Expert: Jessica - 4/1/2010

Question
my cat gave birth yesterday to two kittens, and one undeveloped on still in a sack. She seems to be ok...eating and drinking, purring, taking care of her babies but, I noticed in her litter box she had the runs and there is a drop of blood in there as well as one or two in the box. The only thing unusual apart from that is she keeps leaving the babies and coming out into the living room needing cuddles. Is this normal or should I get  her into a vet?

Answer
Hi Rose.  Congratulations on your babies!  If her bowel movements continue to be loose for another day, she should see the vet.  This is because between the extra demands of breast feeding and losing hydration through diarrhea, she can quickly become dehydrated.  The kittens will also suffer malnutrition if mom is losing her nutrients through poorly digested food.  A few drops of blood aren't uncommon in diarrhea, as small blood vessels can burst when there is irritation in the colon or anus.  Also, she probably has some bloody vaginal discharge, which is normal for a couple of days after delivery, and would account for any other blood spots you might see around her bedding or in the litter box.

Your kitty should be spending nearly all of her time with the babies, so it's a little disconcerting that she's not staying with them.  Sometimes moms feel like they're missing out on time spent with their human family, and these cats like to have their kittens kept in a more central area, such as the living room, so they can enjoy family time while still keeping their kittens warm and fed.  If the living room would be safe (no young children or rough animals), I would recommend moving the kittens' box/bed out to see how she reacts.  Some cats enjoy their privacy as they raise their litters, but most of my cats have needed to be right beside me with their kittens at all times.

If mom seems to stop feeding the kittens, as evidenced by fussy babies, then she should definitely see a vet, and the babies should be bottle fed immediately.  Also, if mom loses appetite or develops any other strange behavior, a vet visit is always the safest bet.

Good luck with your little ones!

Jessica