Expert: W - 4/9/2008

Question
I have a persian queen that i am thinking about breeding. Where is the best place to read up on this especially how to help in labour as i believe they do not take off the sacks when the kitten is delivered. If i decide i have bitten off more than i can chew would it be kinder to have her spayed. She is calling constantly and seems really miserable and her coat has become lack lustre and lank.
Thank you Tjay

Answer
Hi Tracey
I have included a link to a special web site that deals with Persian cats and labour.
http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/4114/birthingkittens.html
This shows what you need to do from about one week before the birth. It also shows what equipment you might need and when it might be prudent to call a vet to help your queen.
Anatomically speaking Persian kittens have large heads and sometimes they get stuck in the birth canal, thus adding to the problems that can happen in birthing.
I would not suggest that you spay your queen, that decision must be yours and yours alone having read all the information. They are difficult to breed, they only have a few kittens in every litter, it can be fraught with problems, but it always leaves you with a good feeling when it is successful.
One last thing to remember is do not leave it too long to decide what to do with her or you risk her developing a pyometra.
See the link for more information on pyomtera
http://www.penstone-vets.co.uk/pyometra.htm

Good luck

Ray