Expert: Jessica - 6/28/2010

Question
My cat gave birth last night ..had 4 healthy kittens, Today she is breathing fast and heavy..........I know it is warm at the moment the room has ventilation but no chills for the little uns.....is this normal....?

Answer
Hi Sonya,

It probably is not normal.  Cats can easily tolerate temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius without any effect on their respiration when at rest.  It may be possible she's resumed labor with kittens still undelivered, since cats can go out of labor between delivering kittens, and then finish delivering their litter after a break of many hours.  But it's more probable that she's suffered some sort of complication.  This may include a breached kitten, abnormal bleeding or an infection.  It would be well worth the money to get her to a vet.  Your vet may check her out and give her the all clear, confirming that her reapid breathing is, indeed, caused by the heat coupled with the stress of nursing and caring for the little ones.  However, you will be very glad that you brought her in if the vet finds something seriously wrong with her.  I'm extraordinarily careful with my new moms.  I've had several cats with complications during and after delivery, all life-threatening.  The money to address the problems early was certainly well spent!

Best of luck!

Jessica