Expert: Marcia Owen - 6/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: my cat went into labour last night she gave birth to a healthy kitten at 11.55pm the the next one was breeched and  got stuck and died. she managed to get it out and she gave birth to another healthy kitten at 1.30pm she hasn't had any since then but i'm sure i can still feel one in there is this possible will she have it by herself? should i be worried?

ANSWER: Dear Joanna

It is possible for cats to have kittens 24-48 hours after their initial kittens so I wouldn't worry at the moment.  If she is restless then it may be possible that there is another kitten to come.

However sometimes what you are feeling may not be another kitten but the womb contracting back down.

If she is settled with her kittens then don't worry too much at this time.  It is easy to get caught out and think there is another to come and find there isn't.

Marcia.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks so much for a quick response . when i first felt what i think is the kitten it was just around the rib area . now i can feel a lump just in front of her back legs. in your experience is it most likely a kitten or a womb? she is very settled and looking after the 2 kittens really well but i can't help but worry a little bit
thanks
joanna

Answer
I would say if she is settled and happy it may not be a kitten.  They are very good at catching us out though.  If you didn't see all the afterbirths it may be one about to come away too.

As she is settled I would not worry and would not keep feeling her.  She needs some peace now.

There will be a bit of blood from time to time on her blanket so don't worry about that but if she starts to discharge anything else then she will need to see a vet as she might have an infection, but I would say it is more unlikely for that to happen.

Marcia.