Comprehensive Guide to Caring for a Cat After Delivering Kittens
Welcoming a new litter of kittens is a special time for any cat owner, especially those who breed pedigree cats. Knowing how to care for a queen (mother cat) after she has given birth is essential to ensure both her health and that of her kittens. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to confidently support your cat through this exciting period.
1. Recognising When Labour Has Finished
Understanding if your queen has completed her delivery can sometimes be tricky due to natural breaks between kittens. Here are key signs to watch for:
- The queen's abdomen, previously enlarged during pregnancy, will appear noticeably flatter once all kittens are delivered.
- The queen should be relaxed and attentive to her newborns, showing no signs of pain, distress, or straining.
- Gaps of 30 minutes or longer between kittens are normal, so patience is important.
- Occasionally, another kitten may appear unexpectedly, so always stay observant even if delivery seems complete.
2. Managing Placenta Delivery
Every kitten has an associated placenta which is typically delivered shortly after the kitten. Monitoring placenta delivery is important because retained placentas can cause serious health issues:
- Count the placentas expelled to match them against the number of kittens.
- Placenta passage can come some time after the kitten, but usually within 30 minutes.
- If the count of kittens and placentas do not match, or the queen shows signs of illness, contact a vet promptly.
3. Cleaning and Comfortable Nesting
After delivery, creating a clean, quiet, and warm environment is crucial:
- Remove soiled bedding carefully to minimise disturbance to the queen and her litter.
- Replace bedding with clean, dry materials to keep the kittens warm and hygienic.
- Ensure the nesting area is away from drafts and loud noises, providing the mother with privacy and safety.
4. Nutrition and Feeding for Queen and Kittens
The queen’s nutritional needs increase substantially while nursing her kittens. Here is how you can best support her:
- Feed a specially formulated high-calorie diet designed for nursing queens, which can require two to three times her usual calorie intake.
- Allow free feeding so she can eat to satisfaction without restriction.
- Always provide fresh, clean water nearby to maintain hydration.
- Watch the kittens to ensure all are latching and feeding well. Help weaker or pushed-aside kittens to nurse if necessary.
5. Monitoring the Queen’s Reproductive Health
The period after birth requires close attention for signs of health problems:
- Expect a normal vaginal discharge for up to two weeks, which is typically brownish and odourless.
- Any fresh blood, foul smell, excessive discharge, or prolonged bleeding warrants immediate veterinary consultation.
- Schedule a vet check for queen and kittens within a day or two post-delivery to detect any retained placentas or hidden issues early.
6. Managing the Next Heat Cycle
The queen may return to season (come into heat) soon after delivery, particularly if unneutered male cats are nearby:
- Keep the queen separated from unneutered males to prevent early pregnancy and allow her body time to recuperate.
- If you plan to spay your queen, consider booking the surgery a few weeks after the litter is born once she has recovered adequately.
7. General Care and Handling Tips
It is essential to handle both queen and kittens with care to build their trust and reduce stress:
- Approach the queen slowly and gently, allowing her to come to you rather than forcing contact.
- Respect her protective instincts, especially during the first 24 hours post-birth, and minimise interruptions.
- Once kittens open their eyes and begin exploring (around 2-3 weeks), gentle handling and socialisation benefits their development.
By following these thoughtful steps, not only do you promote the health and well-being of your queen and her kittens, but you also foster a strong bond with your cats. Responsible ownership, including planning for spaying/neutering and regular veterinary care, helps maintain healthy cat populations and prevent unwanted litters.
For those interested in finding a kitten or learning more about pedigree cats, consider searching kittens for sale from reputable breeders to ensure ethical sourcing.
