Help. Kitten Too Big For Natural Birth!

[GinaAndHerCats]

Hi,
My cat is pregnant and I took her to the vet today for an x-ray. And the vet told me she is pregnant with just one kitten. Please see attached x-ray photos. The vet told me that the kitten is too big and the chance that the kitten be born naturally is very low. The mom cat is not producing any milk yet and the vet said I should schedule a C-Section once my cat has milk coming out of her nipples. Please help take a look at the attached photos and give advise on whether you guys think the kitten can be born naturally or must I book a C-Section. Please share your experience. I am concerned that my cat will not be able to nurse her kitten or even refuse her kitten if a natural birth is not taken place.
Thank you very very very much for your help!!!

 

[GinaAndHerCats]

Sorry for accidentally posting the same pictures multiple times on the thread. This is my first time posting. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you so much.

 

[abyeb]

If your vet says that she needs to deliver via c-section, I would trust them. I would be worried about risking your cat’s, and her kitten’s health otherwise.

 

[talkingpeanut]

You should get a second opinion from another vet if you are concerned, but you should listen to what the vet or vets say. We can’t tell from photos.

If she does have a c-section, you can have her spayed at the same time. She should be able to nurse after, but you should have kitten formula and a bottle ready just in case.

 

[StefanZ]

The real problem is, to know when the exact natural delivery should be. Because kittens dont manage well to be premature, unlike human babies.
So momma will be surely OK, but the kitten - lies in Gods hand.
So, prepare also for the care of a premature kitten to give it all chances there are.
Have raw goats milk, a little syringe, an IR heating lamp, a scale...

Because you dont want to wait till the actual delivery begins and the kittens fastens. Its possible, but emergency cesarean is risky too...
So you must take an intelligent quess, and cut before. That is why the vet said about milk coming in. But milk coming in isnt reliable.
Probably best you do measure the body temp - in the behind or the milder in the armpit of foreleg... And when it drops its about one day left... At this moment a cesaerean isnt no problem the kitten not really premature...

 

[jen]

Everyone has given great advice, I would tend to believe the vet. That does look like a big kitten. Any idea when she mated and would be due? You can always get a second opinion as mentioned but again, they can and should spay her when they do the c-section.

 

[weebeasties]

I've only had 1 pregnant cat and it was almost 10 years ago BUT, she did have an emergency c-section. All I can tell you is that she accepted the kittens with no problem and she nursed them. I couldn't believe she was able to, the incision was large and I kept thinking that it must be painful! She was a very good mama though and very devoted to her babies.
Good luck with your kitty and please keep us posted.