4. How to Support Your Cat While She is Giving Birth
You might want to help your kitten during the birth, but most of the time, it’s best to let nature take its course. Here’s how you can support her:
Do:
- Provide a calm, quiet environment.
- Keep clean towels and a warm, safe space ready.
- Be prepared to call your vet if complications arise.
Don’t:
- Interfere with the birth unless there’s an emergency.
- Panic! Stay calm to help keep your kitten calm.
5. Post-Birth Care: Looking After Newborn Kittens and Their Mother
Once the kittens are born, it’s important to make sure they’re warm and feeding. Your kitten will instinctively know how to clean and feed her newborns, but you should keep an eye on them to ensure everything goes smoothly. Make sure each kitten is nursing and getting enough milk.
Key Tips for After Birth Care:
- Keep the birthing area warm, but not too hot.
- Watch for signs of distress, such as crying kittens or a mother who seems uninterested.
- Make sure all kittens are latching onto their mother properly.
6. Recognizing Complications During and After Your Kitten’s Delivery
Most births go smoothly, but there are times when you might need a little extra help. If your kitten is straining for more than an hour without delivering, or if a kitten is stuck in the birth canal, it’s time to call your vet. Also, if your kitten seems weak, confused, or is bleeding excessively, seek professional assistance right away.
Common Warning Signs:
- Prolonged labor or more than two hours between kittens.
- Strong contractions without birth for over 20 minutes.
- Heavy bleeding or foul-smelling discharge.
