Caring for the mother

[wobblins]

Last night our stray Calico gave birth to 6 seemingly healthy kittens.
Everything seems to be going smoothly, and everyone is safe and sound in their cardboard box.
Is it normal for the mother cat to open-mouth pant hours after finishing labour? We are scared she might still have work to do, or at worst, a stillborn inside of her.
It has been several hours since she has stopped contracting, as she as even gotten up to eat/drink/clean herself while the newborns slept.

 

[Furballsmom]

Hi! Do you have a vet you could talk to just to be sure? Since she's gotten up and done all the normal things it would seem that she's recovering from the strenuous activity of birthing, so it might be that she's too warm?

Is she back with the kittens? They need to be kept warm when she steps away, a heating pad set on low with a couple towels on it, with room so they can move off of it if they want to can work.

Are you able to weigh them? That's your absolute best way to know if everyone is thriving

Why Is My Cat Panting?

Dr. Stephanie Lantry explains cat panting—what causes it and when you should worry or seek veterinary help.

m.petmd.com

 

[wobblins]

Hi! Do you have a vet you could talk to just to be sure? Since she's gotten up and done all the normal things it would seem that she's recovering from the strenuous activity of birthing, so it might be that she's too warm?

Is she back with the kittens? They need to be kept warm when she steps away, a heating pad set on low with a couple towels on it, with room so they can move off of it if they want to can work.

Are you able to weigh them? That's your absolute best way to know if everyone is thriving

http://[URL]https://m.petmd.com/cat/general-health/cat-panting-why-it-happens-and-what-do-about-it

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She is kept with the kittens in a warm and dry area, as instructed.
All kittens weight at least 100g.
We do not have a vet for her yet, but plan on getting her a checkup ASAP.

 

[Furballsmom]

Good for you!!

 

[Sarthur2]

I recommend calcium for panting. Nursing is hard work, and it depletes mom’s calcium stores. This can cause panting and even seizures, which can be fatal. Give her calcium right away, preferably in the form of kitten formula (powdered is best - no Hartz - and mix it and give 1-2 dishes a day); full fat yogurt, cheese, even a dish of half and half will help her in a hurry.

She needs the extra calcium the whole time she is nursing. Once she gets it and stops panting she will not need a vet check right away.

With 6 kittens there may be a runt or two. Weigh them daily and make sure all are gaining. If not, they may need supplementing.

Hypocalcemia or Low Calcium Levels in Cats

W wobblins

 

[StefanZ]

Its probably some afterpains. Common enough. But good you are observant, and I agree, some calcium rich food cant hurt and may help. Goats milk or youghurt are good to... Whatever she takes and you have at hand.

 

[talkingpeanut]

Do you have mom and babies inside now? Thank you for caring for them!

 

[wobblins]

Do you have mom and babies inside now? Thank you for caring for them!

We have been caring for the mother for months now, and they are all fine inside.

I recommend calcium for panting. Nursing is hard work, and it depletes mom’s calcium stores. This can cause panting and even seizures, which can be fatal. Give her calcium right away, preferably in the form of kitten formula (powdered is best - no Hartz - and mix it and give 1-2 dishes a day); full fat yogurt, cheese, even a dish of half and half will help her in a hurry.

She needs the extra calcium the whole time she is nursing. Once she gets it and stops panting she will not need a vet check right away.

With 6 kittens there may be a runt or two. Weigh them daily and make sure all are gaining. If not, they may need supplementing.

Hypocalcemia or Low Calcium Levels in Cats

W wobblins

Its probably some afterpains. Common enough. But good you are observant, and I agree, some calcium rich food cant hurt and may help. Goats milk or youghurt are good to... Whatever she takes and you have at hand.

We will see what we can get in terms of calcium, but in the meantime, she seems to have stopped panting as much.

Last night she spent quite a while away from the litter while they were asleep. She also doesn't immediately respond to their cries when she is able to. I hope this isn't a sign of rejection.
The only time she has gotten out of her box is to use the restroom or clean herself off, as she is still bleeding occasionally.

But another issue has arised, and we have noticed that the mothers feces has become lighter in color and not as solid, but nowhere near diarrhea levels. We feed her the mother "Royal Canin Mother & Baby Dry Cat Food "

She has also noticably been lacking when it comes to cleaning the newborns, as we have had to clean some excrement/urine off of them every once and a while. (replacing the towels when needed, of course)

 

[StefanZ]

Momma is usually eating up the wastes, the the owner usually dont even see them... She surely helps them eliminate, but by some reason, isnt eager to eat up them...
How many are the kittens?? She is perhaps overhelmed by their numbers? If so, you gotta help her.

 

[Sarthur2]

Her poop will return to normal. If she ate all six placentas this will explain the color and texture right now. She is also tired and still recovering from the birth.

You still need to give her calcium every day.

 

[wobblins]

We are giving her what she needs, and things seem to be going well. The panting as stopped since yesterday, and we plan on taking her to the vet later today.


Is it alright for the mother to take a nap away from the kittens? The litter is not in any danger, are fed, and some even asleep.

 

[Furballsmom]

The litter is not in any danger, are fed, and some even asleep.

As long as they're kept warm with a heating pad set on low and covered with a couple towels, with room so they can move off of it if they get too warm, and she responds when they start crying, they should be ok. However, keep weighing them regularly, that's your best/only way to know if they're thriving and whether/when you need to step in and help with feedings .

 

[wobblins]

Turns out mother had a retained placenta that she has since passed, and is now her usual self again.
Kittens are gaining weight, all is good. Thank for the help.

 

[Furballsmom]

This is great to hear!! Let us know how things go with these little darlings and mama!