Small Cats, Big Worry: Can My Cat Have Kittens?

Owners of pregnant cats may worry that their cat is too small to safely deliver kittens. While some cats can experience difficult births, many small cats manage to deliver their kittens without issues. However, there is a higher risk of complications for smaller cats, and it is important to be vigilant during labour and seek veterinary advice if there are any signs of distress.

Consult a vet

If you're concerned about your cat's size in relation to her pregnancy, the best course of action is to consult a veterinarian. They will be able to provide tailored advice and guidance based on your cat's specific circumstances. Here are some reasons why consulting a vet is important:

• Expert Examination and Advice: Vets have the knowledge and expertise to thoroughly examine your cat and assess her health. They can determine if your cat is too small or if there are any potential risks associated with her giving birth. They can also advise on appropriate care and interventions if needed.
• Early Intervention: By consulting a vet early on, you can gain valuable insight into the expected size of the litter, the potential for complications, and the best course of action. This proactive approach can help reduce the risk of serious complications during labour and ensure a safer delivery for both the mother cat and her kittens.
• Pregnancy Monitoring: Vets can provide guidance on monitoring your cat's pregnancy. They may recommend regular check-ups to track the progress of the pregnancy and identify any potential issues. This proactive monitoring can help ensure a healthier outcome for both the mother and her kittens.
• Emergency Preparedness: It is important to be prepared for any emergencies that may arise during labour. Consulting a vet beforehand will help you establish a relationship with a trusted professional, enabling you to act quickly and effectively if complications develop during delivery. Knowing the location of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet hospital and understanding the potential costs of emergency care are also important considerations.
• Advice on Home Birth: If you plan to have your cat give birth at home, consulting a vet is crucial. They can provide specific instructions on how to create a safe and comfortable environment for the birth, including preparing a suitable nesting box, maintaining the right temperature and humidity, and recognising the early signs of labour.
• Postpartum Care: After your cat gives birth, it is important to schedule follow-up appointments with the vet to ensure both the mother and her kittens are healthy. The vet can provide guidance on postpartum care, such as checking for postpartum discharge, monitoring the mother's behaviour, and ensuring proper nutrition and recovery for the new mother.

While it is natural to be concerned about your cat's size during pregnancy, consulting a veterinarian will provide you with the expert advice and support needed to navigate this process safely and effectively. They can tailor their guidance to your cat's specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome for both the mother and her kittens.

Monitor the cat during labour

Monitoring your cat during labour is crucial to ensure a safe delivery. Here are some detailed guidelines to follow:

Signs of Labour

Firstly, it is important to be able to recognise the signs that your cat is going into labour. During the final week of pregnancy, you may notice an increase in the size of her mammary glands. Approximately two days before giving birth, she will start producing milk, and you may see creamy secretions from her nipples. Your cat may also exhibit nesting behaviour, becoming reclusive or extremely affectionate. Keep an eye out for a decrease in appetite, as well as licking, pacing, and vocalisations. A discharge from the vulva and a drop in body temperature are also indicators that labour is imminent.

Stages of Labour

Labour can be divided into three stages. In Stage I, your cat becomes restless and anxious, and you may observe panting, pacing, refusal of food, and even vomiting. This stage typically lasts 6 to 12 hours, and at the end of it, the cervix is completely dilated. If your cat has not started giving birth within 24 hours of the onset of Stage I, seek veterinary assistance.

Stage II is the active delivery phase, marked by visible contractions and straining. The first kitten should be delivered within 1 to 2 hours of the onset of contractions. After the birth of each kitten, your cat may enter a resting phase that typically lasts around 30 minutes but can be up to 4 hours. If the resting period exceeds 4 hours, consult your vet.

Stage III labour follows the birth of each kitten and involves the delivery of the placenta or afterbirth, which usually occurs 5 to 15 minutes after the kitten is born. It is important to keep track of the number of placentas to ensure none are retained in the uterus, as this can make the mother ill.

Potential Complications

While cats tend to have fewer problems than dogs during labour, it is crucial to monitor them carefully as complications can arise. Contact your vet immediately if you observe any of the following:

• A green discharge from the vulva, indicating a kitten in distress.
• Excessive bleeding (more than a few drips).
• Prolonged labour, resulting in exhaustion.
• Straining without producing a kitten, which may indicate a blockage.
• Kittens becoming stuck in the pelvis.
• Difficulty removing the sac or umbilical cord from the kittens.
• No signs of labour a few days after the expected due date.

General Recommendations

To prepare for labour, create a comfortable, warm, and quiet space for your cat to give birth. Ensure you have your vet's contact details readily available, and consider having their telephone number on hand in case of an emergency. It is also essential to be aware of the potential costs of emergency veterinary care.

Prepare a birthing area

Preparing a birthing area for your cat is essential to ensure a smooth and safe delivery of her kittens. Here are some detailed instructions to set up a comfortable and stress-free environment for your cat's upcoming delivery:

Location

Firstly, decide on a quiet and safe location for the birthing area, preferably a separate room or space away from children and other disturbances. This will provide privacy and help your cat feel relaxed during the birthing process.

Nesting Box

Prepare a nesting box, which can be a cardboard box or a laundry basket, that serves as a comfortable and enclosed space for your cat to give birth. Ensure the box is large enough for your cat to comfortably stand, fully stretch, and turn around. Line the bottom of the box with an absorbent material such as towels, bedding, or newspaper covered with a blanket. Make sure the sides of the box are tall enough to prevent newborn kittens from falling out.

Temperature and Lighting

Maintain a warm temperature in the room, ideally around 72°F (22°C), to prevent hypothermia and support the kittens' fragile first few days of life. An additional source of heat, such as an infrared lamp or a heating pad placed under the box, can be beneficial. However, ensure the heat source is not too intense and always use a blanket or towels to prevent direct contact with the heat source, especially for the kittens. Keep the lighting soft and avoid any harsh lights that may cause discomfort.

Supplies

Have the necessary supplies ready, including absorbent pads, clean towels or paper towels, dental floss, and clean scissors. You may also want to set up a trash can or laundry basket nearby to discard any soiled materials after the birth. Additionally, have your veterinarian's contact information readily available in case of any complications or concerns.

Privacy and Monitoring

While your cat may prefer privacy during labour, it is important to monitor her periodically without causing any stress. Checking on her every 15 minutes is generally considered acceptable. Be vigilant for any signs of distress or complications, and do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if needed.

Post-Birth Care

After the birth, ensure your cat and her kittens have a quiet and undisturbed space to bond, feed, and rest. It is crucial to keep the room warm and comfortable, as new mothers may go into heat within a few days of delivery, which can lead to wandering off and leaving the kittens vulnerable. Offer your cat ample food, such as kitten formula or plain, unflavoured yogurt, to meet her increased caloric needs during nursing.

Remember, these preparations will help create a calm and supportive environment for your cat to give birth. Stay informed about the birthing process and potential complications, and always seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns or if any issues arise during labour.

Be aware of potential complications

It is important to be aware of potential complications that may arise during your cat's pregnancy and birth. Firstly, it is essential to monitor your cat's behaviour during pregnancy. While cats typically show little behavioural change until the final week of pregnancy, it is important to observe any alterations in behaviour, such as nest-making or a preference for enclosed spaces or the owner's bed. During labour, be vigilant and watch out for any signs of distress, such as panting, crying, or exhaustion.

Dystocia, or difficult birth, can be classified as either maternal or foetal in origin. Maternal dystocia may be caused by disorders of the skeleton, such as pelvic fractures, or soft tissues, such as severe constipation. Foetal dystocia can result from malpresentation, malformation, or oversized foetuses. In some cases, functional dystocia, or inertia, may occur, leading to weak or infrequent contractions and difficulty in expelling the kittens. This can be caused by stress, old age, obesity, or certain medications.

Additionally, be aware of the potential for uterine rupture or torsion. Uterine rupture can occur due to a violent blow or straining upon an obstruction, leading to an acute emergency. Uterine torsion, or twisting of the uterus, can cut off the blood supply and make delivery impossible. Both conditions require immediate veterinary attention.

In the event of obstructive dystocia, a Caesarean section may be necessary to ensure the safety of the mother cat and her kittens. It is also important to monitor the mother cat's postpartum health, as complications such as metritis (inflammation of the uterus) or mastitis (inflammation of the mammary glands) can occur.

To summarise, while many cat births proceed without complications, it is crucial to be aware of the potential issues that may arise and to seek veterinary advice and assistance when needed.

Provide post-birth care

The first two to three weeks are the most crucial for a mother cat and her newborn kittens. If the mother is going to have any postpartum problems, it will likely happen during this period.

• Keep the mother cat and her babies in a quiet part of the house; a separate room is ideal. Make sure the room is warm enough, as kittens are unable to regulate their body temperature when they are only a few days old.
• Keep the mother cat's litter box, food, and water bowls close by.
• Feed her a high-quality canned kitten food, supplemented with KMR (kitten milk replacement).
• Keep the bedding clean and dry.
• Keep other pets away from the mother cat and her kittens.
• Make sure the kittens are feeding – this should start almost immediately after birth. If they haven’t started after half an hour, gently guide them.
• If the mother cat is ignoring the kittens, you will need to keep them warm with a warm water bottle.
• Assist the mother as she cares for her kittens. Clean the water bowl daily to keep it fresh for the mother and make sure all the kittens are getting milk by watching them feed.
• Look for greenish vaginal discharge in the weeks after birth. Reddish-brown discharge is fine for up to 3 weeks or so after birth, but if it is green or smells bad, you need to take your cat to the vet.
• Continue supplementing the mother's diet until the kittens are weaned. Keep her on the kitten food and continue to feed her 50% more at meals while she is providing milk for her kittens.
• Set the water bowl out of the kittens' reach until they are weaned. Kittens don't need the water, and they can drown if a bowl is left in with them.

When to call the vet

While a lot of cats will have a perfectly healthy birth, there are some problems that could happen that you should keep an eye out for:

• Bleeding from the vagina or unusual vaginal discharge
• Prolapse of the uterus (womb) – straining can occasionally cause the uterus to be pushed out
• Mastitis – infection of a mammary gland that becomes hot, painful and engorged. The queen may be off colour
• Poor appetite, excessive drinking or vomiting
• Awkward or clumsy movement, twitching or collapsing

Your cat’s behaviour after birth

Most cats will take to mothering their kittens very naturally. You might notice your cat:

• Licking her newborn kittens, nuzzling them and purring
• Moving her kittens. If she feels unsafe for any reason, or if where she currently is isn’t warm enough for her, she may choose to move her kittens. Don’t stop her from doing this, instead try to provide a quiet, comfortable and warm area for her to move to
• Behaving differently towards you. Cats are very protective of their kittens, so she might prefer you to keep your distance at first

A slight change in behaviour is normal for your cat after she has given birth, but she will settle after a few weeks.

Frequently asked questions