Hello everyone. I am new here, and what brought me to this site is that I have a stray cat that I took in (and she's pregnant). Well, she went into labor yesterday evening, and had a kitten at 2am this morning. From the time she started contracting, straining and pushing, it took her an hour to give birth. The new kitten is happy and healthy, and mom is great. My question is..she hasn't given birth to anymore kittens since then, and how should I know if she has anymore? She's a small mommy, and I cannot feel anymore kittens, just her swollen nipples. Could she possibly have more kittens, and is it normal for her to wait this long to have any more?? Help, I am getting nervous! THanks for your help, I appreciate it!
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Is She Done?
- Thread starter mommamia'smom
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- #3
She started Stage I at 6pm and Stage II at 12:45am. She started with the contractions and straining/pushing at around 1:10am, and the kitten was born at 2:05 am. She did have a difficult time pushing out the kitten (kitten was face first thank goodness). The kittens nose and mouth was showing through, but poor momma's opening is real small. She went through about 5 contractions (pushing 3 to 4 times each) and the kitten still wouldn't go through, so I helped by lighting pressing around the edges, her final push, and out came the kitten. After she gave birth to her, she cleaned her off, ate the placenta and sack and severed the cord. The kitten has been nursing wonderfully and is plump as can be. She hasn't been contracting or breathing rapidly...just purring and kneading as kitten nurses. I am baffled that there is only one kitten, and am thinking maybe she conceived at different times...and more to come perhaps? This is my first birthing experience with a cat, so am reading up online as much as I can.
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- #5
Her tummy feels a little bit full, but not like she was. She's a very small cat, and I thought she looked really small for going into labor. She's still resting and nursing. Under her nipples I feel it swollen, but I do not feel any moving kittens. Perhpas you are right about reabsorbing. Is that a problem, do you think I should seek veterinary assistance?
If your girl is not straining or having any contractions...she probably only has one. If you notice her in distress....then I would seek medical attention.
Please keep mom and kitten indoors only and away from intact males until mom can be safely spayed.
Katie
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- #7
Thank you for those links and info. Yes, she is in a moses basket in our spare bedroom's closet. She seems content, and is purring and nursing. I am glad that she only has one...because I already have 5 cats, and hope to find her a good home (kitten). Right after she weans her, I am getting the mom fixed. When should I get the mom fixed, is it possible to do it earlier??
It is possible (although not necessarily recommended) to get mom fixed while she is nursing her kitten. Most vets will want you to wait until her milk has dried up which is around 2 weeks after the kitten is no longer nursing. I would recommend placing this kitten between 10-12 weeks of age as it provides the kitten more time with mom.
Katie
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- #9
Ok, that's someting to talk over with the vet. I definitely do not want to go through this again, and do not need anymore cats! All my male cats are fixed, but will keep her indoors until she gets fixed.
Yes....talk it over with your vet and let us know what he/she recommends. BTW...welcome to TCS. You will absolutely love it here. Even when you are done with taking care of this little one and mom...feel free to continue to share your knowledge with others.
Katie
