| Cat Delivery: first stage During this stage, the cervix smoothens and dilates. Also, cats start to arrange the blankets on the nest being common for them to lick its anal zone in a most vigorous way. No abdominal contractions are evidenced. It is essenti al for cats to be calm during this phase, since delivery may be delayed for several hours if the presence of strange people is perceived. This first stage of delivery lasts for 12 to 24 hours and it ends when the first kitten goes through the pelvic channel.Delivery's second stage: This second stage begins when the cat starts pushing actively for the first whelp to come out. It will last up to 15 or 30 minutes starting since one can register 3 to 5 contractions. Female cats can deliver in a standing position, lying down or crouching. The first thing one has to observe is the amniotic sack bag. Then, one has to be sure kitten is positioned properly, that is, with head or rear legs front. Nature is so amazing that after each birth, cats will remove amniotic sack bag, cut the umbilical cord and lick the membrane that wraps the whelp. Vets participate only if there is a problem throughout delivery, but if everything goes well nature will take care of everything. Delivery time can vary, some will give birth quickly, others can delay delivery for more time, but the normal timing between births is of 20 minutes. Delivery's third stage: With this stage the process of birth technically ends and it consists in the expulsion of the placenta and in the involution of the uterus after each birth. Mother's will expel the corresponding placenta and will have a natural instinct to eat them. Eating too many placentas is not recommended, but still it seems fine for them to eat the first couple of them. The problem is that eating large amounts of placentas will cause diarrhea compromising the cat's life. After all kittens are born, one must verify that the number of expelled placentas correspond to the number of whelps. If after 12 hours some placentas are retained, one can give the cat some products containing oxitoxin in doses prescribed by the veterinary. |
