Expert: Jessica - 10/9/2009

Question
3 days after giving birth to 5 kittens momma cats' back legs seem to spasm up and she will cry out when she gets up to walk but not everytime. She'll throw her rear down on its side when it happens. She finally went potty and it was very big around and hard. Can this be cramps caused by her having a hard time using the bathroom? She has never done this before. She belongs to my sis and she was scared it was seizures. Any ideas? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Rhonda.  This is worrisome.  It can be difficult to tell the difference between cramping and seizures, so I think seizure activity could be a possibility.  But muscle cramps can be a sign of something just as dangerous.  It can indicate dehydration and perhaps low potassium.  If her potassium is low, it could cause heart problems.  Muscle aches may also be the result of fever, which can occur shortly after birth due to uterine infections.  These can be deadly.

Some cats also have a condition called luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place), which causes these types of symptoms.  This is not usually something to be extremely concerned over.  It would seem strange timing to me that this would begin happening all of a sudden now, but this is a possiblity.

Considering the potential for this to be a very serious condition, I would urge your sister to get the kitty to the vet right away.  The vet can check the cat for dehydration, fever and luxating patellas very easily.  If warranted, they may recommend running some blood tests.

I hope all is well!

Jessica