How to Help a Cat Having Problems Delivering

Although 99 percent of births are uneventful, your cat may have some trouble delivering during her first birthing. You should know what is normal to be of the best help. The average gestational period is nine to ten weeks. Twenty-four to 48 hours before delivery, she will look for a place to birth. Normally, she will howl and pace prior to birthing and may be nervous and anxious. Delivery can take up to two hours. Watch from another room and do not interfere unless there is a problem. The mother should be allowed to deliver the kittens herself, if she is willing.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth
  • Dental floss
  • Scissors
  • Baby nose bulb
  • Heating pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grasp the kitten gently with a soft cloth and pull backwards and down if the kitten is in the birth canal more than fifteen minutes. Any longer and it will begin to be deprived of oxygen.

    • 2

      Seize the kitten through a cloth by its shoulders or hips, not by its legs or head, and pull gently. It will arrive either head or tail first.

    • 3

      Allow the mother about five minutes after each kitten is born to chew off the umbilical cord. If she doesn't, use dental floss to tie off the umbilical cord so it is 1-inch long. Cut the cord with blunt scissors.

    • 4

      Have a warm wash cloth ready to help pierce the sac, since some first-time mothers will not pierce the sac of the first kitten. Wipe the kitten's face with the warm wash cloth to remove the sac. Then, rub the kitten carefully with a damp cloth to stimulate breathing.

    • 5

      Cleanse mucus from the kitten's nose and mouth with a baby nose bulb.

    • 6

      Put the kitten on a heating pad if it is cold.

    • 7

      Place the kitten on the mother's nipple if it does not begin nursing soon after birth.