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QUESTION: We took in a stray kitty on Saturday night. She gave birth on Tuesday morning. There are only 2 kittens, but I swear I feel atleast one more. I called the vet and they said as long as she is not in any kind of active labor, everything should be fine. She also said that I could be feeling the uterus that has not contracted yet.
She does get out of her hamper to eat. She only drank a little bit and she has not used the litter box yet. Also, she keeps stretching her front leg out and spreading her paw as if she is trying to reach something.
Is this normal?
ANSWER: Donna,
It's possible that someone's been left behind, labor can stall or a large kitten will get stuck from time to time. I've cared for queens this has happened to in the past. You will sometimes see signs that something's not right such as mom neglecting her kittens, having difficulties with feeding her newborns or seeming to be anxious or in distress. The only way to know for sure would be to have a vet examine mom and take an x-ray. If there is a kitten that hasn't been born for some reason the vet may recommend a caesarian to bring this baby into the world. In the event that a c-section is performed I'd suggest having the vet spay her at the same time to prevent further pregnancies. If mom stays with her babies for the majority of the time throughout the day, is eating, drinking or using the litter well and the kittens are either eating or sleeping and seem content then the chances that a kitten or two may have been left behind for whatever reason are much lower.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: She is staying with her babies and they are nursing just fine. Mom is eating and drinking very well too, but has yet to go to the litter box. There was a tiny bit in the box this morning, but you would think there would be more considering she is eating and drinking pretty good. Is that normal? I know humans get constipated after giving birth.
Donna,
Some queens take a bit of time to get back on track with bathroom habits, I'd suggest watching her closely for a couple of days to see what she does, if she hasn't gone by Monday I'd recommend having the vet take a look at her just to make sure there's nothing more serious going on. Otherwise it sounds like she's doing okay.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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