1. Prepare a birthing area. Place the birthing area in a quiet, draft-free room with a comfortable temperature. Use clean soft bedding, such as towels.
2. Provide support during birth. If you notice your cat giving birth, try to stay close and provide a calm and supportive environment. If this is their first litter, they might appreciate your help. If they are anxious they may abandon their kittens.
3. Assess the health of the kittens. Examine the kittens after birth to ensure they are healthy. They should be pink in color and actively suckling within a few hours. If any kittens appear weak or unresponsive, seek immediate veterinary attention.
4. Feed and clean the mother. After birth, provide your cat with a high-quality kitten or nursing cat diet and plenty of fresh water. Monitor her food and water intake, as she will need more calories to produce milk. Clean the birthing area as needed to remove any soiled bedding. Make sure the mom eats before allowing her to nurse her young in order to encourage milk production. Be sure to clean her up gently before she nurses.
5. Introduce to other pets and children. Slowly introduce your cat and her kittens to other pets and children in the household. Supervise interactions to ensure they are positive and safe. This may take a few weeks if the mother feels her litter is at risk.
6. Weigh the kittens. Weigh the kittens regularly to ensure they are gaining weight and developing properly. If any kittens are not gaining weight or are losing weight, seek immediate veterinary attention.
7. Provide medical attention. Arrange a checkup for the mother cat and her kittens within a few days of birth to ensure they are all healthy. The veterinarian can help provide further advice on caring for the mother cat and her kittens.
8. Kitten-proof your home. If your cat tends to wander or be adventurous, it is a good idea to "kitten-proof" your home. Be sure your home is free of electrical hazards, open staircases, and potentially toxic items that curious kittens might get into.
9. Socialization of kittens. It's important to start socializing the kittens as early as possible. Socialization means helping the kittens get comfortable with people and other animals. This will make them more well-rounded cats and easier to adopt when the time comes.
10. Decide on veterinary care. Kittens often need routine veterinary care including vaccinations and deworming. Be prepared to take the kittens to a vet for regular checkups.