Expert: Jessica - 12/25/2010

Question
Hi, my cat went into labor at 11pm on the 23rd December and gave birth to one kitten but has not had anymore since...I think there is still 1 or 2 kittens left inside her???????? She is not in any pain, is still eating and active and is looking after her 1 kitten wonderfully so what could be wrong?

thanyou, Kirstie

Answer
Hi Kirstie,

It's possible for cats to have just one baby, but single-kitten litters are quite uncommon, so you're probably right that she has more kittens to be born.  

Sometimes cats have a break between delivering kittens.  Commonly, this lasts 6-12 hours, and this is no cause for concern as long as the mother is showing no signs of distress.  But when the break is longer than this, it does start to become a concern.  Some cats will go on to deliver the rest of their babies naturally without any problems 1 to 3 days later.  Possible explanations could include the premature delivery of the first kitten, a difference in due dates (because kittens can be conceived on different dates), and stress - cats can put off labor if they become too stressed.  

However, the most common reason why a cat will deliver a kitten or two and not deliver the rest of her litter is a complication of labor.  Some cats become too exhausted, and contractions eventually cease.  These cats can usually deliver the rest of their babies naturally if the vet helps them out with an injection of oxytocin, which will resume labor with stronger contractions.  Others are in a more dangerous situation, with babies stuck in the birth canal that they cannot physically deliver.  These cats will need assistance delivering the kittens, usually through surgery (rarely, forceps or manual assistance can be helpful).  Your vet can determine which situation your kitty seems to be in with a physical exam, and potentially x-rays.  If no babies are felt on palpation of her abdomen, then you will know your kitty carried just one baby, and you can go on with peace of mind that she's safe and healthy.

Best of luck, and enjoy your babies!

Jessica