Preparing a place for a cat to give birth

Possible complications during lambing

Complications during lambing can occur at any stage of birth in both mother and kittens.
Complications from the parturient side may be the following:

ruptures of the birth canal due to hypertension;
bleeding;
refusal of kittens - the cat is not interested in newborns and growls if they are placed near her;
sepsis;
uterine prolapse;
retention of placenta;
acute mastitis – inflammation of the mammary glands;
cannibalism.

Newborn problems:

congenital malformations - cleft palate, development of internal organs outside the body;
intrauterine infections, due to which kittens are stillborn or die in the first few days;
abnormal position of the fetus - in such cases the cat will not be able to give birth on its own;
aspiration (inhalation) of amniotic fluid, pneumonia.

Cleft palate in a kitten

How you can help:

What does a cat need to give birth?

Familiarize yourself in advance with how cat birth works. This will eliminate anxiety and give an understanding of the natural state of affairs. The process proceeds in stages. The first and second stages alternate with the arrival of the new kitten. The third proceeds the fastest and indicates the end of the process.

Contractions

After the water breaks, the uterus begins to contract intensively. The diameter of the perineum increases, contractions that occur are replaced by periods of calm. The pet's breathing quickens. She constantly runs to the box and drops the blankets. This interval lasts 3-6 hours. At this time, you can easily feel the movement of the kittens by placing your hand on the mother's belly.

As contractions become more frequent, the furry babies are pushed out more and more. A small amount of blood may be released from the birth canal.

The appearance of kittens

The appearance of pain during contractions that become more frequent means that the first baby will be delivered soon. Try to calm your pet down with petting and gentle words. When pushing, the amniotic sac bursts and releases a small amount of yellowish fluid. This stage takes 5-30 minutes and is accompanied by loud purring or growling.

The appearance of the placenta

The placenta is the amniotic membrane, that is, the placenta, which comes out immediately with the kitten or a little later than its appearance. After it was all over, the young mother's condition stabilized. Calm and even breathing returns to her, uterine contractions decrease, and the abdomen becomes soft and elastic.

Normal phenomena

Change the new family's diapers and leave them alone. Newborns have little fur, making it difficult for them to stay warm. Hang a lamp over the box to prevent them from freezing.

Cat food

A young mother feeds her offspring for up to 2-2.5 months. This requires a lot of effort, so pay special attention to her nutrition:

Purchase quality food formulated for pregnant and lactating animals.
Focus on fermented milk products. If you adhere to natural feeding, then take care of a sufficient amount of calcium. All other food should be easily digestible: boiled lean meat, vegetables, cereals. The amount of meat in the first 10-12 days is reduced to a minimum.
Add magnesium and calcium to your diet. Additional nutritional supplements will be needed when eating natural foods. Before using medications, be sure to consult your veterinarian.
Change the water regularly. Bacteria in the water will immediately affect newborns.

At first, the frequency of feeding increases to 4-6 times a day. Portions should be small and balanced.

A first-time pet often leaves her family due to poorly developed maternal instinct. Don't scold her, but calmly bring her back. After several returns, she will understand what is required of her.

Mother's milk cannot be replaced with cow's milk. A cat's body can only digest milk of its own species. Consumption of milk from other animals is fraught with acute intestinal upset followed by dehydration. Also, with such feeding, there is a lack of essential nutrients. In the long term, there is a lag in development and the formation of weak immunity. The pet is vulnerable to viral infections and chronic diseases.

As an alternative, the use of cat milk replacer is recommended. It comes in liquid or powder form and is sold in veterinary pharmacies and pet stores along with a feeding bottle. Recommended dosages are indicated on the packaging.

The following is suitable as a temporary substitute for the mixture:

1 tsp. glucose powder, diluted in 1 glass of boiled water;
rice water obtained after boiling rice by straining out the used water.

It is not recommended to use this feeding more than once. Try to purchase formula as soon as possible or find another nursing cat.

Up to 3 weeks, feeding is carried out around the clock. A fast metabolism and a small stomach prevent long-term satiety. During one feeding, up to 5 ml of mixture is consumed. From the third week, the first complementary foods are added to the diet, and the interval between feedings increases to 3 hours.

Possible complications after childbirth

Childbirth in a cat does not always go smoothly. Sometimes complications occur, some of which can even threaten the pet’s life. The owner must recognize them in time and try to eliminate the consequences.

Dead kitten

The causes of stillbirth in a cat can be either intrauterine death or death from asphyxia during passage through the birth canal. If a kitten is born without signs of life (does not move, does not squeak for 10–15 minutes), then it should be removed from the cat and other healthy kittens.

I just had a situation where a kitten got stuck in the birth canal and died. We were at work all day and that's when the cat started giving birth. When we returned, at first we didn’t suspect anything. But the cat had some kind of dense lump sticking out under its tail. After about twenty minutes we realized that not everything was going smoothly. My husband got down to business, he performed some manipulations, and the lump was born, but, unfortunately, already lifeless. Fortunately, the next two babies were born without problems.

The kitten can't get out

If the kitten cannot pass through the birth canal and is stuck there, then the cat must be injected with 0.2 mg of oxytocin. When the medicine does not work and the situation is not resolved, it is necessary to urgently contact a veterinarian to solve the problem surgically. It is unacceptable to pull a kitten yourself - this can cause harm not only to the baby, but also to the cat.

The kitten got out, but there is a bubble sticking out

The cat can cope with this problem on its own, however, in the event of a difficult birth, if the animal is too tired, veterinary care may be required, the absence of which is fraught with dangerous consequences.

What to do after childbirth

After the end of labor, the new mother needs to recover. Watch her carefully. If alarming signs appear, take your pet to the veterinarian.

Normal phenomena

In the first week, a small amount of pinkish vaginal discharge is acceptable. If you are under extreme stress, you may lose milk. This is not a pathology, but implies a forced transition to artificial feeding.

For the first 5-6 hours, a new mother may refuse to eat. It's okay if she enjoys drinking water. Otherwise, dehydration and exhaustion of the body may occur. Temporary suspension of trips to the toilet is also allowed. Most of the liquid goes into the milk, so the pet may not go to the toilet for up to 4 days in a row.

The help of a veterinarian is needed to perform a cesarean section or eliminate complications that arise in a cat after birth. Dangerous complications include:

an abundance of bloody or purulent discharge with an unpleasant odor;
uterine prolapse;
inflammation and hardening of the mammary glands;
excessive increase (more than 39.5 °C) or decrease (less than 37 °C) in temperature;
impaired coordination of movements and heart rhythm;
weak breathing of the woman in labor;
plaque on mucous membranes and lethargic behavior of newborns;
frequent urination.

Heavy bleeding after a cesarean section indicates ruptured sutures, as well as tears inside the vagina. In this case, urgent veterinary attention is required. Preserving the belly for more than a day after lambing is no less dangerous. Most often this is due to fetal stuckness or helminthic infestation.

The most dangerous complication is eclampsia - a sharp increase in blood pressure. This condition is accompanied by excessive salivation, convulsions, fever and loss of coordination. If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. An animal left without timely treatment dies.

Veterinarians recommend contacting the clinic if you have any doubts about your actions. It is better to make a mistake in your conclusions and make a false call than to kill your beloved animal and its offspring.

Sterilization is carried out no earlier than 2-4 months after lambing. During this period, blood circulation in the pelvis is normalized and the uterus gradually returns to its original size.

Exceptions are allowed if emergency intervention is necessary, typical for:

uterine ruptures;
the appearance of malignant tumors on the external or internal genital organs;
abnormal location or damage to the placenta;
postpartum hemorrhage.

In such situations, surgical intervention is justified. The danger of postoperative risks is inferior to possible complications.

Providing first aid for lambing is much easier in practice than in theory. The missing experience comes over time, so each time the process becomes easier. For the first time, it is recommended to agree with the treating veterinarian on the date and time of lambing. In this case, you will be insured in case of complications.

The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!

As soon as the first kitten is born, you need to check whether it is breathing or not. It is a bad sign if the kitten breathes through its mouth or does not breathe at all. This means that oxygen has not yet begun to enter the kitten’s lungs. Slap him on the back or give him CPR. An alarming signal is the situation when a kitten is born without a membrane, covered in blood or green liquid. It is necessary to suck out excess fluid from his respiratory tract so that the baby begins to breathe.

If everything is fine, the kittens are breathing and showing signs of life, then you need to cut their umbilical cord. Usually the cat snacks on it itself, but anything can happen, so prepare for this process in advance. The umbilical cord must be cut very quickly, otherwise the kitten will develop an umbilical hernia.

The very last stage is the separation of the cat’s placenta. The placenta is the placenta that follows the kittens. There should be exactly as many afterbirths as kittens were born. If not everything works out, then this is fraught with inflammation of the uterus, leading to the death of the cat. Placentas that emerge from the uterus should be placed in a separate basin.

Childbirth is a difficult process for a cat, taking a lot of energy. After this event, give the new mother water and leave her to lie in peace and quiet. Place a heating pad next to her or turn on a lamp. After 5-6 hours you can give the cat something to eat. You should not give raw meat and fatty, high-calorie foods. Fermented milk products, low-fat meat broths, vegetable purees, and so on are best suited for this purpose. You need to consult a veterinarian regarding food. It is also recommended to give your pet warm tea with milk and give him glucose to restore strength.

If after giving birth the cat begins to have diarrhea, which is normal in such cases, then you need to give her activated charcoal to stabilize digestion. It is better to forget about pills and medications while feeding the cat - all this will be passed on to the kittens along with the milk.

In the first days after birth, it is better not to walk the cat. After 5-6 days, you can take the dog out for a walk for 15-20 minutes, when the kittens are sleeping, but keep in mind that she will be very worried and worried. You can’t let your cat go outside at all: it has a bad effect on the milk. After a walk, thoroughly wash your cat's paws to prevent any infection from getting to the kittens.

Alarming symptoms

An unqualified owner cannot always help a furry pet. That is why during childbirth you should have the telephone number of the treating veterinarian, or preferably two or three numbers, at hand. Four symptoms are a serious reason to contact a specialist.

Ahead of schedule. Most often, premature birth occurs in a cat due to a frozen pregnancy, non-viability of the offspring, placental abruption, or injury. The stages of labor pass faster already on the 50-55th day, sometimes earlier. Most often, a cat gives birth to dead kittens. The living premature offspring dies in the coming days. It happens that a cat gives birth to just one dead baby prematurely. The rest emerge alive and healthy on time. If your cat gives birth prematurely, have her examined by a specialist to understand further steps. Lack of childbirth. If the pet does not give birth for more than 70 days and if this is not a false “birth” due to an imaginary pregnancy in the cat, then the pregnancy is probably frozen. The cubs most likely died, so it is urgent to save the pet from possible infections and damage to the uterus. Missed birth

It is important to determine when labor is truly over. If the pushing has stopped and the cat is resting, this does not guarantee that all the kittens will come out.

You should observe your mother's behavior. A cat that has not yet given birth reluctantly takes care of the cubs, does not leave the “nest” and does not change position, refuses to drink, and periodically strains. To make sure, you can feel the stomach three to four hours after birth. The elasticity and tension of the muscles indicate that there is still a kitten left in the womb. Discharge. Any colored, pungent-smelling discharge during pregnancy and childbirth is a deviation from the norm. During strong, long contractions (more than an hour) without subsequent labor, blood may flow profusely. In this case, it is also necessary to show the cat to a specialist.

Fetal pathologies do not always depend on the health of the mother and can be inherited from the father. However, the physical and mental condition of the cat affects the successful outcome of the birth.

Therefore, it is important that the pet is healthy before mating. Unfavorable factors for childbirth are old age, obesity, stress, heredity

Even the process of childbirth in a cat, supported by instincts, does not always go smoothly. You should mentally prepare for any outcome. However, do not panic prematurely and do not intervene without reason. Nervousness will be transferred to the pet, and during childbirth she will be confused. Rest assured that everything will go well and the cat will be able to rely on its owner.

The first 24 hours after birth

A cat is considered sexually mature when she is 7 months old and begins to go into heat. However, you should not rush into mating. For example, British cats are able to bear healthy kittens only after 1 year of life.

Owners are usually more afraid of the first birth, since cats have strong instincts that help them overcome the ordeal. If the animal is healthy, then there is no reason to worry. Usually everything goes without complications, so it is enough for the owner to be nearby.

At first, contractions gain momentum in intensity and become more and more frequent. Then, through efforts, the baby is born.

Important! The cat must give birth in a lying position, so you need to watch and not let her sit up. Owners of Scottish and other breeds often have to rid kittens of the amniotic sac if the cat does not do this

Basic Rules

When choosing a place where the cat will give birth and the kittens will spend the first weeks of their lives, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

It should be warm and protected from drafts.
Definitely safe and comfortable. It is very important to equip the maternity area where no one can accidentally step on the babies.
Must be quiet and in a dark place.
It is best to choose natural fabrics and materials.
The design should be such as to enable the owner to do cleaning without disturbing the animals.

In this case, both the mustachioed mother and the kids will be comfortable. The place for childbirth should be prepared in advance, this will help accustom the animal to its new “house”.

When should you contact a veterinarian?

You should immediately consult a doctor in the following cases:

Premature birth (pregnancy less than 51 days).
The cat has prolonged contractions, but the kitten is not born for more than an hour.
The fruit is not positioned correctly (backwards) or is very large.
The cat's body temperature is less than 37 or more than 39.5 degrees.
Copious bloody discharge from the vulva with an extremely unpleasant odor.
Heart rhythm disturbance.
The cat is weakened, makes no attempts to expel the fetus, and her breathing is weak.

You should call your veterinarian if you don't know if everything is going well. It’s better to play it safe and bother the doctor than to waste time.

Sometimes labor stops for a while. The cat licks the kittens that have already been born, and the rest are born later. This is a variant of the norm if there are no visible signs of poor health.

Signs of the onset of labor

The first time labor usually makes itself felt 24 hours before the onset of contractions. In experienced cats, clear signs appear 1-4 hours before labor. The beginning of the process depends not only on the age of the pet, but also on individual characteristics.

The first signs of impending birth:

decreased appetite. The cat begins to drink a lot, in addition to water, prefers milk and broth;
the cat is lethargic and almost constantly lies in the box;
Before the onset of contractions, you may notice active movement in the abdomen. Thus, the kittens try to take the most comfortable position for birth. This sign is often noticeable already 1-2 days before birth in representatives of large breeds (for example, Maine Coon);
active licking of the genitals. In this way, the cat cleanses the organ to prevent the development of infections in kittens;
About an hour before giving birth, the cat's birth plug comes off. Usually it is not difficult to notice, since it resembles a white-pink clump;
before starting the process, the temperature is reduced to 37 °C. Experts recommend monitoring this indicator to prevent bleeding during and after childbirth;
by the time of childbirth, the nipples swell as much as possible, and if pressure is applied to them, colostrum will appear;
5-6 hours before birth, false contractions may appear. In this case, the cat behaves restlessly, often hunching over, and meowing. The process helps the kittens to finally prepare for birth, and the vascular system of the uterus to contract in a timely manner;
the main and main sign of the onset of labor is the breaking of water. They can leave either a few hours before or at the birth of the first kitten.

Important! It is necessary to ensure that the cat does not go to give birth in an unsuitable place where access to her will be limited.

How to recognize the onset of labor

Inexperienced owners worry more than their pets. They ask in advance how to understand that a cat has started giving birth, and how long to wait for the kittens to appear. Veterinarians advise monitoring the behavior and well-being of your pet throughout pregnancy. This will help you easily recognize changes at an early stage.

The first signs of labor in a cat involve behavior. The expectant mother is nervous, anxious, constantly looking for a secluded corner and trying to build a nest. Because of this, it is important to accustom her to a prepared box in advance.

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A pregnant woman's appetite decreases to the point of hunger strike. She constantly licks the external genitalia, and a few hours before lambing begins to arch her back. With a strong attachment to the owner, the animal begins to attract his attention by meowing.

Physiological signs include swelling of the mammary glands, the appearance of lactation and a decrease in body temperature to 37 °C. The pregnant belly drops and takes on the shape of a pear. The frequency of going to the toilet increases. 1-2 days before the onset of labor, the mucous plug comes off. It is difficult to notice the passage of water, since the secreted mucus is constantly licked out.

Cat pregnancy calendar by week

Fetal development stages are most often indicated in weeks, and in the early stages days are used. Below we take a closer look at intrauterine development from the very first days.

Development by week

The embryo's cells divide but move freely throughout the uterus. Attachment to the wall occurs only 7-10 days after conception. This process is called implantation and the countdown begins with it. The online cat birth calculator also takes this period into account.

For your information! At this time, the first signs of pregnancy appear in the cat. The expectant mother becomes more capricious, picky, and may hide for a long time in a quiet, dark place.

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The fertilized egg increases to a size of 15-20 mm. At the moment, the cat embryo is difficult to distinguish from other mammals. The gradual development of internal organs, including the brain and heart, begins.

Important! An ultrasound at this stage shows a heartbeat of about 230 beats/min. By the end of the 28th day, the baby’s paws, pads, and claws begin to form.

The cat's behavior does not change during this period. Possible toxicosis

By the end of the 28th day, the baby’s paws, pads, and claws begin to form. The cat's behavior does not change during this period. Toxicosis may occur.

At 5-6 weeks, sensory organs gradually form. As you know, cats have well-developed hearing and a sense of balance. Also at this stage, gradual preparation for growing a mustache occurs, and soft claws appear.

The bones and spine are clearly visible on the x-ray. The fur is already fully formed. In general, on the 50th day, kittens are ready to be born, but this point also depends on the breed.

For example, the straight-eared British cat, Bengal, Maine Coon, and Scottish Fold grow a little slower than other members of the cat family and, accordingly, live longer. For this reason, you should not fit the pregnancy periods of sphinxes and “British” women into a single framework.

The mother cat gradually begins to prepare for childbirth. The body shows the first symptoms, such as test contractions. The owner should carefully monitor the behavior, since in the prenatal state the pet is looking for a secluded place

It is also important not to create stressful situations for your pet and to feed it well.

Developed fetus

By this time, those kittens that belong to the late breeds are already born. The cat's behavior during this period becomes calmer. The expectant mother expects the birth of her babies in a certain place, almost without leaving her bed.

For most cats that do not belong to certain breeds, the 13th week is already exceeding the norm. Further gestation can lead to the development of an overly large fetus, which can cause harm during childbirth.

Important! If the period has clearly exceeded the established period, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

Why is it needed?

It is necessary to prepare a home for the birth of kittens for the following reasons:

The design provides little kittens with protection and comfort.

offspring safety;
comfortable life for mother and offspring;
rest and feeding of animals.

A maternity house is not just a maternity hospital for an animal, but a place where the expectant mother can feed and protect her kittens. It is advisable to prepare such a place for your pet 14-21 days before the onset of labor. The maternity house should be equipped with a heating pad if the birth of small cats occurs during the cold season. It is advisable not only to properly prepare the box for the birth of offspring, but also to prepare brilliant green, round scissors, sterile napkins and flannel cloths, gloves, the necessary medications, a pipette and an enema. These materials may be needed to help your cat give birth. With the right approach, it is better to deliver the baby with a veterinarian, and then move the born kittens and mother into housing.

What does a cat need to give birth?

You can give birth to a cat yourself, but only when you are not doing this for the first time and know exactly what and how to do. In other cases, it is better to call a veterinary obstetrician for this purpose. But if you really want to take part in the birth of your pet, then you can be a veterinarian’s assistant - he probably won’t mind. In this case, you will need to ensure that you have the following medical instruments and things necessary for childbirth:

waste disposal basin;
oilcloth or disposable absorbent diaper that can be placed under a giving birth cat;
tweezers;
thermometer;
scissors;
pipettes;
syringes;
cotton wool;
sterile gauze wipes;
silk threads;
notebook and pen for notes on childbirth;
watch;
warmer.

Medical supplies you will need:

hydrogen peroxide;
traumeel;
medical alcohol (you can use vodka);
5% glucose;
syntomycin acid;
brilliant green;
no-shpa;
sodium glucanate;
oxytocin;
vikasol;
diphenhydramine;
dexamethasone;
saline;
analgin;
vitamin B12;
sulfocafocaine.

These are medications that may be needed if your cat goes into premature labor or if any unforeseen circumstances arise during labor.

A day or two before giving birth, it is necessary to prepare the cat's groin area for birth. You need to cut the hair in the abdomen and genital area with scissors. If six is short and it will not interfere during childbirth, then you can leave it like that.

House for giving birth to a cat (nest)

The cat’s birthing house (nest) must be prepared 2-3 weeks before the cat’s expected birth. To do this, you can use an exhibition tent (sterilized or never seen at exhibitions), an arena, a special cage or an ordinary spacious box.

The house for giving birth to a cat should be spacious enough, because... it will contain a cat with kittens and some other items (bowls, tray, heating pad, etc.).

Both the owner and the cat should have equal and convenient access to what is inside the house for the cat to give birth, and it is advisable to create obstacles for the kittens. Therefore, a door is usually cut out in a cardboard box at a short distance from the floor, and tents and playpens are opened just enough so that it is convenient for the cat to get in and out, and the kittens cannot crawl out of it.

A soft but thin cloth is placed at the bottom of the cat’s birthing house, which is easy to wash; instead of cloth, you can use disposable diapers. You should not cover a cat’s birthing house with thick, heavy fabrics (for example, a blanket), because kittens can easily get tangled in the folds and suffocate.

You can put a heating pad in the cat's birthing house, especially if the birth occurs during the cold season. It is better to wrap the heating pad in a cloth so that the kittens do not get burned.

In addition, you can put a tray and bowls with food and water in the cat's birthing house. Some cats eat, drink and go potty between contractions, so to prevent the birth of the next kitten from taking place “on the road,” it is better to place everything closer.

The house for giving birth to a cat should be in a warm, dry and calm place, without drafts.

Some breeders recommend preparing another box with bedding and a heating pad. This box is intended for kittens that have already been born, since during contractions and next births the cat may accidentally crush them.

Immediately before the cat gives birth, it is necessary to block her access to hidden places in the apartment: under the bathtub, in the closet, etc., because the cat may decide to give birth there, which is not at all hygienic.

Suitable options

In order for the animal to feel good and not worry too much, the birthing area should be properly prepared in a timely manner. Especially if the cat is pregnant for the first time, an inexperienced owner has to deliver the baby .

A box for giving birth to a cat is the simplest and most convenient option. At the bottom you need to put something warm and soft, for example, an old sweater, and on it - disposable diapers that are easy to remove and change. Before giving birth, it is advisable to lay a fresh one.
A cage is also a good option for the birth of kittens. When the kids grow up, it is very easy to wash.
Box. You can place in it not only soft bedding, but also a feeder, a bowl of water, and if the size allows, even a tray. This way the cat can avoid being away from the babies for a long time.
Baskets. They are equipped with special mattresses, which can later be washed without any problems. However, this is an open option, so the cat will not feel completely safe.
Tents. For childbirth, you can also use tents - both exhibition and arched. They are easy to close, so the cat will not be able to constantly carry the kittens from place to place. However, an animal can spill water from a bowl or scatter food, and it is quite difficult to tidy up such a “house” while the kittens are in it.
Breeders often use playpens as a place for childbirth.

The owner must first of all think about the pet, so it is better to refuse a fashionable and beautiful tent in advance if the animal previously felt uncomfortable in it.

Preparing cats for pregnancy

Special attention should be paid to this stage when planning pregnancy. It is necessary to pre-treat the cat with anti-helminth medications and vaccinate

It is also recommended that a veterinary clinic check for inherited diseases. This is especially true for owners of such breeds as: British, exotic, Persian, Sphynx, Siamese, Neva Masquerade, Norwegian Forest, Abyssinian, Bengal, Maine Coon. It is advisable to check your cat for viral infections (herpesvirus, coronavirus, feline leukemia virus and viral immunodeficiency).

These infections can be transmitted to offspring and cause pathological pregnancy and congenital deformities.

Professional support

The most important thing for an inexperienced owner is to enlist the support of a professional. You should agree with at least two veterinarians about telephone consultations and possible house calls in the middle of the night (the law of meanness in action: veterinarians often leave the city or do not answer calls on the very day when signs of labor appear)

If the cat was purchased from a cattery, be sure to inform the breeder about the upcoming birth. Not a single responsible breeder will refuse to help his “child”, and will definitely consult the owner by phone, giving the most valuable advice and moral support.

What to prepare before giving birth to a cat

There is a popular proverb: “Only cats are born quickly.” In general, this proverb is true, and pets can often give birth to offspring without the help of an owner or veterinarian. But this does not always happen, especially if the cat has previously had problems with childbirth.

Did you know? There are about 600 million domestic cats living on our planet.

When preparing for childbirth, first of all, it is necessary to arrange a maternity area, which in the future will become a place of residence for small cats. Such a place should be secluded, otherwise your cat will begin to look for a suitable place for itself, dragging newborn kittens throughout the house. You can use large cardboard boxes or something like that for the “maternity ward.” Many mustachioed friends like to give birth in boxes for storing clothes, so if your cat has this feature, then it is better to immediately prepare such a box for her, so as not to confuse newborn kittens with pants or socks.

In addition to the “maternity ward”, to give birth you will need:

the veterinarian’s phone number and knowledge of the route to the nearest veterinary clinic;
disposable diapers;
sterile gauze wipes (at least 20x20 cm in size);
silk threads of sufficient thickness (needed for tying the umbilical cord);
special rounded scissors;
medical alcohol for disinfecting medical instruments;
hydrogen peroxide and chloramphenicol ointment;
streptocide (in the form of granular powder);
syringe (needed when removing excess fluid from the nasal passages of newborn kittens);
metal vessel (volume of at least 1 liter);
warm heating pad for small kittens;
"Gamavit", "Oxytocin" and calcium gluconate.

How to prepare and arrange?

It is advisable to equip the house with a scratching post and a place for feeding. Drapakas are made from rope, rope or sisal. Old carpet will also work. To make the animal comfortable, it is better not to leave the internal walls empty, but to line them with fleece, plush or fur. The glue for construction is chosen to be non-caustic, so as not to poison the pet. The structure is built to be stable, and the platform and benches are installed at different levels. The cloth should be thin and easy to wash, since the house needs to be cleaned regularly. The appearance of the finished maternity hospital is selected to match the overall interior of the room and the tastes of the owner.

Possible complications and procedure

Complications can occur at any stage of labor. All pathologies of cat pregnancy can be diagnosed and solved.

Dystocia (obstructed birth) is classified in origin as maternal and fetal, caused by problems with the cat or intrauterine development of the kittens. It may be caused by obstruction of the birth canal or functional inertia of the uterine muscles.

Obstructive dystocia is caused by a disproportion between the size of the kittens and the maternal birth canal.

Functional dystocia manifests itself in rare and weak contractions of the uterus. For dystocia, radiography and cesarean section are indicated.

Inversion of the gravid uterus and uterine rupture can cause serious consequences in the last stage of pregnancy. When the uterus is torsion, the cat is unable to deliver the fetus or fetuses, as a result of which her condition worsens and the kittens die in the womb. Uterine rupture occurs rapidly, causing the fetuses to fall into the abdominal cavity.

The cause of rupture can also be uterine torsion. Excessive bleeding leads to death in the giving birth cat and her offspring. In these cases, urgent surgical intervention is required.

If a cat cannot give birth to a kitten on her own, she needs help. The half-stuck kitten is wrapped in sterile gauze and gently stretched during each contraction.

It must be remembered that there is always a risk of the kitten drowning in amniotic fluid if the process of separating the placenta and clearing the kitten's airway takes too long. A dead fetus in utero can itself lead to functional or obstructive dystocia.

It happens that the fetus dies in the womb even before labor begins. This occurs as a result of infectious diseases suffered by the cat during pregnancy or intrauterine growth retardation.

The cat's suppression of the natural physical process of birth can cause the kitten to be delayed as it passes through the mother's pelvis. The cat feels physical pain and consciously refuses to try to give birth or waits for outside help, without which the kitten will die.

Kitty

A cat that has become a mother begins to wash the newborn kittens from the amniotic sac with care and diligence. In this situation, human intervention is not required. In situations where the mother cat does not show her maternal instinct or the kitten is not breathing, she needs prompt help. You should imitate the actions of a cat:

Clear the kitten's nasal passage and mouth of mucus. Any liquid that enters the respiratory tract must be sucked out using special equipment. From available means, you can use a catheter attached to a syringe.
Cut the kitten's umbilical cord at a distance of 4-5 cm from the belly, cauterize it with iodine or peroxide.
Stimulation of breathing is provided by stroking the kitten's abdominal cavity. If he is not breathing, the airways are first cleared of mucus. You need to breathe air into the kitten's nose and mouth. You should not inhale a large volume of air - the lungs of a newborn kitten are very tiny.
Absence of heartbeat is a direct indication for chest compressions. The kitten's chest is squeezed rhythmically with the thumb and forefinger. Pressure on the chest alternates every 10-15 seconds with inhalation of air. Resuscitation actions are carried out within five minutes in the absence of a heartbeat, within 20 minutes in case of a weak heartbeat. An effective way is to use doxapram drops. They are dripped onto the kitten's tongue.
Provide the kitten with physical contact with its mother or ensure that the room temperature is kept warm. Newborn kittens do not know how to properly regulate their heat exchange.

How can you tell if your cat is going into labor?

At about 7-9 weeks of pregnancy, kittens actively move in their mother’s belly. When the animal is at rest, movements can be seen even from the side. Immediately before giving birth, the cat becomes restless. Breathing is rapid, appetite is reduced. The animal rushes about, looking for a secluded place.

There are other signs that labor is approaching:

Rectal temperature is about 37 degrees 1-3 days before the birth of the offspring.
Redness of the genitals.
Swelling of the mammary glands. A few hours before giving birth, the cat periodically hunches over. This phenomenon is called training contractions.
Decreased appetite (drinking regime remains the same).

If all of the listed signs are expressed, this is a signal that your pet will soon give birth.