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Your cat is pregnant and due to give birth soon. What should you do in advance to make sure everything goes smoothly for cat and kittens? If your cat is a pedigreed one and the kittens are to be sold, I’d advise having your vet on standby so he or she can be on hand for any problems. Your vet can also record the time of birth, description and weight of each kitten for their pedigree papers. If your cat is a domestic short or long haired variety, the birth can be much more low key.
Most domestic cats will give birth without much trouble. All they need is a box in a warm place free from drafts with a towel in the bottom and perhaps another towel ready to keep the kittens warm. All births are different and the mother (or queen) may not have time to give much attention to her kittens if the labor is continuous. Some cats need something to push against. This can be the sides of the box or perhaps something stronger angled in a corner. Make sure it is covered to keep it sterile and comfortable.
Of course complications can occur at any time. If your queen goes into labor prematurely, the kittens may be born open-eyed. These kittens usually don’t live long but with help, they can grow into normal kittens. In some occurrences the eyelid may be damaged and appear partly paralyzed with the result that the eye never fully opens. Depending on how early the queen gives birth, the premature kittens may not be strong enough to suckle and like all early births, their organs are not fully developed.
Your Pregnant Cat’s Nipples
 You may want to check your queen’s nipples a few days before birth, especially if she has had kittens before. Usually the queen will do this herself but check to make sure the nipples are not encased in a tough skin. This occurs if she has had previous litters and the nipple and milk duct are covered. If she has not licked this skin off herself, gently rub them with olive oil in a soft cloth. Allow the oil to soak in and soften the skin then wash the nipples with warm water and a gentle soap then once again with warm water only to remove any trace of soap. Make sure you include the underside of the nipple to prevent possible infection and to remove any eggs of round worms which could be found there. Make sure the bedding is clean in the box to prevent any possible infections.
If you have a long-haired queen, it may be necessary to cut away some of the hair surrounding the nipples. Make sure the nipples are easy to reach for the kittens. Hungry kittens can be very persistent but it doesn’t hurt to make it easier for them. If you have developed a strong bond with your cat she should have no problem with allowing you to do this. By removing any excess hair you are also reduce the chance of it becoming hard and matted with leaking milk. Kittens will rub against this when feeding which will make their delicate skin sore. An excellent and inexpensive ebook called *How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat will be invaluable if you are at all unsure of what to do.
Remember your cat is extremely adept at looking after herself but as with all new mothers, there never seems to be enough time for everything. By helping your pregnant cat with these useful tips, you will not only make her life easier at this busy and tiring time, you will strengthen the bond between you and her which will pay you back in love over the many years you are together.
Cat Pregnancy - Should You Help When Your Cat Is Giving Birth
Tags: kittening, pregnant cat, Preparing Your Pregnant Cat For Kittening
