Management of Reproduction of Cats

Predicting the timing of delivery can be difficult. Labor and delivery in cats is divided into 3 stages. Stage I lasts 12 to 24 hours. During this stage uterine contractions begin, but are not visible externally. The cervix also begins to dilate. During Stage II, abdominal contractions can be seen and the kittens are delivered. The kittens are usually delivered at intervals of 1 to 2 hours, but that can vary considerably. Stage II can last up to 24 hours. Stage III is defined as the delivery of the placenta. Cats typically alternate between stages II and III until delivery is complete.

Abnormal labor and delivery (dystocia) can be diagnosed if the uterine contractions are too infrequent or too weak to deliver the fetuses. This can lead to prolonged labor (more than 24 hours for stage I or II or more than 4 hours between delivery of kittens during stage II). Other signs of difficult birth include kittens that are born dead or near death or excessive maternal distress. Uterine and fetal monitors can be used to assess the condition of the uterus and fetuses. Dystocia can be treated either medically or surgically. Medical treatment includes injection of calcium or the hormone oxytocin to increase the strength and frequency of uterine contractions. Neither should be given without specific directions from your veterinarian. If these measures are not successful, cesarean section is performed to remove the fetuses.

Physical examination, and in some cases x-rays, are used to ensure that all kittens have been delivered. Injections of oxytocin are not routinely given unless the cat has not delivered all of the placentas. Disinfection of the umbilicus (belly button) with tincture of iodine helps prevent bacterial infection in the newborn kittens. Kittens should be weighed as soon as they are dry and then twice daily for the first week. Any weight loss after the first 24 hours indicates a potential problem and should be given immediate attention, such as extra feeding, assisted nursing, or examination by a veterinarian (Veterinary.heading on page Kitten Care).

Cats should be allowed to deliver their kittens in a familiar area where they will not be disturbed. Unfamiliar surroundings or strangers may hinder delivery, interfere with milk letdown, or adversely affect maternal instincts and cause the cat to neglect her newborn kittens. This is especially true for a cat delivering her first litter. A nervous cat may either ignore the newborn kittens or give them excess attention. This can lead to nearly continuous licking and biting at the umbilical stump, which can potentially cause serious injury to the kitten. If the cat’s maternal instincts fail, she may ignore the kittens, leave them unattended, or not allow them to nurse.

Common inflammatory diseases in the period after delivery include inflammation of the uterus (metritis) and breasts (mastitis). Retention of a placenta usually leads to metritis (see Reproductive Disorders of Female Cats : Metritis). Signs include continued straining as if in labor, vaginal discharge, fever, and depression. Drugs that help stimulate uterine contractions such as oxytocin or prostaglandin F_2alpha may help expel the placenta. Mastitis (see Reproductive Disorders of Female Cats : Mastitis) is uncommon in cats and is usually caused by a bacterial infection. It can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

Lack of milk production (agalactia) is uncommon in cats, but can be associated with premature delivery of the litter. Cats that do not produce enough milk should be examined by a veterinarian to check for other underlying diseases. The normal presence of colostrum (a clear, watery fluid produced before milk and containing important antibodies) should not be confused with agalactia. Contented kittens that gain weight daily after the first 24 hours are a good indication that milk production is adequate. If necessary, milk production can be stimulated by injections of oxytocin. If milk production is inadequate, kittens may need supplemental feeding.