Pregnancy in cats usually ends with a birth without complications, so kittens are born healthy and well. However, in some cases, there may be difficulties during labor such as dystocia, which can endanger the lives of both the mother cat and her kittens.
Dystocia in cats is one of the rarest problems in cat reproduction, but it is very important to pay attention to some warning signs in case it occurs in a fundamental way.
What is dystocia in cats?
Births where the mother cat has difficulty delivering her kittens are called dystocia. This problem is most noticeable in the second stage of labor, where the first kitten takes more than 60 minutes to be delivered. If this happens, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian; your cat likely needs emergency care.
Although this problem is usually detected at the time of birth, there are prenatal tests for cats that can determine whether they will experience dystocia (difficult birth). Thanks to this, the veterinarian can properly manage the cat's pregnancy , minimizing the risk of these complications.
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Cat birth and its stages
Cats have a gestation period of approximately 56 to 70 days and give birth to between 1 and 5 kittens. Before birth, the fetuses begin to position themselves correctly to facilitate delivery. Additionally, cats exhibit behavioral changes in the last week of pregnancy as they prepare for labor.
For her part, labor is divided into 3 different stages, which vary according to the cat's behavior and certain physical signs. These are:
1- Stage 1 (2-24 hours):
Contractions begin in the uterus, causing the cat to become agitated, pant, and possibly vomit. Typically, she will make a very loud purr , and a clear fluid may begin to leak from the genital area.
2- Stage 2 (2-12 hours):
This is the moment when the embryos are expelled from the mother, and it typically lasts 12 hours. Normally, there is a difference of 30 or 60 minutes between the departure of each kitten, although sometimes they can be born just minutes apart.
3- Stage 3 (occurs at the same time as Stage 2):
The amniotic sac, the "bag" that held the kittens inside the mother, is expelled. This stage usually alternates with the second stage, although they are not necessarily equal, as sometimes more than one kitten is expelled before the first amniotic sac is seen.
Causes of dystocia in cats
Dystocia in cats is classified according to the factors causing the complications , which can originate from the mother or the fetus. Both types of dystocia have their differences, so they must be treated with specific methods. Some of their characteristics are listed below:
1- Difficult labor in the mother:
This obstruction is caused by the mother, who usually has a narrow pelvic canal or uterine inertia. The first scenario indicates that the pelvis is not the correct size (deformity, fracture, or immaturity), preventing the kittens from leaving. The second scenario is the absence of uterine contractions, making the expulsion of the fetuses impossible.
2- Difficult labor in the fetus:
Fetuses can hinder and complicate childbirth if they are deformed, large, or in the wrong birthing position.
Preparing for a difficult labor
Although dystocia is a rare complication, some breeds such as the Brachiopod ( Shirazi , Himalayan , or Munchkin) are more prone to it. Or Scottish Fold ), in which the incidence reaches 10%. This is usually linked to the genetics of certain cat breeds, as inbreeding increases the number of deformities in the mother and fetuses.
Similarly, very old or very young cats are prone to dystocia, as their bodies are not yet ready for birth. Be mindful of your pet's reproductive age when breeding and always consider their health.
As if that weren't enough, it's also important to consider the kittens' parents, as a size difference between the pair can cause the fetuses to become larger in the mother's womb. This may prevent the cat from giving birth under normal circumstances, requiring emergency care.
Symptoms of dystocia in cats
Dystocia (difficult labor) is a problem that usually goes undiagnosed until the time of delivery , as it's not standard practice for pets to undergo prenatal examinations. Therefore, there are some warning signs you should be aware of if your cat is about to give birth. It's best to consult a veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- It has been more than an hour since the contractions began, but the first kitten has not yet come out.
- The cat is talking loudly with clear signs of pain.
- Your pet's pregnancy lasted 70 days or more before labor began.
- You can see part of the first embryo, but it is not expelled (do not try to remove it yourself, you may hurt the cat or the mother).
- The cat looks tired, sad, and has vomited a lot.
- The presence of foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
These warning signs can be difficult to recognize during labor. For this reason, it is recommended to have a prenatal check-up with a veterinarian, as this allows for careful monitoring of the cat's health before labor begins.
Treatment of dystocia in cats
Because dystocia (difficult birth) is caused by various factors, there are also several ways to treat it. To do this, a veterinarian must make a diagnosis and identify the problem. Depending on what the professional observes, they will likely suggest one of these three treatments:
1- Medical treatment:
If dystocia is caused by a lack of contractions, they can be induced with medication. This is usually a good option when the problem is detected before delivery, allowing for medical planning.
2- Manipulative therapy:
If the fetuses are not in the correct position, the veterinarian can try to correct their position to facilitate delivery. In other words, they will assist the cat in giving birth by manually pushing or removing the fetuses.
3- Surgical treatment:
This intervention refers to a cesarean section, in which a procedure is performed to remove the puppies from the mother's uterus. This is usually the best option in emergency situations when there is no time for diagnosis or the mother's life is in imminent danger.
We, the Seventh Bird , suggest a clinic to you. pet.code.clinic :
For the best treatment and the best service, you can get a free medical consultation via WhatsApp number 0544789504
At Al-Ta'ir Al-Sabe' , we have provided you with a wide selection of products for cats to use during pregnancy or for kittens:
Royal Canin Mother & Baby Dry Cat Food
Royal Canin Mother & Baby Wet Cat Food
Royal Canin Queen dry food for cats during pregnancy
And you might need to write:
Befar Lactol Milk Substitute for Cats