Cat pregnancy is one of those very exciting moments for pet parents. Most kitties pass mating, birthing or queening, and feeding processes with complete ease, but sometimes Cat pregnancy complications might arise. Preparing for what might happen and knowing when to call the vet really makes all the difference. This blog covers pregnancy complications in cats-the warning signs, and useful tips.
Common Cat Pregnancy Complications
While most cats will go unnoticed in their pregnancy, some complications can occur, especially in late gestation. Knowing these can lead to rapid intervention if so needed.
Eclampsia ("Milk Fever")
One of the potentially deadly complications from cat pregnancy is a condition that can be simply described as milk fever. This complication occurs when the calcium goes down to dangerous levels. A cat most often develops the condition later in pregnancy; however, it can start after kittens are born and the dam is nursing a significant litter without any intervention and can result in death.
Severe stages: Muscle spasms, and seizures.
If you notice any of the above signs, seek your pet veterinary attention as quickly as possible. A vet can prescribe a calcium supplementation schedule that can then be used to prevent this condition in vulnerable cats. Before adding any supplement to their diet, ensure to see a veterinarian.
Dehydration and Malnutrition
Malnutrition and dehydration often lead to starvation, especially in the last three months of gestation, resulting in a host of related problems both for the mother and the kittens. Ensure the availability of good quality, specialised cat food that includes pregnancy and lactation.
Complications at Queening (Cat Giving Birth)
Queening refers to the labour and delivery of a cat. Cats usually give birth easily and without difficulty, although sometimes cat giving birth problems can arise and it is sensible to know what to look out for.
Early Delivery
In some cases, a cat may also give birth too early; she delivers her kittens several days before their due date. Most of the premature kittens are small, weak and under developed. They will probably have problems in maintaining their body heat and might not be able to nurse well.
Care for Premature Kittens
- Keep them warm with a heat lamp, heating pad, or hot water bottle. Careful with the temperature-they need it but too much can be bad.
- If the mother does not want to nurse them you will have to bottle feed or syringe feed the kittens, with the help of your veterinarian.
- IN some severe cases premature Kittens are permanently attached to a feeding tube and hands-ready for frequent feedings and monitoring.
Stillborn Kittens
One or two kittens in every litter often tend to be born dead. The birthing of dead kittens can be very heartbreaking, but the cat should be left alone to continue with her delivery process. Cats giving birth to stillborn kittens can happen occasionally, and it is important to handle the situation with care.
What to Do: If you suspect the kitten is dead?
You will need to pull the kitten out of the birth canal with minimal force. If you're unsure or don't feel it is right, contact your veterinarian for further guidance.In some situations, it is recommended to autopsy to determine the cause of death, though this is often only done in certain situations.
Dystocia (Difficult Labour)
Dystocia is where it is difficult to give birth, potentially as a result of kittens malpositioned or too large for the vulva of their mama cat. This condition will likely affect breeds with a Persian or Siamese type head.
Types of Dystocia
- Fetal Dystocia - The kittens are too big or are malpositioned within the uterus or birth canal. Sometimes this is resolved by lubricating the birth canal and gently assisting with delivery. If that doesn't work, your veterinarian may suggest an X-ray to determine the position and size of the kittens.
- Maternal Dystocia - This is dystocia caused by poor contraction of the cat's uterus. Fatigue or minimal stimulation of oxytocin, the hormone in charge of contractions can cause it. Treatment usually consists of administering oxytocin to the cat, which the vet restarts the contractions and facilitates the delivery of puppies.
If these actions do not work, then it may require a C-section to ensure delivery of the kittens can be done safely.
Complications at Lactation
After the kittens have been delivered, the mother cat will then initiate the nursing process. All the same, problems may still occur, such as infection and improper milk production.
Mastitis
Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland and sometimes it affects the lactating Cats. The disease could be due to either blockage or infection of the gland. Mastitis should be taken to the vet as the disease seriously deteriorates the nursing potential of the Cat.
Symptoms of Mastitis:
- Pain, heat, and swelling in one or more mammary glands.Lethargy and fever in the cat.
- Bloody, thick, or yellow milk.
- The cat refuses kittens to suckle the infected gland.
- The Mother cat turns dehydrated showing a very weak appetite.
Mastitis is regarded as an animal care emergency; mastitis generally gets treated with antibiotics or other medication by the veterinarian. In case mastitis is not attended to, a bacteria infection may carry on downward further which could be a potential threat to the health of the cat and general health of her kittens.
Lack of Colostrum
This milk produced after the birthing period is very nutrient-rich and full of antibodies that would be helpful to the kittens in their survival and establishment of immune systems. If the cat will not nurse either due to illness or other complications, then the kittens have to be fed by hand with a kitten milk replacer rich in colostrum. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for recommendations on feeding and supplementation.
Tips for Bottle Feeding Kittens
- Use a small syringe, bottle, or stomach tube to feed the kittens.
- Keep the kittens warm before feeding.
Note: If the kittens are not gaining weight or appear weak, see a veterinarian soon
When to Seek Veterinary Help
Some cat giving birth problems can be self-managed at home, but others may have to be seen at once by a veterinarian. If any of the following occur, don't wait to contact your vet:
- More than 20 minutes of intense labour without a kitten delivered
- A kitten or a bubble full of fluid is palpable but cannot be felt moving for 10 minutes during intense labour
- The Cat is depressed, lethargic, or restless
- Body temperature greater than 103°F (39.4°C)
- It is bloody and lasts over 10 minutes
Knowing the possible cat pregnancy complications that can arise with a cat pregnancy, birth problems in cats, and issues that may develop during lactation will equip you with better care for your cat and kittens. Keeping track of the progression of your cat while pregnant and during birth as well as knowing how to get a vet when needed will protect both mom and litter. Always prepared, always informed, to allow in this great hour the best possible care for all those who come.
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