If your cat has delivered one kitten and hasn't continued labor for another hour and a half, it could indicate dystocia (difficult birth) or the presence of a stillborn kitten inside. If there's a dead fetus within, the cat's overall condition will likely deteriorate; she may lose her appetite, and veterinary intervention is needed promptly.
If there are more kittens remaining, it signifies dystocia, and it's recommended to seek immediate veterinary care for a C-section. Typically, the interval between kitten deliveries is between 40 minutes to an hour. Some cats, particularly those in weaker condition, may have longer labor periods. Additionally, a cat might carry only one kitten, hence no further deliveries would occur. In such cases, a vet visit for an ultrasound is highly advisable to determine if there are any viable kittens remaining in the uterus.
How to Determine if a Cat Has a Stillborn Kitten
Firstly, when a pregnant cat experiences fetal death or miscarriage, the mother cat's body temperature may fluctuate (decrease or increase), her mental state will noticeably worsen, and she may display nesting behavior, searching for a birthing area, while frequently attempting to urinate without producing any urine. The cat's vaginal opening might discharge foul-smelling fluids or blood, commonly visible on the inner thighs of the hind legs. An abdominal ultrasound at this stage will often reveal the first signs of miscarriage or stillbirth in the cervix, with the absence of a heartbeat in the fetus. Secondly, if the miscarriage involves undeveloped fetal sacs, administering oxytocin can help to expel them.