Have you been wondering and looking for answers on what to do after your cat gives birth? Then you are at the right place.
This article walks you through what to do after your cat gives birth.
In the first few weeks, keep an eye out for any signs of health problems in the mother cat and track the developmental progress of the kittens, such as their level of physical activity and, most importantly how they eat.
The mother cat may experience postpartum issues, so it’s important to ensure that she and her kittens have a comfortable and warm environment away from the busier areas of the house.
Regularly checking for unusual behaviours or physical changes will help you identify problems early, allowing you to seek veterinary assistance when needed. This covers everything you need to know about what to do after your cat gives birth.
My cat just gave birth, what do I do now?
It is important to know that, the mother cat can provide the kitten with whatever they need, ensures the cat is being fed well and away from stress-free.
If you still want to make sure the Cat is comfortable, you can go by these ways;
- Keep the room with the mother cat and her kittens warm.
- Make sure their bedding is clean and dry.
- Keep the room quiet, and don’t let family members disturb her.
- Watch the kittens to ensure they are feeding, but stay at a distance that the mother cat is comfortable with.
- Keep other pets away from the mother cat and her kittens.
- The kittens should start feeding right after birth. If they don’t start within 30 minutes, gently help them.
Sometimes, the mother cat may have trouble caring for her kittens. If the kittens are not feeding well, you may need to talk to your vet about possibly feeding them by hand.
General Advice for Cats Owners
From my experience and love for cats, this is my advice to cat owners whose Mother cat has given birth.
Veterinarian Check
If you haven’t done it yet, take the mother cat and her kittens to the vet for a check-up after one week. If the mother cat hasn’t been vaccinated, this is a good time to do it. She might also receive treatment for roundworms to protect both her and the kittens.
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New Kitten and Mother Cat Care
The first two to three weeks are the most important for a mother cat and her newborn kittens. The kittens should be growing quickly, and if the mother cat is going to have any problems after giving birth, it will likely happen during this time.
Let the mother cat decide how much attention she wants. If she has been your pet for a while, she may enjoy your visits. A rescued stray or fostered cat might prefer you stay away. As long as the kittens are nursing often and seem healthy, they should be fine.
Keep the mother cat and her kittens in a quiet part of the house, ideally in a separate room. Make sure the room is warm since newborn kittens cannot control their body temperature. The mother cat can keep them warm, but if she leaves to eat or use the litter box, the kittens can get cold. Cold temperatures are very dangerous for newborn kittens.
Provide blankets, a heat lamp, or a heating pad to keep the kittens warm. Use a large box with clean towels to make a comfortable space for the mother cat and her kittens. The towels will get dirty quickly as the kittens go to the bathroom, so it is easiest to remove the top towel to reveal a clean layer underneath.
Keep the mother cat’s litter box, food, and water bowls nearby. Feed her high-quality canned kitten food, along with kitten milk replacement (KMR). These foods are specially made to give a nursing mother cat the nutrients she needs.
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Kitten Developmental Milestones
This is a simplified form of kitten development milestones:
- Newborn (0-1 week): Kittens are born with their eyes closed and ears folded. They are unable to regulate their body temperature and rely on their mother for warmth. They sleep most of the time and nurse frequently. At this stage, their sense of touch and smell are well-developed.
- 1-2 weeks: Kittens’ eyes begin to open, usually around 7-10 days old, but their vision is still blurry. Their ears start to unfold, and they begin to respond to sounds. They continue to depend on their mother for warmth, nutrition, and care.
- 2-3 weeks: Kittens become more active and start to wiggle and crawl. Their sense of hearing and vision continues to improve, and they may start to purr. Their baby teeth (deciduous teeth) begin to emerge.
- 3-4 weeks: Kittens start to stand and take their first steps, though they are still unsteady. They become more curious about their surroundings and may start to explore a bit. They begin to interact with their littermates and develop social skills. They also start to eat some solid food in addition to nursing.
- 4-5 weeks: Kittens gain better control over their movements, and begin to run, play, and explore more confidently. Their vision and hearing are fully developed, and their coordination improves. They become more independent but still nurse frequently.
- 5-6 weeks: Kittens are more active and playful, refining their motor skills and social behaviours through play. They eat more solid food and start to use the litter box. They begin to groom themselves and each other.
- 6-8 weeks: Kittens are fully mobile, running, jumping, and climbing. They continue to develop social skills by playing with their littermates and interacting with humans. They should be weaned off their mother’s milk and eat solid food regularly.
- 8-12 weeks: Kittens are more independent and have developed most of their physical and social skills. They are ready for adoption, vaccination, and continued socialization.
- 12 weeks and beyond Kittens grow rapidly, and their personalities begin to develop. They need ongoing socialization, playtime, and training to become well-adjusted adult cats.
Health Issues in Newborn Kittens
As part of caring for your newborn kittens and the mother, it is advisable to know some health issues in newborn kittens.
Intestinal parasites are most common in kittens. Young kittens can also have other health problems, like infections (such as respiratory infections) and diseases they are born with.
Fading kitten syndrome happens when a kitten is not growing or developing well. If you notice a kitten is more tired and sleeps more than its siblings, it could be a sign of this syndrome. That kitten needs to see a veterinarian who specializes in kitten care right away.
Uterine Metritis
Metritis is a serious infection of the uterus and needs urgent veterinary care. After giving birth, it is normal for a mother cat to have some vaginal discharge. However, if the discharge has a bad smell, it could be a warning sign. Other symptoms of metritis include tiredness, fever, and not producing milk.
The mother cat may need to stay in the hospital for treatment and could need emergency surgery to remove her uterus. While the mother cat recovers, you will need to feed and care for the kittens.
Hypocalcemia (Milk Fever)
Hypocalcemia, also called “milk fever,” is a rare but serious condition in cats that requires emergency veterinary care. It can happen when there is not enough calcium during pregnancy or nursing. Symptoms include seizures, unsteady walking, muscle tremors, restlessness, and heavy panting. While the mother cat is recovering, the kittens will need to be fed by hand.
Mastitis
Mastitis is a bacterial infection in the milk ducts that happens when the mother cat’s milk flow is blocked by swollen mammary glands. The teats become swollen, hot, and may look bruised. The mother cat might not let the kittens nurse. Mastitis is a veterinary emergency, and the cat usually needs antibiotics to treat the infection.
While the mother cat is recovering, the kittens may need to be hand-fed.
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Postpartum Health Issues
Pregnancy, giving birth, and the time right after delivery are very stressful for a new mother cat. Her body is dealing with many hormones, starting milk production, and recovering from birth. There are some serious conditions to watch for in your mother cat during this time.
FAQs About What to Do After Your Cat Gives Birth
When to call the vet After my Cat Gives Birth
Call your vet if your mother cat faces these problems;
- Bleeding from the vagina or unusual vaginal discharge
- Prolapse of the uterus (when the uterus is pushed out, usually from straining)
- Mastitis (infection of a mammary gland that becomes hot, painful, and swollen; the mother cat might not feel well)
- Poor appetite, drinking too much, or vomiting
- Awkward or clumsy movements, twitching or collapsing.
How can I rehome the kittens?
If you can, let the kittens stay with their mother until they are at least eight to nine weeks old. It’s also important to socialize the kittens while they are young to help prevent behavioural problems as they grow up.
How soon after birth can my cat go outside again?
It’s best to keep your cat indoors for at least a few weeks after giving birth. This allows her to recover from the birth, care for her kittens, and establish a safe environment. Once she has fully recovered and the kittens are a bit older, you can start considering letting her go outside again, but always make sure she is in good health and that the kittens are well taken care of.
When can I get my cat neutered after having kittens?
After your cat has had kittens, you should wait until the kittens are weaned and eating solid food, which typically happens around 8 weeks of age. It’s also a good idea to let your cat recover from the birthing process and ensure she’s in good health before scheduling the neutering procedure.
Generally, you can consider getting her neutered around 8-12 weeks after giving birth, but it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal timing for her specific situation.
When can I touch my cat’s newborn kittens?
You can start touching your cat’s newborn kittens once they’re around 1-2 weeks old. Before this age, it’s best to minimize handling to avoid stressing the mother or risking the health of the kittens. After they reach 1-2 weeks, you can gently touch and handle them for short periods, especially if you’re ensuring they’re healthy and well-fed. Always wash your hands before and after handling to keep everything as clean as possible.
What should I feed my cat after she has given birth?
After giving birth, your cat will need a diet that supports her recovery and provides the extra nutrients she needs to produce milk. Here are some guidelines for feeding her:
- High-Quality Kitten Food: Provide her with high-quality, nutrient-rich kitten food, which has higher levels of protein and fat compared to adult cat food. This helps meet her increased nutritional needs.
- Frequent Meals: Offer her several small meals throughout the day, as she may have a reduced appetite or get full quickly.
- Fresh Water: Ensure she has constant access to fresh water, as hydration is crucial, especially while she’s nursing.
- Consult Your Vet: It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your cat’s health and needs.
By providing a balanced and nutritious diet, you’ll help support her recovery and the health of her kittens.