Yes, cats can expel stillborn kittens on their own, but this is contingent on their uterus being open and actively contracting. If a cat fails to expel a stillborn kitten during labor, it's crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly. If uterine contractions cease, it poses a significant life-threatening risk to the mother cat. This is because a retained stillborn kitten can lead to infection and other complications.
While cats can naturally pass stillborns, it's most likely when the uterus is open and undergoing consistent contractions. Large stillborn kittens can be particularly difficult to expel. Should uterine contractions stop, surgical removal of the stillborn becomes necessary. Gently massaging the cat's abdomen can sometimes aid in expelling the stillborn while she is actively pushing. However, if contractions cease, expulsion becomes significantly more difficult, and immediate veterinary intervention for surgical removal is vital.
How to Determine if a Cat Has Finished Giving Birth
Typically, a mother cat will rest for about half an hour to an hour between the delivery of each kitten. If there is no sign of further labor after two hours, owners can palpate the mother cat's abdomen to check if any kittens remain. Alternatively, a vet can conduct imaging to confirm if the delivery is complete. It's important to monitor your cat closely during this period to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and kittens.
What to Do During Cat Labor
When a cat's labor is progressing smoothly, owners typically don't need to intervene. However, it's wise to have warm water, towels, disinfectant, scissors, and oxytocin on hand in case of a difficult birth. Common causes of dystocia (difficult birth) in cats include exhaustion, a narrow birth canal, improper fetal positioning, or overly large fetal skeletons. These factors can cause situations like the water breaking without contractions, or contractions without delivery, and severe pain. If a cat hasn't delivered her first kitten within four hours of the start of labor, or if she is showing distress, it's crucial to consult a vet immediately. This could be an indication of dystocia, or that the mother cat is unable to give birth naturally. Prompt veterinary care is essential in these situations to ensure the health of the mother cat and her kittens. Monitoring your cat closely throughout the labor process is vital to ensure a safe and successful delivery. The health and well-being of the mother and kittens depend on prompt and appropriate intervention when needed. Key indicators of trouble during cat labor include prolonged labor without delivery, visible signs of distress in the mother cat, or any unusual symptoms or behaviors that warrant immediate veterinary attention. Ensure to prioritize prompt professional veterinary care to safeguard the health and well-being of both the mother cat and her kittens.