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Question
my cat had kittens 5 days ago and something is wrong. one of the kittens still has its umbilical cord. is something wrong? should i call a vet?
please get back to me ASAP.
THANKS
Hi Jacob. No, that's not really anything to worry about at this point. Umbilical cords can fall off anywhere from 3-10 days old. For now, the leave umbilical cord in place, since trying to remove it could cause a tear in the belly, leading to infection. However, if the cord is very long, you can use a pair of scissors to cut it down to 1 inch (around 2 cm) to prevent it from getting pulled.
Enjoy your new little ones!
Jessica
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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