Q&A for How to Help a Cat Give Birth

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Can a cat have a breech birth?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, kittens can be presented in the birth canal breech, head-first, or bottom-first. If the mother is having active contractions for over 60 minutes and still no kitten has been born then contact the vet urgently. The likelihood is there is a kitten in the birth canal that has got stuck.

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Question

My cat had one of her kittens and this disappeared. I can't find her, but I have the kitten she left. What should I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Make sure the kitten is warm and safe but try to leave her as close as possible to where the mother left the little one. Back off so that the mother can come back without feeling overawed. If the mother does not return in a couple of hours, then start hand-raising the kitten until she returns.

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Question

Is it a bad thing if my cat gave birth to kittens on subsequent days?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It is highly unusual for a female to give birth in this way but not unheard of. It could be a sign she became exhausted during the labor, but after a rest her contractions started again. It is best to get her checked out, just in case she still has another kitten inside. This is especially important if she isn't eating, is vomiting, or has a discolored discharge from her vulva.

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Question

My cat is 13 an pregnant. We have never let her outside, so she must have sneaked out. Is she going to be ok or is she too old to have kittens safely?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Get her checked by a vet. The vet needs to confirm a swollen belly is due to pregnancy, rather than a health problem.

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