What is what to do when my cat gives birth?

Okay, here's information about what to do when your cat gives birth, in Markdown format with the requested links:

Helping Your Cat Through Labor and Delivery

The best approach is generally to let your cat handle the birthing process on her own. However, being prepared and knowing when to intervene can be crucial.

Before Labor:

• Prepare a Nesting Box: A few weeks before her due date (around 63 days after mating), provide a quiet, warm, and private nesting area. Line a cardboard box or cat carrier with soft blankets or towels. Place it in a secluded spot away from high traffic areas. Learn about: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/preparing%20a%20safe%20space
• Gather Supplies: Have these items on hand:
  • Clean towels
  • Unwaxed dental floss or string (in case you need to tie off umbilical cords - see below)
  • Scissors (sterilized, for cutting umbilical cords if necessary)
  • Iodine or antiseptic solution (for cleaning umbilical stumps, if needed)
  • Heating pad (set on low, underneath a layer of bedding, to keep kittens warm)
  • Pet carrier (for transport to the vet, if needed)
  • Contact information for your veterinarian and a local emergency vet clinic.

During Labor:

• Stage 1 (Early Labor): Your cat will become restless, pant, groom excessively, and may refuse food. This stage can last 12-24 hours.
• Stage 2 (Active Labor/Delivery): Contractions will become visible. You may see straining. A kitten should be born every 30-60 minutes, but it can sometimes take up to 2 hours between kittens. Be prepared to help your cat if she is in https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/labor%20complications.
• Stage 3 (Placenta Delivery): After each kitten, the placenta should be expelled. Count the placentas to ensure one is delivered for each kitten.

When to Intervene:

• Prolonged Labor: If your cat is straining hard for more than 20-30 minutes without producing a kitten, contact your vet immediately.
• Weak or Absent Contractions: If she has weak or infrequent contractions for several hours without producing a kitten, seek veterinary advice.
• Kitten Stuck: If you see a kitten partially emerged and she is unable to deliver it, gently try to assist. With clean hands, grasp the kitten with a towel and gently pull downwards in line with the mother cat's spine only during a contraction. If you can't easily free the kitten, call your vet.
• Excessive Bleeding: A small amount of bloody discharge is normal, but excessive bleeding is a sign of a problem.
• Retained Placenta: If you suspect a placenta has not been delivered, consult your vet, as it can lead to infection.
• Kittens Not Nursing: Ensure kittens nurse within the first few hours. Colostrum (first milk) is vital for their immune system. If kittens aren't nursing, consult your vet.
• Mother Neglecting Kittens: If the mother isn't cleaning, feeding, or caring for the kittens, you may need to intervene and bottle-feed them. See: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/kitten%20care

Caring for Newborn Kittens:

• Ensure Warmth: Keep the kittens warm using a heating pad under the bedding.
• Check for Breathing: If a kitten isn't breathing, gently rub it with a towel to stimulate it. You can also gently swing the kitten head down to help clear its airways.
• Umbilical Cord: If the mother doesn't sever the umbilical cord, tie it off with floss about an inch from the kitten's belly, and cut the cord on the far side of the knot with sterilized scissors. Dip the stump in iodine or antiseptic solution.
• Weight Monitoring: Weigh kittens daily to ensure they are gaining weight.
• Keep a Clean Environment: Regularly change the bedding in the nesting box to maintain hygiene.
• Provide Proper https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/nutrition%20for%20cats: Ensure your cat is eating a high-quality kitten or lactating cat food.

Important Note: This information is for guidance only. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat's labor, delivery, or the health of the kittens.