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Expert: - 7/10/2009


Question
My cat had two kittens around 3:30pm today July 9th.  I believe she has more kittens inside, but she is acting normal and does not seem to be in labor.  Could she possibly deliver more kittens tomorrow?  (Also, she could be pregnant by two males)

Answer
Hi Kristin.  Yes, this is quite possible.  There is often a break in feline labor, many times for hours, and sometimes for 2 or 3 days.  Sometimes it's because a cat's uterus is divided into 2 horns, and the kittens from one horn are all delivered first, followed by a period of rest.  Labor may not resume for some time.

Sometimes a long delay in the resumption of labor is nothing to worry about, but other times it can indicate that the uterus has become exhausted.  If you feel strongly that there are more kittens to be delivered, and she hasn't had them by tomorrow, I would really advise a vet visit before the weekend.  A vet can do an x-ray to determine if there are unborn kittens, and if so, how many.  If it's felt that your kitty needs help delivering any remaining kittens, a Pitocin injection may be given to restart labor or strengthen contractions.  If it's determined that the kittens are too large to deliver naturally, a cesarean will be advised.  If no kittens are detected on the x-ray, then you will have peace of mind, and you can enjoy your two little ones!

Best of luck!

Jessica

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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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