Last Updated on September 16, 2022
If you have a female cat, you may be wondering what does it look like when a cat gives birth. If you’ve noticed that her nipples are full and rosy, she’s probably pregnant. However, a normal non-pregnant cat’s nipples are small and barely noticeable. Pinked-up nipples are larger, rosier, and more obvious. To be sure, you should visit a veterinarian.
Symptoms of dystocia in a first time mother cat
Symptoms of dystocia in crate-born kittens are difficult or impossible to deliver. A veterinarian should be called if you notice any deviations from the normal delivery process. A vet will examine your cat and determine if the kittens are too large to pass through the birth canal. In severe cases, a veterinarian may perform an x-ray to determine how big the kittens are. If your cat is unable to deliver the baby, the veterinarian may give her medications to help in the delivery.
The cause of dystocia in cats is primary inertia, or inadequate distension of the uterus. Several factors can contribute to primary inertia, including obesity, stress, and administration of certain medications. Other factors, such as large or very small litters, may contribute to insufficient uterine distension. A cat with these symptoms is at risk for a high risk for stillbirth.
Maternal dystocia is often caused by uterine inertia. This is a condition in which the uterus prolapses from the vulva. While this condition is not common, it should be considered an acute post-parturient emergency. Symptoms of dystocia in a first time mother cat should be investigated by a veterinarian immediately.
The mother cat should be monitored closely to make sure the baby is safe. It will need to be attended to until the kittens are born. If the mother cat fails to deliver the kittens after an hour, she is suffering from dystocia and should be checked as soon as possible. If her delivery is difficult, she may need to undergo an induced labor or even an emergency cesarean section. The baby may be delivered by a veterinarian.
Signs of uterine prolapse
After a cat’s water breaks, it may be a sign of uterine prolapse. The prolapsed uterus is not the same as a vaginal prolapse, which can cause multiple organs to fall out of place. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is time to take your cat to a veterinary clinic. Your vet will first do a physical exam to ensure that your cat is not suffering from another health condition. In addition to physical examination, the veterinarian may conduct a x-ray to assess the extent of the prolapse. Ultrasounds are also used to check if there are any fetuses inside the cat. If your vet suspects that uterine prolapse is the cause of the kitten’s death, a biopsy may be taken for neoplastic
A veterinarian may perform a hysterectomy to remove the protruding uterus. This procedure involves opening the vagina to allow the uterus to pass through, which allows the fetus to exit. In addition to hysteroscopic surgery, surgical repositioning of the uterus may also be needed. This type of surgery requires general anesthesia and requires an episiotomy (surgically enlarging the vaginal opening).
Signs of fetal membranes being passed after a kitten
Cats may not pass all of their fetal membranes during the birth process. Fetal membranes decompose in the uterus, so it is important to observe the cat as soon as possible after birth. Signs of retained membranes include an abdominal discomfort and an unwillingness to settle with the kitten. If the mother cat is still pregnant, she will be lethargic, have a purulent vaginal discharge, and a fever. If the cat is still not passing the final set of membranes, she may be having complications and a surgical procedure is necessary.
The mother cat may be restless before labour starts and stop eating. Twenty-four hours before labour, she may have begun constructing a “nest” and will have a swollen vulva and clear mucous discharge. She may give birth to the first kitten within an hour or two of the water breaking. Sometimes, the placental membranes will break, and the mother will strain to deliver the first kitten. A cat may have several kittens during the birth process, so the mother must watch for this to make sure the kittens are safe.
Cats can give birth without the help of humans. Most of the time, the queen will deliver her kittens without human intervention, but in rare cases, the placenta may be retained. In such cases, it’s important to call a veterinarian to investigate the situation. If the placentas are not being passed after a kitten’s water breaks, it can cause uterine infection.
Symptoms of placental abruption in a first time mother cat
If you are a first-time mother cat and notice that your baby is not growing properly, it could be an early sign of placental abruption. Although this complication is rare, it should be treated as soon as possible. In many cases, you may be able to go home and continue your normal activities after a couple of days. The baby’s heart rate will be closely monitored and a blood transfusion may be necessary. In severe cases, a woman will need to undergo a C-section.
The placenta is the membrane that connects the growing baby to the uterus during pregnancy. It attaches to the uterine wall on the side or top and removes waste material from the baby’s blood. However, in some cases, the placenta may detach from the uterus and cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy. If your placenta detaches prematurely, it could be dangerous for both mother and baby.
While the exact causes of placental interruption are unknown, certain lifestyle habits may increase your risk for the condition. Smoking, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and previous pregnancy trauma are all associated with higher chances. Moreover, pregnancy-related complications, such as abdominal trauma, smoking, and gastrointestinal infections, may increase the risk for placental abruption.
If you or your feline is suffering from any of these risks, you should seek immediate veterinary care. If you see bleeding or pus in the abdomen, you should visit the doctor. The doctor may conduct diagnostic tests, give intravenous fluids, or recommend antibiotics to help the mother cope with this condition. The cat should be monitored for a few days before delivery.
Treatment for placental abruption in a first time mother cat
Although most authors consider this condition relatively uncommon in cats, some suggest that the prevalence of this problem has increased over the years due to selective breeding. Studies have shown that Siamese and Persian cats were more likely than normal conformation cats to experience this condition. According to the American Feline Society, placental abruption affects only one percent of female cats born during their first litters.
Although the exact cause of placental abruption is unknown, certain lifestyle habits, including smoking and high blood pressure, can increase the risk of this condition. Symptoms of placental abruption include rapid loss of amniotic fluid and uterine contractions that last much longer than expected. A doctor may decide to administer certain medications to reduce the chances of placental abruption and help the mother and fetus have a healthy pregnancy.
If placental abruption is severe, it requires immediate delivery. Severe cases of placental abruption may cause a stillbirth and subchorionic hemorrhage. In severe cases, fetal distress is also present, and medical treatment is necessary. Treatment for placental abruption in a first time mother cat should be sought as soon as possible.
If the placenta is retained in the uterus, a veterinarian may administer oxytocin, which stimulates the uterus to deliver the baby. This medication can be dangerous for the cat, however, since it can cause dehydration, which is already a risk with a difficult delivery. Surgical procedures can also be performed, and the cat may be spayed to avoid infection.
About The Author
Fernánda Esteban is a food fanatic. She can't go more than a few hours without eating, and she loves trying new foods from all over the world. Her friends know that they can always count on her for a good conversation, and she's an animal lover who will never turn down an opportunity to pet a dog or cat. Fernánda also enjoys learning about random facts, and she's a social media practitioner who loves to share what she knows with others.