The Birth Of Kittens

If you have any doubts or are new to breeding cats, you should consult an expert breeder before the birth for advice. You shouldn't contact the vet at this point, as they are not all cat experts and only see problematic births. Generally though, most cats deal very well with birthing, and it normally all goes according to plan.

This first sign of your cat giving birth will be a 'bubble' appearing outside the vulva - this is the bulging bag of waters; at this point the waters will burst and the cat should be visibly contracting. Cats are designed for multiple births, unlike humans; this means they have several, small babies, not one huge one, and so have an easier time. Most cats will purr all through the delivery and will only rest when all the kittens are born. It is always a good idea to be prepared to act as midwife and you need to be prepared to have clean towels, blunt-tipped scissors and a bowl of boiled water handy in case you cat needs some help.

Normally cats know what to do, but a first time queen can get confused; she should bite through the umbilical cord, releasing the kitten from its placenta, and wash the kitten thoroughly with her raspy tongue to stimulate circulation. This does not always happen and you may have to cut through the umbilical cord and stimulate the kitten yourself. Cut about 4cm from the kitten, and remember to squeeze the core immediately below the point at which it is severed to stem the blood flow and help the end of the cord to clot and close. Then, rub the kitten vigorously.

If the kitten does not appear to be breathing, you need to take immediate action. It is likely that it has water in the lungs from inhaling amniotic fluid, this must be quickly expressed. Take the kitten in your hand, holding it firmly, and using your index finger as support for its head with a motion similar to an over-arm cricket throw, swing the kitten firmly. This should get rid of any fluid in the lungs.

Each kitten will be attached to its own placenta, which has at this point served its purpose - to supply nutrition to the kitten while still in the womb. The placenta now has a different function, which is to supply a quick, nutritious meal for the mother cat which will stimulate the supply of milk. Although at least one placenta should be eaten, it is not necessary for her to eat all of them.

Sometimes a new mother cat can confuse a kitten with a placenta and she may try to eat the kitten and suckle the placenta; so you need to keep a close watch on the birth just in case.

It's helpful to make a list of each kittens time of birth and sex, and checking that each kitten was accompanied by a placenta. Checking their is an equal number of placentas to kittens is very important because sometimes is may not be expelled. Any retained placentas can cause a serious infection. If in doubt, contact your vet immediately.

The birthing process could be over in just an hour, but can sometime last up to half a day. Unless your cat seems ill, there is no need to worry. If she seems to strain or a kitten appears stuck, it is wise to contact your vet.