Cats are pretty self-sufficient during the birthing process and require very little assistance, so if your cat is panting, restless, and licking for more than 24 hours without any signs of straining, it’s best to contact a veterinarian for advice on how to proceed.
If your cat is screaming for longer than an hour without any sign of delivery, get in touch with your vet as this could be a sign of distress.
After the first birth, kittens should come every 10 minutes to an hour. Contact your vet if your cat is straining for longer than 25-30 minutes, as this could be a sign of an obstruction.
Sometimes 2 or 3 kittens are born before any of their placentas are passed. It’s not a perfect science, but try to keep track if possible. Cats will also eat the placenta after it has passed. This is totally normal! If 1 or more kittens are born without the placenta passing shortly after, contact your vet. Placentas remaining in the uterus may lead to infection. [7] X Research source
Do not raise your voice or correct this behavior using tools like spray bottles. This may only escalate her protectiveness. Aggression sometimes continues for 3-4 weeks after kittens are born as her hormones regulate. This is especially true if your cat developed this behavior during her pregnancy. Make note of these mood changes and talk to your vet about what you can do to make your cat feel safe during this time.
If you notice your cat withdrawing from her kittens completely, like not cleaning or nursing them, contact your vet for the next steps. Make sure to give your cat some space to bond with her kittens, so she feels relaxed and comfortable. There will be plenty of time later on for you to snuggle the new arrivals. It’s also best not to leave the room at any time during the birthing process, as your cat may be tempted to follow you. [10] X Research source
Contact your vet immediately if your cat is bleeding excessively, as this is almost certainly a sign of distress. [12] X Research source Inform your vet if your cat is experiencing bloody discharge for longer than a week after giving birth. [13] X Research source
Talk to your vet about specific dietary needs and requirements to make sure both cat and kittens are getting all their necessary nutrients. [14] X Research source
You can expect your vet to do more imaging to see how many kittens are left in the cat’s uterus. Vets may also want to do bloodwork to make sure the mom is calcium and blood sugar levels are normal. Finally, an ultrasound may be done to check the kittens’ heartbeats. [16] X Research source
