sad statistics for humans...which is why I cannot understand your comparison to your own situation. Cats do not have the "choice" of becoming pregnant or not..their owners have to weigh the risks of bringing more kittens into a world where kittens lose their lives daily.

Katie

Becky,
I'm sorry - that was not addressed to you - we must have posted at the same time. Thank you for the information regarding spay/neuter....it is a great suggestion that I have that done prior to them going to their new homes and I will make those appointments as the time nears. I just wanted to thank you for your kindness and great suggestion.

I would also like to mention that I think it is great that you foster momma cats...and I presume that they are mixed and the animals do not know that they are less than - I suppose THAT is what really matters. I understand your concern about kitten overpopulation and that every kitten should have a home. In fact...THAT is what I ensured BEFORE I decided to bring kittens into the world. Maybe....just maybe....rather than come down on me for having homes for my mutt kittens it would be more help to educate the people who do not, instead of congratulate them. Maybe ask people to consider terminating pregnancies if they haven't homes for the kittens. Maybe suggesting that they only keep kittens that can be spayed or neutered Before placement and if they don't have the money for that - stress irresponsibility. Maybe if others were more responsible with their animals the overpopulation would not be such an issue that people feel they must degrade someone for having homes for an entire litter BEFORE the mating ever took place. Maybe I am getting nailed because THEY were irresponsible.....THAT, my friends....is not MY fault.
I did everything in my power to ensure the health, safety, and future of my litter and I am hurt at the statements made. YEP....thgey will be mutts...but my mutts have homes and they aren't even here yet. If that warrants what I have gotten here - I am sorry.....for YOU.

Cathy

Originally Posted by LabRat

in fact one post, actually stated that the cat was pregnant AGAIN.....UNPLANNED for the 2ND time.

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You might want to read through some of the posts. Here is the one about the second unplanned pregnancy.
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90803
She ended up spaying before the second litter could be born. And if I remember right, she adopted the kitty already pregnant.

You will find that posters here do our best to remain civil, whether or not we agree with the choices people make. But as Katie posted, you will find an admonishment to spay in each instance of backyard breeding.

Please call your vet in the morning, to see how long you can wait before doing the c-section. I lost a kitty in childbirth years ago, when I had unspayed barn cats. I would hate to have anything bad happen with your kitty.

Edited to add: JINX! I posted while you were posting!

All my babies were mongrels or moggies. Each totally precious, as I'm sure yours will be. Like I said, there are other threads about non-pedigree breeding, or backyard breeding. If you want to hear more pros and cons, you can search. But this site is pro-spay and neuter. Everyone will be glad to see pics of your babies, and ooh and ahh...and discuss colors of points...but you are in for a lecture first! LOL!

Maybe ask people to consider terminating pregnancies if they haven't homes for the kittens.

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That has been raised before...but what we find is that people view terminating a pregnant cat the way they feel about aborting their own child...which makes it a very difficult option to provide. We've had people terminate pregnancies...but it is often someone who does rescue work and knows the stats of their state..or someone whose cat became pregnant again very close to the time of the last litter.

Maybe suggesting that they only keep kittens that can be spayed or neutered Before placement and if they don't have the money for that - stress irresponsibility.

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That has come up as well....most people on this board DO have their cats spayed once the litters are weaned and many have opted to spay/neuter the kittens (when that option is available).

I would second Beckiboo's suggestion of looking into having the kittens fixed prior to going into homes. There is a really good article on Pediatric spay/neuter:

http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/repo...ly-neuter.html

I also have a link to low cost clinics in my signature...lots of clinics now will perform pediatric spay/neuter which ensures that the kittens you adopt out won't be having kittens of their own.

I can understand the desire to have a litter and I am glad you did wait until the homes were lined up. I guess being the rescuer I am....I wish all cats and kittens had the same opportunity...which is why you will usually see me posting about keeping mom indoors and spaying/neutering.

Katie

Originally Posted by LabRat

Gaye,
I believe that I will opt to wait a few days and see if it all happens on it's own - so long as she remains well. If anything changes or too much time lapses - I will have the C-Section done.

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That sounds like a good plan.

Originally Posted by LabRat

I chose to breed my cat because I want her to have a litter. I will be keeping a female from the litter - and the rest have homes. I waited for the breeding to happen until I had pronmised homes for the kittens. I also believe that I take offence to the fact that you would ask why I would want kittens from a mix breed cat. I am Irish and my husband Italian - should I have aborted my children because they were a "mix"....or not gotten pregnant

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There have been many people who have come here and said the exact things you have said about wanting a litter of kittens. And they have either been offended by what they were told, packed up their crayons and gone away, or they have stayed, learned a lot about cat care from us, and have made many new friendships in the bargain. I want you to be one of the ones who stay ... and to enjoy your visits here as well as be educated by those who are generous enough to take their time to reply to the many, many questions posted here every day. So knowing that I want you to stick around, get to know us and let us get to know you, please read on ...

Cathy, it is not now, nor has it ever been my intention to offend. However, when someone comes to our Forums and posts about intentionally breeding a non-pedigreed cat when there are so very many non-pedigreed, needy, homeless cats already languishing in shelters and rescues as we speak, I guess I just don't understand. And when it concerns a Siamese cat, then I just get downright upset about it. Because, you see, Cathy, there are currently over 3000 needy Siamese-mix cats without a loving person to adore them the way they deserve to be adored, languishing in shelters or rescues right now. And that number doesn't even begin to address the non-Siamese-mix cats whose numbers in my State of Virginia alone are staggering to say the very least. What you are doing is, not only in my own opinion, but in the mainstream as well, not ethical nor is it at all responsible.

Please accept my sincere apologies if I came across in such a way as to allow you to think I was placing blame. I really do think it is wonderful that you have homes for all the kittens. Please know that I also believe they will be lovingly raised in your home receiving only the best there is to offer in all of their needs. I have no doubt you will have lovely babies. I do applaud your efforts before the fact to place these kittens and to have the necessary financial resources to take good care of them.

Sorry for the highjacking of the thread, but I have a question. (This question may be more based to the breeders.)
I have always been under the impression from my vet and others that a cat shouldn't be inducted, as well as oxytocin being only used after labor has begun. I have always thought, that if a cat hasn't had labor by a certain date, and the vet is sure of gestation date, that c-section is always performed.
This isn't an issue I have faced with any of my queens as of yet, but it is something I would like to be more informed of.
If the mods feel like this question should be moved to the breeders section, please feel free.

I did everything in my power to ensure the health, safety, and future of my litter and I am hurt at the statements made. YEP....thgey will be mutts...but my mutts have homes and they aren't even here yet.

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My mutts:



Which I received from a friend whose cat "accidentally" got out 5 times and had 5 litters of kittens (my 2 are from litter #4...they don't look 9 years old now do they.) That is 30 kittens...and don't think for one day that I don't wish I had taken her cat in to be spayed myself. Knowledge is power...and with that knowledge, I have chosen to become an advocate to help other homeless cats find homes. I have become a very strong proponant of early spay/neuter and TNR. I also foster cats with kittens when I can. Just ask Gaye...she helped me with a mom cat and kittens last year when one of the kittens died of pnemonia...I was devistated. She helped me through it.

We all come to this board with various pasts and experiences....hopefully, by staying here we learn from each other and make things better for our own cats and for the greater cat nation. That said...I do hope you stay Cathy.

Katie

Originally Posted by TNR1

My mutts:

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Aww, and what beautiful mutts they are. Are they siblings?

Originally Posted by FamilytimeRags

Aww, and what beautiful mutts they are.

Are they siblings?

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Why yes they are....Habenaro..the patch tabby girl and Tigger my orange and white fluff are best friends and worst enemies and best friends..well..you get my drift.

Katie