Delivery and Parturition ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

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Any health care links located here are NOT to replace a veterinarian visit; please take your cat to a vet immediately at any sign of odd behavior or any symptoms of illness or injury. Call your vet and describe your cat's symptoms with any of your concerns about the cat's well-being. Your veterinarian may discover changes in your cat's health that you have overlooked. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

Feline Pregnancy and Parturition

Disclaimer: Pawprints and Purrs, Inc. is an animal advocacy organization. We do NOT advocate breeding in any form or fashion. As rescue workers for both dogs and cats, feral cat care givers, and former shelter workers, we strongly promote pet owner responsibility, which includes spaying and neutering of all pets. The information provided on this page is strictly for educational purposes for domesticated and feral cat rescuing, fostering, adopting and caretaking.

Feline pregnancy (gestation) ranges from 60-67 days; usually 63-65 days. Have the cat examined by a veterinarian three weeks after mating, if known or as soon as you suspect pregnancy, to confirm that the cat is indeed pregnant.

Will my cat's food supply need to be changed during pregnancy?

During pregnancy the queen's food consumption will reach 1.5 times her pre-pregnancy level. By the time of weaning it may exceed 2 times the pre-pregnancy level. It will be necessary to increase the number of meals given and/or feed a diet formulated for kittens, since this provides the extra nutrients required for pregnancy and nursing.

Will my cat's behavior change during pregnancy?

During pregnancy the cat's behavior alters little, although some cats become more loving, and a few become aggressive. The cats continue to move freely. During the final week the search for a suitable kittening nest becomes the dominant drive, and two types of temperament tend to be seen; the independent cats will go to extreme lengths to hide away from human contact, while the dependent cats will go to equal lengths to seek the comfort of her guardian and may well choose to give birth on the guardian's bed. Cats should be confined from this time, since when hidden, parturition difficulties may incur unnecessary suffering.

What do I need to prepare before my cat has her kittens?

The kittening nest can take many forms, but a cardboard box lined with newspaper, old sheets or towels is ideal. The kittening area aims to achieve a happy medium between confinement, and relative freedom within the confined area. Ideally the bed should be warm, cosy, and private, but in emergency must be observable. If the box is too exposed the queen may become anxious and not settle when going into labor, and once the kittens are born she may try to move them to a new area, or even kill them.

To predict when the cat is to give birth and to plan ahead, you must observe the degree of abdominal distention, movement of fetuses, slackening of pelvic muscles, etc. Facilities for help or examination should be available if needed (convenient table, access to running warm water, soap and clean towels).

What can I expect to happen when my cat gives birth?

It is helpful to understand the normal anatomy and mechanics of parturition. The uterus or womb of the cat is divided into two long horns or cornua, one on each side. These lead back, one from each ovary, to join together into a short body which is closed during pregnancy by the cervix (a strong muscular ring). From here, the birth canal, or vagina, leads through the pelvis and out at the vulva. In pregnancy, the fetuses (kittens to be) are spaced along each horn. Each fetus is contained within its own membranes and has its own placenta.

The uterus may be considered as a muscular, sausage-shaped bag, capable of contracting both around its diameter and along its length. By relaxing in front of the fetus and squeezing behind it, the uterus propels it along. To help in its passage, each fetus is contained within a fairly tough double-layered bag; the fetal membranes, which are filled with slippery fluid in which the fetus floats. This serves as both protection and lubrication, and provides a distending, stretching and dilating force.

First Stage Labor

This is essentially the relaxation of the cervix and vagina, and the start of intermittent contraction in the uterus. Uterine contractions must always be interrupted by periods of relaxation; otherwise, the fetal blood supply is cut off. The pelvic muscles slacken and the perineum (the area between the anus and the vulva) becomes looser and longer. At this stage the uterine contractions are not yet visible as straining, although movement of the fetuses may be seen and felt through the abdominal wall. There is little to see at this stage except repeated visits to the prospective kittening nest, and in the dependent type cat, an apparent desire for reassurance from the guardian. Some scratching up and bed-making may be evident and some cats may pant. The queen usually stop eating during the last 24 hours before labor, and her temperature will drop below 100ºF (37.8ºC). A temperature fall may occur intermittently for a few days prior to delivery, but is usually only consistent in the last 24 hours. Vaginal discharge is rarely seen since it is licked away promptly by the cat. In the cat giving birth for the first time, this first stage of labor can be very prolonged; even lasting up to 36 hours without being abnormal.

Second and Third Stage Labor

In second stage labor the uterine muscle begins stronger and more frequent contractions. As each fetus enters the pelvis, the outer layer of its membranes appears briefly at the vulva as the "water bag", which bursts and is cleared up by the cat. The inner membranes remain on the fetus and act as a lubricant to assist its passage.

As the fetal head passes into the pelvis, its pressure causes the commencement of voluntary straining using the abdominal muscles. This bearing down helps to move the fetus through the pelvis. This is usually the point at which the guardian can see that the cat is actually straining. Normally, delivery of a kitten from the commencement of the second stage may take from 5 to 30 minutes. Once the head is out of the vulva, one or two more strains should complete the passage of the narrower remainder of the kitten's body.

Third stage labor follows immediately and is seen simply as the passage of the membranes, complete with the greenish black mass of separated placenta (the afterbirth). Each set of membranes is normally passed immediately after the kitten itself, although sometimes a second kitten will follow so quickly that the membranes from the first will be tapped temporarily. As each kitten is born the cat will tear open the membranes and clear the mouth and nose area of the kitten, bite off the umbilical cord and subsequently eat the afterbirth. Intervals between kitten births are variable; in the average case from as little as ten minutes up to an hour.

Interrupted Labor

So called interrupted labor is sufficiently common in the cat to be considered a normal occurrence. In this case the queen ceases straining, rests happily, suckles those kittens already born and accepts food, despite still having more kittens inside. This resting stage may last up to 24 or even 36 hours, after which straining recommences and the remainder of the litter is born normally.

Over all delivery times vary, with short haired cats generally taking less time than long-haired cats, especially Persians. During parturition the guardian should provide either moral support or remain unobtrusive as dictated by events. You should observe the process closely, but should not upset the queen by interfering any more than absolutely necessary. Most cats deliver their kittens without complications; however, first time mothers should be attended by their guardians until at least 1-2 kittens are born. If these are born quickly and without assistance, further attendance may not be necessary, although it is desirable. Once all of the kittens have been born, soiled bedding can be removed and replaced.

What problems can arise during parturition?

Most cats give birth to their kittens without difficulty. Dystocia (difficult birth) is seen fairly frequently in pedigree cats ( > 6% of litters).

A guardian should suspect that something may be wrong if:

Twenty minutes of intense labor does not produce a kitten.
Ten minutes of intense labor does not expel a kitten seen at the queen's vulva.
If gentle traction on the trapped fetus causes the queen pain.
The queen is depressed, lethargic or has a fever (rectal temperature >103ºF, >39.4ºC).
The queen losses fresh blood from her vulva for more than ten minutes.

Dystocia may arise because of abnormalities on the part of the mother, i.e. maternal dystocia, or on the part of the fetus, i.e. fetal dystocia.

Maternal Dystocia may be caused by:

Physical obstructions, such as narrowing of the maternal pelvis due to fracture or bone disease.
Inertia or failure of the uterus to contract, or
Voluntary nervous or hysterical inhibition of labor by a disturbed cat.

Fetal Dystocia may be caused by:

Relative oversize

Malformation, or

Malpresentation of the fetus

Abnormalities of First Stage Labor

True primary uterine inertia (complete failure of uterine contractions from the start of labor) is rare in the cat. A nervous inhibition of labor is relatively more common, especially in Oriental breeds. Extreme apprehension occurs during the first stage of labor and all progress ceases. In this situation the cat is markedly and vocally distressed, crying constantly and not letting the guardian out of her sight. The cat may become hysterical, and in such cases immediate relief may be gained by the use of tranquilizers. In an emergency this can be administered by a veterinarian by injection, but if the cat in question is known to behave in this fashion, the guardian should have requested from the vet medications which can be given by mouth at the start of labor.

Uterine torsion or rupture are major emergencies which can arise in late pregnancy or first stage labor. Torsion implies a twisting of the uterus, cutting off its blood supply, making delivery of the contained fetus or fetuses impossible. It also causes an acute emergency with a very ill and shocked cat. Torsion is usually presumed to have occurred during jumping or some violent movement which imparts a swinging motion to the heavily pregnant uterus. Rupture is more usually the result of an accidental blow from a vehicle or other violent trauma, or can occur from violent straining on a complete obstruction. A rupture occurring at the time of parturition will give rise to the same signs of emergency as a torsion. It has been known for rupture to occur early in pregnancy and for the fetus(es) to continue to develop outside the uterus in the maternal abdominal cavity. In these cases the placenta becomes attached to one of the abdominal organs but it is unusual for such fetuses to develop to full term, and impossible for them to be born.

Abnormalities of the Second Stage

Secondary inertia (uterine tiredness) occurs when the failure of the uterus to contract follows a prolonged delay. The interrupted type of labor already described is definitely not an inertia, since the cat is content, labor recommences normally, and kittens are born alive and well. An important point of difference between the two is that secondary inertia follows previous difficulty or delay and the cat is often restless or exhausted.

Obstructive dystocia may occur for various reasons. Abnormalities of the soft tissues of the mother are rare, but a misshapen pelvis, usually following a pelvic fracture, or a very narrow pelvis is a fairly common situation and can cause complete obstruction, necessitating a Cesarean surgery. Simple fetal oversize can occur, although it is rare in the cat, since cats are not nearly so diverse in size and shape as dogs. Fetal monstrosities, such as hydrocephalus or Siamese twins may occur and lead to dystocia, but are rare.

Fetal malpresentations, malpositions and malpostures may all lead to dystocia. Presentation indicates which way round the fetus is coming (i.e., head or tail first), position indicates which way up it is (i.e., rotated or unrotated) and posture indicates the placing of the head and limbs (i.e., extended or flexed).

Malpresentation: Posteriorly presented, or tail first kittens occur quite frequently, so much so that this is almost considered a normal presentation, and often causes no delay. If the first kitten comes tail first there may be a delay since the absence of the wedge-shaped head pushing behind the fluid-filled membranes means the cervix is slower to open. The kitten is usually passed eventually, but from the moment that the maternal blood supply is cut off by the separation of the placenta and before the kitten's nose is free from his membranes, he is at risk of drowning in his own fluids.

Malposition: When this occurs it is usually because the kitten has died in the uterus before rotation and is uncommon, except in cases of illness, infection or prolonged delay in a late-coming fetus.

Malposture: This is of most importance in relation to the position of the head. The short-faced Persian types may have difficulty at the point where the fetal head first engages in the opening of the maternal pelvis. The head may become deflected to one side, or downwards between the forelegs, or on to the breast. Occasionally one or both forelegs may lie back along the body and in tail-first presentation one or both hind legs may be retained forwards alongside the body to give the Breech posture. All of these situations may give rise to temporary delay and necessitate extra propulsive efforts by the mother. In extreme cases they can cause complete obstruction.

Inhibitory behavior: A late manifestation of inhibitory hysterical behavior may cause delay when the kitten is already through the maternal pelvis and half protruding through the vulva. This causes pain, so the cat gives up trying and becomes distressed. If help is not immediately forthcoming, the trapped kitten will die, especially if he is coming tail first.

How can these problems be treated?

The foregoing rather daunting list is of what can, but rarely does go wrong. Although these things occur rarely you still need to know how to recognize them, and how they can best be managed. The first step depends on the guardian's powers of observation. The secret lies in the recognition of delay. The hysterical dependent cat is obvious, and easy enough to deal with, provided the necessary tranquilizer is at hand. In the case of interrupted labor it will be evident that the cat is in no distress, has a normal appetite and is happy with the kittens already born. Straining in the course of a normal parturition, while it may or may not be vigorous, is clearly productive in moving the kittens along and does not appear to give rise to pain. Obstruction, on the other hand, causes the cat to strain without producing any results. The queen may pant, cry, or appear exhausted, she may be restless and unsettled, and will eventually cease trying to strain in an attempt to recover sufficient strength for a further, although decreased effort. This is the cat that needs help.

Feeling from the outside around the perianal area under the tail will indicate if a kitten is already through the pelvis, and a view of a nose, or feet and tail indicates that birth must be imminent if the kitten is to survive. If no progress is being made and the kitten is clearly visible, it is up to the guardian to give immediate help, since veterinary help may not be possible for that kitten. If nothing can be felt at the vulva and the holdup is evidently further forward, then it is time to send for professional help. Internal examination is resented by most unsedated cats and should not be undertaken by the unskilled.

Diagnosis and treatment of most dystocia is in the hands of the veterinarian. Because of the small size of the cat, manipulative correction of malpostures from within the vagina is rarely possible and is a job for the skilled expert. To compensate for this, manipulation from outside the abdomen can often correct a malposture such as a laterally deflected head; again professional skill is needed. Often, in any real holdup, a Cesarean operation is the preferred method of treatment and provided that the cat is neither desperately ill nor very exhausted, it is a safe and routine procedure. Present-day methods of anesthesia are much less likely to depress respiration in the kittens than was once the case, and even in major crises the cat's ability to survive abdominal surgery is exceedingly good.

The case where the guardian has to help is that of the cat who gives up trying with a kitten hanging from her vulva. If the kitten is coming head first, the first urgency is to clear the membranes away from his nose and mouth, to allow breathing to take place. This is best achieved using a small piece of cotton cloth or flannel. The kitten must then be eased out gently, alternating the direction of traction, first freeing one side then the other, and always directing the pull slightly downwards (towards the mother's feet). Kittens are slippery and wet at birth so have clean pieces of towels or soft paper towels available to help to get a grip. If the kitten has only the tail and hind-legs showing, delivery is even more urgent and gripping the kitten is even more difficult, but the same principles apply. Hold the hind legs above the hocks, ease gently to alternate sides, and if progress is not made with the aid of a strain or two on the cat's part, try gentle rotation through a few degrees before continuing the easing out process alternating the direction of pull. "Pull" and "traction" are misleading words to use to convey the sensitivity required. It is important to cooperate with the cat as she strains and rests, so that progress continues without injury to cat or kitten. Make haste slowly. Immediately after the kitten is out of the cat, clear the mouth and nose of all membranes and fluid.

How do I revive a non-responsive new born kitten?

The normal mother cat will generally make a much better job of cleaning and drying her kittens than any human agency, so no meddlesome midwifery is indicated if all appears well. If a kitten has had to be helped out and is not breathing, or on those few occasions when the maternal instinct appears to be lacking and the kitten is ignored, reviving it becomes a matter of urgency. Observation of the cat's own methods show the order in which to imitate them to the best advantage. The cat's first act is to see that the kitten's nose and mouth are clear. Next with a nipping/licking action the cat picks up, then chews through, the umbilical cord and in the process provides a stimulation to the abdominal navel area, getting respiration going. If this is not sufficient, a vigorous licking massage of this area follows. Finally a more general drying lick and some attention to the posterior part of the abdomen and anal area is given to start the bowel and bladder movement going. Then, if it is needed, a nudge towards the maternal nipples. The human imitation can follow much the same plan.

Tear the membranes from the nose, wipe the nose and open the mouth, tilt the kitten head down and clear away any fluid.
If the cord has not broken on delivery, tear it a good inch from the kitten and remove the wet, sloppy bulk of the membranes. Complicated cutting and tying of the cord are not necessary. The cat would chew it through, providing a blunt crushing action to prevent bleeding; you can tear it between your first two fingers and thumb, which does much the same thing.
If a kitten is not breathing, or if he has come tail first and possibly inhaled fluid, it is necessary to clear debris and fluid from the air passages. Take the kitten lying in the palm of the hand, his back towards the palm and neck between forefinger and third finger, his head protruding between the fingers. Enclose the kitten in your fingers and, turning your hand palm downwards with the arm extended, give a sharp swing several times; make quite sure first that you are not too near the table or other protruding edge or disaster will follow. The swing will have the effect of forcing fluids out of the air passages and a further wipe of nose and mouth will clear it away. The swing will also serve to stimulate respiration. The kittens tongue is a reliable indicator of respiration. If the kitten is receiving sufficient oxygen the tongue will be pink; if not it will have a bluish tint.
The next move imitates the licking of the abdominal wall and stimulates respiration. It comprises a stroking, rubbing movement with a clean towel. Follow this by a brisk, general rub dry, assuming that the kitten is by now showing regular breathing. If he is not, some further form of artificial respiration may be necessary. Of these, mouth to mouth resuscitation is probably the most useful if carried out carefully. There are several essential points to remember. Firstly, it is no use blowing fluids and debris further down the respiratory tract; these must be cleared by the swing method and/or gentle shaking of the kitten in the head-down position. Secondly, the capacity of kitten lungs compared to the human lungs is quite minute. Blow very gently and allow a pause for expiration. Repeat this cycle every three to five seconds. Ideally, use a short drinking straw to blow through since this is more hygienic and reduces the risk of damaging the kitten's lungs by over-inflation. Various other methods have been used to make the newborn animal breathe. These include the use of the drug Doxapram (Dopram V), brandy or other spirits transferred via a fingertip to the tongue, flicking the chest sharply but gently with a fingertip, and alternate hot and cold water applications. In general, it must be said that if the newborn does not start obvious breathing within 5-10 minutes, it is probable that brain damage from lack of oxygen will have occurred and it is both unwise and inhumane to persist further and risk rearing a blind or mentally challenged animal.

Warmth is a primary essential for the newborn. The kitten cannot react to cold by shivering and cannot control his own body temperature. In nature, warmth is obtained by direct body contact with the mother and conserved by the enclosed kittening nest. The first point to remember if help is required, is that a newborn wet kitten loses heat very rapidly; hence, the brisk rub dry. Follow this, if the mother is ill or not cooperative, by contact with a warm, well-covered hot water bottle and conserve heat with a covering blanket. Great care must be taken not to inflict contact burns by having the bottle too hot. An acceptable alternative is the infrared lamp widely used for puppies and readily obtainable. Its disadvantages are that many cats dislike the open bed required for its use, and that it may make both mother and kittens too hot and lessen the close normal nursing contact. Ideally, the temperature in the box should be maintained at 85-90ºF (29.4-32.2ºC), but the box should be large enough for the kittens to move away from the heat if they become too hot. The temperature can be gradually reduced to 80ºF (26.7ºC) by 7-10 days and to 72ºF (22.2ºC) by the end of the first month.

Do I need to help my cat to rear her kittens?

Occasionally kittens will be born prematurely. They will be small, thin, and have little or no hair. To keep such kittens alive requires intensive nursing care. Premature kittens often fail to nurse, and will need to be fed with a syringe, bottle or stomach tube. They also need to be kept warm if the mother rejects them.

A normal vigorous kitten, when warm and dry, needs no assistance in finding his mother's nipple and commencing to suck. Occasionally an exhausted, restless, nervous or ill mother may fail to assist. Failure on the part of the cat to nurse its kittens should be checked by a veterinarian since, if the mother cannot care for the kittens, they may need to be hand reared. For further information on raising kittens please see Orphaned Kittens.

Are there any post-delivery complications I may need to know about?

Yes, but as with problems arising during parturition, they are not to be overly emphasized since they occur only rarely.

Retention of Fetal Membranes: Occasionally a cat may fail to pass the final set of fetal membranes after parturition appears to be complete. She will probably show some signs of restlessness and abdominal discomfort, and may be unwilling to settle with her kittens during the 24-72 hours after parturition. Her appetite may be poor and a brownish vaginal discharge may be seen. Examination will show a raised temperature and palpation of the abdomen will disclose a thickened lumpy area of womb. Veterinary treatment is required. Antibiotic cover is necessary and hormones in the form of ecbolics may be necessary to cause the expulsion of the retained membranes. Occasionally it is possible by gentle palpation to cause the cat to strain and pass them.
Metritis: This is an inflammation of the womb and usually occurs within three days of parturition. The cat is much more obviously ill than with simple retention of fetal membranes. She will be dull and lethargic, completely ignore her kittens and refuse food. She may have an increased thirst and may vomit. A purulent, foul-smelling discharge is present coming from her vagina and she will have a fever. On palpation the abdomen is tender and the uterus is thickened. Veterinary treatment is required, usually consisting of antibiotics.
Uterine Prolapse: This is seen only rarely but may occur as an acute post-parturient emergency, such that telescoping of the uterus results in it protruding from the vulva. The appearance of the uterus at the vulva is self-evident. Initially the cat is noticed to be straining and uncomfortable despite the completion of parturition. If treatment is delayed the cat will rapidly become dull, shocked and lethargic, in a similar manner to the animal with a uterine rupture. Uterine prolapse constitutes an emergency requiring immediate surgical treatment.
Mastitis: Mastitis in its acute suppurative form sometimes occurs during early lactation. It is usually confined to one gland and may follow a simple congestion or overstocking. The affected gland will be tense, hot, painful and enlarged. If it is only congested, the application of gentle heat and subsequent gentle massage will bring normal milk out of the nipple orifice, and the situation may be speedily relieved by milking the gland concerned. If an abscess is present, the cat will be off her food, dull and feverish, and in addition to pain and swelling in the gland, a pointing, or purplish area of accumulated pus will be seen. Veterinary treatment is needed.
Lactation Tetany: In the cat lactation tetany tends to be seen 17 days to eight weeks post delivery. The condition involves a sudden drop in the amount of calcium circulating in the bloodstream, associated with the demands of milk production. The affected cat usually has a fairly large litter to suckle. The first signs of the onset of the condition include incoordination and tetanic muscular spasms, with later collapse and coma. Treatment by the intravenous injection of calcium preparations leads to a spectacular reversal of the condition. A later subcutaneous injection may be required to maintain the recovery. Kittens should be removed from the cat if old enough or supplementary feeding given to them.

Additional links regarding Feline Pregnancy and Delivery:

Breeding and Queening Cats
Breeding Cats and Raising Kittens
Feline How-To Manual: Pregnancy and Delivery

Page URL: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/delivery.html

Resource References:
Much, much appreciation to Dr. Raymond Van Lienden, DVM of Clifton, VA USA for his extensive research in locating the material found on this page. Thank you, dear Doctor!