There are three stages of childbirth.
IN first period the cervix dilates, the birth canal opens, in the second- kittens are born, in the third- the afterbirth comes out (is born).
The cat's uterus is bicornuate. The horns, at the point of their connection, pass into the uterine canal, which passes through the cervix into the vagina, and it, through the vestibule of the vagina, into the vulva - this is the birth canal. The fetuses, protected by the amniotic membrane and fixed to the wall of the uterus by the placenta, are located in the horns of the uterus.
First stage of labor.
May last from 12 to 24 hours. IN initial stage it may not be noticeable. It all starts with chaotic, voluntary contractions of the uterus (pushing), breathing quickens, the cat purrs to the beat. These contractions, in the form of peristaltic waves from the top of the uterine horn to its body, are at first rare and weak, the pain is of an unclear nature.
A few hours before contractions, the vagina swells slightly and a thick, sticky, clear, yellowish or bloody discharge appears. At this time, the animal is restless, licks the vulva (loop), strains, as if during defecation, meows pitifully, and rake up the bedding. The uterine horns contract alternately, pushing the fetuses into the uterus.
As it develops birth process contractions become more frequent, their duration increases, and the pain intensifies. When the uterus contracts (contractions), the fetus is pushed towards the cervix and it dilates. At the same time, the abdominal muscles contract and the fetus moves into the vagina. The cat at this time is completely at the mercy of childbirth. A first-time cat can be extremely frightened; she screams pitifully and seeks help from her owner. While watching her, constantly talk and pet her.
During contractions, intrauterine pressure increases and rupture occurs. choroid(chorion). The amnion (water membrane) and allantois (urinary membrane), filled with fluid, are introduced into the cervix, expanding its canal like a hydraulic wedge. From this moment on, the cervix, uterus and vagina form one wide birth canal.
During the formation of the birth canal, the presentation and articulation of the fetus is established for its exit from the uterine horn.
Gradually, pushing joins the contractions. They are caused reflexively, as a result of irritation of the nervous elements in the tissues of the cervix and pelvic walls by the presenting parts of the fetus. If you put your hand on the female's belly while pushing, you can feel it hardening. The pain continues to intensify, causing the cat to meow more and more pitifully and breathe frequently (like dogs in the heat). In between attempts she relaxes. Under the influence of contractions, supported by pushing, the fetus passes deeper and deeper through the birth canal.
Gradually moving forward, the kitten comes out into the pelvis, and then is forcefully pushed further towards the exit from the vagina, passing part of the way with a strong contraction.
Second stage of labor.
Usually on this section of the path the strength of the contractions is greatest. The water sac (amnion) surrounding the fetus appears between the labia of the vulva, ruptures, and a straw-colored fluid flows out. This is the release of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid lubricates the passage, facilitating the advancement of the fetus. Finally, part of the kitten (paw, head, tail) appears from the loop, appearing and then disappearing again.
As a rule, at this moment the cat relaxes and rests to gather strength. In classic cases, the cat makes two strong attempts at once and expels the kitten, connected by the umbilical cord to the afterbirth. The kitten is born with or without the membrane. About 70% of kittens are born in the "diver" position - with their forelimbs and nose first.
The cat independently processes the baby, gnawing on the membranes (if any), intensively licking the kitten’s face, cleaning its nose, mouth and body, thereby stimulating its breathing and blood circulation, causes the first separation of feces, and then chews umbilical cord. The kitten takes a sharp breath, its lungs expand, and it begins to breathe.
Maternal instinct is a very important connection. The cat understands that this is her “baby” and she is obliged to take care of him. Sometimes from the outside it seems that she does everything rudely, but in fact she stimulates the cub’s breathing and blood circulation.
The cat rests for some time after the birth of a kitten, then contractions and pushing resume, and the next kittens are born. Most cats kitten at intervals of 15 minutes to an hour. Two or three kittens may be born one after the other, but the next ones can be expected within another 3-4 hours, and sometimes longer.
If a cat who is handling another kitten forgets to remove the amniotic sac, you must do it for her very quickly, otherwise the kitten will suffocate.
Third stage of labor.
The separation of the placenta (baby place) is noted, which comes out a few minutes after the birth of each kitten. The mother will try to eat some or all of the placentas. This is a purely instinctive reaction, which may have been preserved from those ancient times when the animal had to strengthen its strength and destroy all traces of childbirth in order to save its offspring. However, she may not do this. Eating afterbirth leads to a laxative effect, that is, diarrhea. You can limit the amount of afterbirth she eats or let her eat them all.
Cats gnaw the umbilical cord, grinding it (in this case blood vessels twist and overstretch, and there is no bleeding). If it is crossed too smoothly or too close to the navel, bleeding occurs. The umbilical cord should be compressed, tied with thread and cauterized with iodine or some other suitable antiseptic. It is important not to tighten the umbilical cord too much, so as not to provoke a hernia.
Once some or all of the kittens have been born, the cat lies on her side and pushes them towards her nipples. Sucking kittens stimulates uterine contractions and the secretion of colostrum (mother's first milk), which contains all the necessary maternal antibodies.
Sometimes childbirth seems to stop, the Cat calms down and takes care of the kittens. Then, after 12-24 hours, labor resumes and the cat gives birth to the rest of her kittens. This is absolutely normal and there is no need to worry unnecessarily.
There are no identical births; all cases are individual. It is quite difficult for a breeder with no experience to determine the boundary between the norm and the anomaly. It happens that a cat that has given birth to 3-4 litters without any problems suddenly develops complications during subsequent births and has to undergo C-section. And vice versa.
memo for the owner
Childbirth in a cat is a complex and often quite traumatic process. This article is written for beginners, those who, perhaps for the first time, without the help of a veterinarian, are going to give birth to a cat. Without knowing elementary rules, it is very easy to lose both the kittens and the giving birth cat itself. Therefore, it is so important to prepare in advance for this exciting process!
You should prepare in advance:
—Ancestral place(a box with a heating pad or, better yet, a heating pad at the bottom if it’s cold outside.)
—Diapers(disposable paper) and sterile gauze wipes. Several syringes of 1-2 ml and diabetic ones. - Gamavit (veterinary drug) - injected into the withers (dose for an average cat - 0.5 ml): - on the day of fertilization - to facilitate childbirth and prevention postpartum complications- 3 days before birth (that is, on the 62nd day of pregnancy) and during childbirth. To prevent early mortality, Gamavit is administered to newborns on days 1, 3 and 5 or 7 of life at a dose of 0.1 ml/kg.
—Oxytocin ampoule(sold in both veterinary and human pharmacies) Oxytocin is available in different dosages. Or 10 units (that is, 1 ml - 10 units), The maximum dose for cats for the entire labor is 3 units!!! Therefore, you can inject just at a dosage of 10 units - 0.3 ml!!!
But they inject it only with an open uterus! Otherwise, contractions that occur while the cervix is closed will cause complete rupture of the uterus!!!
If labor is clearly weak - the cat has no contractions, or they are weak, the cat is screaming, the kitten is stuck - inject 0.1 ml of oxytocin into the cat's hind paw. You can only inject with a break of at least 45 minutes. This is a last resort.
It should not be injected if the cat simply takes long (more than 2-3 hours) quiet breaks between kittens, especially if there is a large litter, then often after 5-6 kittens there may be breaks during which the fetus simply moves along the uterine horn closer to the exit, harsh stimulation at this moment can be dangerous because the placenta may pass prematurely and the fetus will “suffocate” without starting to breathe, i.e. While still in the birth canal, the uterus can also be overstrained and labor activity will stop altogether, and there is also a danger of torsion of the horns and rupture of the uterus.
After the end of labor (especially if not all the placenta has come out), you can inject another 0.1-0.2 ml to cleanse and contract the uterus.
-Travmatin(vet.preparation) - a complex homeopathic medicine, anesthetizes the labor process, regulates the strength of contractions and pushing, prevents postpartum complications, and in case of damage, ruptures of the external genitalia, promotes them fast healing and prevents the development of the inflammatory process. It is best to solder it (there is no urgent need to make extra holes in a giving birth cat, especially since not all cats tolerate injections calmly). Dose - dilute with boiled or bottled water in a ratio of 1:3 and solder after contractions begin (it is convenient to dilute directly in the syringe and then solder by removing the needle). Drink 0.5 ml of the resulting solution every 20 minutes. If you want to inject, then 1 ml into the withers (minimum dose 0.5 ml, maximum - 4.0 ml). . Inject 1-2 times; in case of difficult labor, it is advisable to repeat the injection after 3-4 hours.
Calcium gluconate solution (10%). It is called if the cat that gave birth is restless and there is a suspicion of eclampsia. There is not a minute to lose, and the veterinarian must somehow get to you. Eclampsia or Milk fever occurs due to a lack of calcium in the body.
Signs of eclampsia in a cat:
The cat breathes “like a dog”, i.e. with her mouth open and her tongue hanging out as if she was hot
The cat behaves restlessly, often climbs in and out of the box so that the kittens cannot really attach themselves
The cat throws some of the kittens out of the box
The cat grabs the kittens (often not at all carefully) and drags them from place to place with increased agitation, refusal to eat, as well as refusal to feed the kittens, and in severe cases, a convulsive state (excessive drooling, incoordination of movements, convulsive twitching)
As the condition worsens, the cat falls on its side, convulsions develop, the temperature rises sharply, and the level of calcium in the blood decreases, which leads to the rapid death of the animal). Calcium gluconate must be diluted with saline solution in a ratio of 1:1 (i.e. 2 ml calcium + 2 ml saline solution), since injection without dilution causes a burning sensation in the cat and an increase in temperature (the cat begins to breathe with open mouth). Sometimes a cat’s milk does not arrive immediately, and often the cat does not want to sit with newborns and follows you around. Therefore, in order not to inject, you can drink a whole ampoule of calcium gluconate from a syringe. After about 20 minutes, the cat realizes its maternal responsibilities. You can also inject it intramuscularly in a volume of 2-4 cc.
Mastomethrin-has an anti-inflammatory effect and prevention of postpartum complications, quickly relieves inflammatory process V reproductive organs and mammary gland; to stimulate lactation. Inject intramuscularly, subcutaneously once after birth, in the first 24 hours at a dose of 0.1 ml / 1 kg of weight (minimum dose 0.5 ml, maximum - 4.0 ml).
Vaseline oil
Sometimes it happens that the fetus is too large and has difficulty moving through the birth canal, in this case it can help Vaseline oil(room temperature is inserted into the vagina with a syringe without a needle).
Sulfocamphocaine- 0.2-0.3 ml at the withers (if necessary, support cardiac activity).
hand disinfectant solution (alcohol; dioxidine solution)
cotton wool, cotton buds
sterile petroleum jelly or petroleum jelly
sharp scissors with rounded ends
threads (cotton or silk) for tying the umbilical cord
small enema (for sucking mucus from the kitten’s nose)
brilliant green or iodine (for cauterization of the umbilical cord)
hair dryer for drying kittens in the cold season
bright light and a bottle of valerian for yourself
The main precursors of childbirth :
The stomach drops (down, as if towards the floor), before this it stuck out from the sides 10-30 hours before giving birth. Decrease in body temperature to 36.7 C (normal 38.3 C - 38.9 C) 12-24 hours before birth. About 5 days before the expected birth, you should start measuring your temperature expectant mother in labor morning and evening. After the peak of the temperature drop, labor occurs within 24 hours. By birth, the temperature normalizes and rises to 39.5. Lasts up to 2 days. This is normal as long as the cat is not depressed.
Swelling of the mammary glands, enlargement of the nipples, release of colostrum - in 2-4 days.
Some cats, a few days before giving birth, begin to worry, look for a secluded place, follow you on your heels and meow and purr invitingly. 6-24 hours before they begin to build a nest, dig with their paws as if for themselves. And some cats only at the moment the first contractions they understand what is happening to them.
There are no more than 3 days left before the birth: the kittens begin to actively move in the stomach, it literally shakes when the cat lies quietly resting.
There are a few hours to two days left before the birth: the birth plug comes off. It is possible to notice how it has moved away in isolated cases; the cat can lick it or bury it in the litter. But, if you see an incomprehensible clot on your pants or on the floor that resembles a teaspoon of white-pink or greenish sour cream, then you know that this is it.
Your water may break. This means that the birth process has already begun and there are only a few hours left before active contractions.
The appearance of scarlet blood is possible - if the tail and panties are dirty, then this is normal, if more, then urgently see a doctor.
If a cat seeks cold before giving birth, then immediately consult a doctor. 90% - uterine rupture.
Well, now in more detail about the birth process itself: a cat’s labor consists of three phases:
First phase:
decrease in body temperature to 36.7 C. From this moment, the cat, which was previously calm, loses its appetite and looks for a nest; it may try to climb into the closet or into the bed. She often licks her genitals. She may start vomiting. For many cats, their water begins to break several hours before the first contractions (yellow, pus-like fluid from under the tail.) But it also happens that - almost immediately before giving birth. Calmly transfer the cat to the place prepared for her and stay with her until the cat will get used to it and will not feel at ease in this “maternity hospital”.
At this time, breathing usually quickens, trembling may appear, and the pulse rate increases. The cat rushes about, often changes position, and milk may begin to leak from the nipples. At the same time, the muscles of the uterus begin to contract, while the kittens move from the horns of the uterus to the body and cervix. Contractions have begun. Wash what can and should be washed around the nest - including your hands. Take a book (radio, TV, player), sit close to the nest, turn on the bright light and get ready to be close to the woman in labor - most often this is the most important thing, and that’s enough. If you and your cat have a friendly relationship - at least - (not to mention the relationship with you as a mother), the cat feels calm and confident, and this is three-quarters of success. Talk to her as much as possible, gently and slowly, stroke her tummy from the throat and down. This phase can last from 12 to 24 hours. It lasts the longest in primiparous cats. If this phase lasts more than 24-25 hours or contractions are accompanied by severe pain for the cat, be sure to invite a doctor.
It is important to remember that some forms of weak labor activity may be caused by overexcitement or psychological stress during childbirth. During childbirth, there should be no strangers in the room where the cat is, as this also negatively affects the progress of labor. The presence of the owner near the cat during childbirth, caring and calm behavior have a beneficial effect on its condition.
During the 2nd phase During labor pains, strong pushing begins, which simultaneously sets in motion the muscles of the abdomen and diaphragm.
At the beginning of this phase, you may be able to notice that large number fawn or greenish fluid coming from the vagina. The leakage of amniotic fluid occurs when the amniotic sac (the protective membrane covering the fetus) ruptures as the fetus passes through the birth canal, namely when it enters the vaginal canal. At this time, the cat lies on its stomach or side, less often stands or squats on its hind legs. As soon as you feel that it is already pushing and the birth canal has begun to open, place a support under its hind legs - your palm, for example, so that it can rest - lying down on her side or on her back, or even squatting - as instinct tells her. Keep tissues or toilet paper. If the cat craps a little - nothing, this is normal, calmly wipe it off and do not let it out of the nest.
Part of the amniotic sac covering the kitten is shown at the vaginal exit. If the kitten's head is visible in it, that's not bad, most likely it means that minimal help will be required. But even if there is a tail, don’t be afraid, we have everything at hand. I am sure that in the absence of severe pathology, it is possible to help any cat give birth - without caesarean section. Sometimes about amniotic sac may already be torn before the kitten emerges.
From the moment when at the exit birth canal The kitten's head appears; a quarter of an hour usually passes before it appears completely.
If pushing continues for 30 minutes without results, call your veterinarian. If there is further delay, call a doctor immediately.
The kitten's muzzle and front paws should constantly move outward with each push, but in no case should there be reverse movements. With classic presentation, the kitten is positioned with its head and front paws towards the exit. But in almost half of the cases, kittens walk with their hind legs, which is also considered normal and usually does not complicate the course of labor. As soon as the kitten is born, it is necessary to immediately release it from the amniotic sac. This is usually done by the mother cat herself, but some inexperienced or nervous cats may not do this. In this case, you must help the kitten, otherwise he may suffocate.
The umbilical cord does not come off during childbirth. The placenta (baby place) is riddled with a large number of blood vessels, and if the umbilical cord is injured, the kitten will be covered in blood. If the mother cat does not release the kitten from the amniotic sac within 1 - 2 minutes after the birth of the kitten, then do it yourself. After this, take the kitten in your hands, wrapping it, for example, soft cloth or a towel. The kitten's head should be supported so that it does not hang freely, but has support. Bend the kitten's body into an arc so that the chest reaches the knees. The nose should be pointed down towards the floor. Straighten your body. Bend again as you did the first time. After several such manipulations, the kitten’s water usually breaks through the nose and mouth and is thus released respiratory tract You can remove amniotic fluid from the kitten's nose and mouth using a small syringe (without a needle) or a small rubber bulb. After the airways are cleared, rub the kitten's body, muzzle, and chest with a harsh towel. If even after rubbing the kitten does not breathe and does not make a voice, give him artificial respiration"mouth to mouth." Repeat this procedure until the kitten begins to breathe, which can be seen by the movement of the chest. Rough toweling and flexion-extension procedures are also recommended if the kitten was born lethargic or if the mother cat does not lick it after birth. Usually the cat -the mother bites the umbilical cord when the kitten has already been licked and cleared of the fetal membrane. If the cat has not chewed the umbilical cord 15 minutes after the kitten is born, cut it yourself. To do this, tie the umbilical cord with a clean thread at a distance of 2 - 4 cm from the abdomen. After this, you can cut the umbilical cord from the side of the kitten's belly. If the kitten has swallowed too much water, then after resuscitation put the kitten on a warm heating pad (the hand feels warm, about 40 degrees). If the kitten was born weak, then again put it on a warm heating pad. Usually the afterbirth comes out with the kitten or a little later. Make sure that the number of afterbirths is equal to the number of kittens born. A placenta that has not passed away can become a cause of inflammation of the uterus or a source of any infection. Typically (though not necessarily), the cat eats the afterbirth after each kitten. You can let her eat 1 - 2 placenta, but no more, as otherwise it will cause vomiting and diarrhea. If everything goes as usual, without delays in contractions and in the advancement of the fetus for more than 5 minutes, just help her with your hands: stroke, a little rest your hand on the sternum and ribs to help push and expel the fetus.
If there are no contractions, but the water has broken. If a tail has appeared (and even more so, a paw) and the kitten does not go further. If you notice that some periods of labor are prolonged or the cat looks exhausted, immediately call a doctor.
If the kitten has already appeared at the exit of the vagina, but does not move further, then you must help the cat. Wash your hands thoroughly, lubricate index finger Vaseline. Now insert a finger (or two fingers) into the cat's vagina and grab the kitten with them. Try to determine where his head, front legs and hind legs are. You must drag the kitten very carefully, by the front paws, synchronously with each attempt. It is best and most convenient to take the kitten under the shoulders from below, so as not to put too much pressure on the head. Do not rupture the amniotic sac containing the kitten. If the kitten's head is too large to fit through the vulva, the “exit” can be carefully widened slightly with your fingers, making circular movements in the vagina around the kitten's head. Full, most maximum dose oxytocin - ampoule for big cat. But this is already dangerous, so only for the most serious indications!
During childbirth, if the cat is obviously tired, the pregnancy is multiple, or labor is long, it makes sense to administer 0.5-1.5 ml subcutaneously. gamavita. This vitamin preparation— will restore the cat’s strength, stimulate labor, and have a positive effect on the condition of newborns.
However, we are giving birth. The kitten came out halfway, we pulled him up a little (a little!!!), he came out in full, behind him, on the umbilical cord, we gently pulled out the placenta. Your first and very necessary move is to carefully tear the film with your finger where it covers the kitten’s mouth so that he can open it in the air. Second, we cut the umbilical cord with scissors (preferably sterile) at a distance of about two centimeters from the tummy. If the mother actively licks the newborn, wait a few seconds to see if he mumbles. If she is carried away by eating the placenta or is generally convinced that this is all “none of her business,” then you need to free the kitten from the film and start petting it. He beeped - order. No - turn your head down and slap your lungs and body in general a little. If he doesn’t puff or squeak, then we blow into his mouth so that his lungs expand, and we exhale for him, gently squeezing them. He meowed - great - give it for licking or wipe it with a clean napkin yourself - in front of a very stupid mother. You should definitely let her eat the placenta!
As soon as the first one rushes to the nipples, you can continue.
Third stage of labor includes the period of time the uterus is calm after the birth of each kitten and the time during which the placenta is released. During this phase, the cat lies quietly and licks the kittens, some cats get up to drink water. This quiet period from the birth of one kitten to the next can last from 10 - 15 minutes to several hours, but usually does not last longer than 2 hours. There is more between the first and second horns of the uterus than between kittens from the same horn. There is no need to rush her too much here. Just make sure that she doesn’t lay down on one kitten when she gives birth to the next ones, especially if she has long hair. It’s better to let them yell on the sidelines, within the nest, nothing will happen to them. The number of kittens in one litter is usually from 2 to 6. Average duration labor - from 2 to 6 hours. Sometimes normal birth last more than 6 hours, very rarely up to 24 or even 36 hours.
It doesn’t cost anything to determine by touch that the kittens in a cat have “run out” - the cat becomes completely soft after the last kitten - in half an hour maximum. Otherwise, the uterus is tense. However, if you injected a lot of oxytocin, this will happen later.
When everyone has been born, we carefully lay a new blanket with a rag away from the nest, transfer all the kittens onto it and, without allowing the mother to see the children, quickly change the bedding in the nest. If you are not afraid, you can put the kittens on the third cloth and watch how she drags them all back to the nest. This very delicate activity requires excellent dexterity and coordination, especially with a high box.
If you are still not sure that the cat will not give birth in your absence, at least do not turn off the light! In the dark, she can really mess things up...
After giving birth, your cat may have bloody discharge. Don’t be scared the first day - it’s not as scary as it seems. If the discharge continues for more than a week or has a greenish tint, it’s better to show it to a doctor.
Feed kittens only with warm milk. Otherwise, digestion does not work. ( ATTENTION! This refers to cat milk replacer)
Good luck, easy birth for your cat and healthy kittens!!!
Difficult birth with medical point are called pathological. May cause complications during childbirth various factors, associated with both the mother cat and the characteristics of the fetus. Complications can begin at any stage of labor.
Abnormalities of presentation (position of the fetus in the uterus) can negatively affect the passage of the kitten through the birth canal, the time of birth, and the health of the offspring.
Weakness of labor (weak uterine contractions) - common reason complications during childbirth. It can be primary or secondary. Primary weakness of labor is caused by the body's inability to produce synchronous contractions of the uterus, probably due to a deficiency of oxytocin (a hormone released into the blood from the pituitary gland) or calcium (or both). In these cases, the uterus responds to injections of oxytocin (Pitocin) and calcium gluconate with stronger contractions. Secondary weakness of labor is expressed in the cessation of uterine contractions due to fatigue. This sometimes happens when labor lasts longer than the uterine muscles can continue to contract.
There are three stages of labor. During the first stage of labor, uterine contractions begin and the cervix dilates. During this period, the cat begins to purr. Purring is considered a special self-relaxation technique for cats.
The second stage of labor begins when the fetus is pushed out by the uterus. In cats average duration labor is 16 hours, with a range of 4-42 hours (ie up to three days, this may be normal in some cases). This is important to consider before interfering with the birth process.
The third stage is the release of the placenta. If there are a lot of kittens, then the cat moves several times from the second stage of labor to the third and again to the second. However, it is important to note that the same number of afterbirths should be produced as kittens were born.
Symptoms and types
Symptoms of pathological childbirth:
Reasons
Causes related to the fetus:
Reasons related to mother cat:
Factors predisposing to pathological childbirth:
Diagnostics
You will need to tell the veterinarian in detail about your cat's health status, her current and past illnesses, the course of her previous pregnancies and her reproductive problems. If you know, then report the course of pregnancy and childbirth with her relatives (mother, grandmother). The veterinarian will then palpate (feel) the cat's vaginal canal and cervix. The doctor must take blood samples to perform hematocrit tests ( number blood cells in the blood), total protein, urea (blood urea nitrogen), blood sugar, calcium concentration and progesterone levels.
It is extremely important to have your cat examined using x-rays. Only an x-ray will help determine the approximate number, size and location of the fetuses, and will also show whether the kittens are still alive. However, with the help of ultrasound, you can make even more subtle measurements and identify signs of fetal stress, assess the characteristics of the placenta and the nature of the amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid).
Treatment
Cats that have been diagnosed pathological birth, must remain in an inpatient veterinary clinic under the supervision of professionals until all kittens are born and the mother cat’s condition has stabilized. If there are no uterine contractions, but this is not associated with a mechanical blockage of the birth canal (which occurs due to the large size of the fetus or its incorrect position), then there is reason to assume that the cat’s condition may be associated with low level blood sugar, low calcium levels, insufficient production of oxytocin, or inadequate reaction body for its normal production. In such cases, the cat may be given additional oxytocin, glucose and calcium as needed. However, these drugs should absolutely not be prescribed when the birth canal is blocked, as they can accelerate the separation of the placenta and fetal death, and can also lead to uterine rupture.
Sometimes the veterinarian has to remove the kitten from the cat's vagina with his hands. With a hand inserted into the vagina, he will be able to determine how the fetus moves along the birth canal - limb, sacrum, tail, etc. and unfold it along the bed of the birth canal. This method is used in cases where the veterinarian is confident that this will cause the least amount of damage to the kitten and mother cat. If the vaginal vault is too small for manual manipulation, special tools, such as a special hook or forceps, to assist during childbirth. Throughout the entire process, the veterinarian should use adequate lubrication, always touching the vaginal vault with a finger to guide the instrument correctly, and always with great care to protect the lives of both mother and kittens. With breeding cats, the use of instruments is generally not recommended due to the small size of the vaginal vault. In all these manipulations, you must be extremely careful not to injure the kitten or cause rupture of the vagina or uterus. You should never pull a living kitten out of the birth canal by its limbs! If the kitten is not born after 30 minutes, a cesarean section is indicated.
Childbirth in a cat - important event, not only for herself, but also for her owner. It depends on you whether your pet will give birth easily, and whether both she and her kittens will not suffer in this process.
The process of giving birth in a cat lasts from several hours to a day and is divided into three stages:
At this time, the papillae swell with milk, ready to splash at the slightest touch; The cat's anxiety increases, she walks erratically, meows often, and vomiting appears. The cat can endlessly toss and turn in its box. In preparation for giving birth, the cat licks its genitals and nipples. She may lose her appetite.
Sometimes during this period the cat tries to attract the attention of the owner, as if wanting to enlist his support during the approaching birth. She doesn’t want to become a mother alone: if people are close, she will be calmer.
Other cats, on the contrary, seek solitude and try to hide away from people and other animals. There are reasons for this. Let your cat behave the way she wants. Rest assured that your pussy is in a cozy place where you can discreetly explore her without disturbing her desire for privacy.
Usually their number ranges from three to five. For most cats, labor lasts between 3 and 6 hours. In rare cases, it happens that contractions stop completely after the birth of one or two kittens; the cat begins to lick and feed them, and it seems to you that this is all over. However, after 12 to 24 hours, labor may resume, and a second batch of offspring may be born. This break must be distinguished from complications during childbirth, which can result in prolonged contractions.
Contractions are clearly visible and can be distinguished when fallopian tubes cats, contracting, push the kittens out. During labor, a cat usually breathes heavily and may moan and meow pitifully, especially when the first kitten is born. She can lie on her side or stomach, or squat.
A problem for cats is prolonged labor. As a rule, the first kitten appears within a few minutes, in as a last resort 1.5 hours after the strongest contractions. The remaining kittens immediately follow the first one.
Kittens are born in so-called bladders - membranes containing amniotic fluid. If the integrity of the “water bag” of the first kitten is broken, then the cat begins to vigorously lick the lower part of its body. If the shell is intact, then it, shiny, can be seen when the kitten emerges from the genitals. When the shell breaks as the kitten passes through the birth canal, the head, then the legs or tail of the kitten appear first. The normal position is when the kitten walks forward with its head or back of its body.
As soon as the kitten comes out, the cat immediately gnaws the umbilical cord connecting it to the placenta and begins to lick the kitten, thereby freeing it from the shell and preventing it from suffocating. It happens that some cats stop to do their toilet and eat the placenta. If the cat does not care about the kitten, you need to come to his aid yourself.
Wash your hands before handling your newborn kitten. Free him from the umbilical cord and membrane, allowing him to take his first breath. The umbilical cord can be tied at a distance of 2.5 centimeters from the kitten’s body and cut off. Dry the kitten with a clean towel or tissue, and if he has bad breathing, use a pipette to remove liquid from his nasal passages. And continue rubbing the kitten until breathing appears.
This is fabric brown, which comes out with or shortly after each kitten. There is no need to allow the cat to eat the placenta; thereby you will protect her from diarrhea. In wild cats, eating the placenta allows them to stay with the kittens longer and not have to go out to get food, and also keeps the area clean. However, in the case of postpartum complications, the veterinarian may try to determine the causes of the complications from the remains of the placenta. If the placenta remains in the uterus, this can cause various infections.
Very often, labor in cats begins at night or on weekends, when veterinary clinics don't work.
Of course, you should contact your veterinarian for advice before mating. Cats that may have complications during delivery should be assessed before labor begins. Otherwise, consult a doctor if serious problems occur.
Cats that have given birth normally should be seen the next day or on Monday if the birth occurred over the weekend. The cat and kittens can be brought in a closed box to the hospital. If the veterinarian himself calls you, then it’s time to arrange your visit with him.
You are calm. You are simply an example of poise.
You - clear example confidence in a favorable outcome of childbirth!!!
She (the cat) is afraid, she is worried, she hopes for you.
You have no right to disappoint her expectations!!!
And therefore - you know there are three periods of childbirth:
in the first period
the cervix dilates and the birth canal opens;
in the second
- kittens are born;
in the third
- the afterbirth comes out (is born).
The cat's uterus is bicornuate. The horns, at the point of their connection, pass into the uterine canal, which passes through the cervix into the vagina, and it, through the vestibule of the vagina, into the vulva - this is the birth canal. The fetuses, protected by the amniotic membrane and fixed to the wall of the uterus by the placenta, are located in the horns of the uterus.
The first stage of labor can last from 12 to 24 hours. In the initial stage it may not be noticeable. It all starts with chaotic, voluntary contractions of the uterus (pushing), breathing quickens, the cat purrs to the beat. These contractions, in the form of peristaltic waves from the top of the uterine horn to its body, are at first rare and weak, the pain is of an unclear nature.
A few hours before contractions, the vagina swells slightly, and a thick sticky discharge appears from it, transparent, yellowish or bloody in color. The animal, at this time, is restless, licks the vulva (loop), strains, as if during defecation, meows pitifully, and rake up the bedding. The uterine horns contract alternately, pushing the fetuses into the uterus.
As the labor process progresses, contractions become more frequent, their duration increases, and the pain intensifies. When the uterus contracts (contractions), the fetus is pushed towards the cervix and it dilates. At the same time, the abdominal muscles contract and the fetus moves into the vagina. The cat at this time is completely at the mercy of childbirth. A first-time cat can be extremely frightened; she screams pitifully and seeks help from her owner. While watching her, constantly talk and pet her.
During contractions, intrauterine pressure increases and the vascular membrane (chorion) ruptures. The amnion (water membrane) and allantois (urinary membrane), filled with fluid, are embedded in the cervix, expanding its canal like a hydraulic wedge. From this moment, the cervix, uterus and vagina form one wide birth canal. During the formation of the birth canal, the presentation and position of the fetus is established for its exit from the uterine horn.
Gradually, pushing joins the contractions. They are caused reflexively, as a result of irritation of the nervous elements in the tissues of the cervix and pelvic walls by the presenting parts of the fetus. If you put your hand on the female's belly while pushing, you can feel it hardening. The pain continues to intensify, causing the cat to meow more and more pitifully and breathe frequently (like dogs in the heat). In between attempts she relaxes. Under the influence of contractions, supported by pushing, the fetus passes deeper and deeper through the birth canal.
Gradually moving forward, the kitten comes out into the pelvis, and then is forcefully pushed further towards the exit from the vagina, passing part of the way with a strong contraction.
From this moment the second stage of labor begins.
Usually on this section of the path the strength of the contractions is greatest. The water sac (amnion) surrounding the fetus appears between the labia of the vulva, ruptures, and a straw-colored fluid flows out. This is the release of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid lubricates the passage, facilitating the advancement of the fetus. Finally, part of the kitten (paw, head, tail) appears from the loop, appearing and then disappearing again.
As a rule, at this moment the cat relaxes and rests to gather strength before the birth. In classic cases, the cat makes two strong attempts at once and expels the kitten, connected by the umbilical cord to the placenta. The kitten is born with or without the membrane. About 70% of kittens are born in the "diver" position - with their forelimbs and nose first.
The cat independently processes the baby, gnawing the membranes (if any), intensively licking the kitten's face, cleaning its nose, mouth and body, thereby stimulating the kitten's breathing and blood circulation, causes the first separation of feces, after which it gnaws the umbilical cord.
The kitten takes a sharp breath, its lungs expand, and it begins to breathe. Maternal instinct is a very important connection. The cat understands that this is her “baby” and she is obliged to take care of him. Sometimes, from the outside it seems that she does everything rudely, but in fact, she stimulates the cub’s breathing and blood circulation. For some time, after the birth of a kitten, the cat rests, then contractions and pushing resume, and the birth of the next kittens occurs.
Most cats kitten at intervals of 15 minutes to an hour. Two or three kittens can be born one after the other, but subsequent ones can be expected within another 3-4 hours, and sometimes longer. If a mother, while handling another kitten, forgets to remove the amniotic sac, you must do it for her very quickly, otherwise the kitten will suffocate.
The third stage of labor marks the separation of the placenta (baby place), which is born a few minutes after the birth of each kitten. The mother will try to eat some or all of the placentas. This is a purely instinctive reaction, which may have been preserved from those ancient times when the animal had to strengthen its strength and destroy all traces of childbirth in order to save its offspring. However, she may not do this.
Eating afterbirth leads to a laxative effect, that is, diarrhea. You can limit the amount of afterbirth you eat or let him eat them all. Cats chew the umbilical cord, grinding it (in this case, the blood vessels are twisted and overstretched and bleeding does not occur). If it is crossed too smoothly or too close to the navel, bleeding occurs. The umbilical cord should be compressed, tied with thread and cauterized with iodine or some other suitable antiseptic. It is important not to tighten the umbilical cord too much, so as not to provoke a hernia.
Once some or all of the kittens have been born, the cat lies on her side and pushes them towards her nipples. Sucking kittens stimulates uterine contractions and the secretion of colostrum (mother's first milk), which contains all the necessary maternal antibodies.
Sometimes labor seems to stop. The cat calms down and takes care of the kittens. Then, 12-24 hours later, labor resumes and the cat gives birth to the rest of her kittens. This is typical, and there is no need to worry and ring bells in vain. There are no identical births; all cases are individual. It is quite difficult for a breeder with no experience to determine the boundary between the norm and the anomaly. It happens that a cat that has given birth to 3-4 litters without any problems suddenly develops complications during subsequent births and has to undergo a caesarean section. And vice versa. People during childbirth, unfortunately, do not always behave adequately to what is happening. Some go to extremes - actively intervening rather than allowing labor to proceed. naturally and help when it is really needed, others are lost and do nothing at the very moment when help is needed.
Cats can artificially delay labor for up to 24 hours. Domestic cats, apparently, retain this ancient property - if the slightest danger arises, they can quickly change their place of birth. Therefore, any interference, such as noise, bustle, strangers and other irritating factors, can easily lead to arbitrary cessation of labor.
Non-psychological factors of protracted and difficult labor include mechanical blockage, when the size of the kitten exceeds the size of the birth canal, and uterine atony, when contractions are not strong enough to push the fetus out (weak labor - sluggish uterine contractions). Most often, they are interrelated, leading to difficult childbirth, up to the cessation of labor, due to overwork of the uterus. Nowadays, protracted labor is most often observed.
Pathological births are rarely observed in healthy cats living in good conditions. They occur much more often in cases of infertility, when among the normal ones there are large fetuses, in old-time and obese cats. As a rule, this manifests itself already at the birth of the first kitten.
Mechanical blockade. Most often it is caused by two factors: incorrect position of the fetus and a large fetus. It is considered normal for kittens to descend down the birth canal with their head and forelimbs forward (in a “diver” position), with their backs along the upper surface of the vagina. When a kitten walks along the hind limbs, the hind legs or tail and rump are born first. In 20% of cases the first one is born hind leg, and this is quite normal.
Breech presentation of the fetus (when he walks rump or tail first) usually causes difficulties when the first kitten is born. This can also be caused by tilting the fetal head forward or to the side.
Atony of the uterus. Weak labor (weak uterine contractions) is a common cause of ineffective labor. Mechanical factors can cause the uterus to become overly dilated and stretched, which reduces the strength of contractions. This condition can be caused by factors such as the only large kitten in small uterus, multiple pregnancy, uterine torsion and excess amniotic fluid.
In some cases, the weakness of labor is primary, as it is probably associated with a deficiency of oxytocin (a hormone entering the blood from the pituitary gland) or calcium (or both). In this case, the uterus responds to injections of oxytocin.
In other cases, weak labor may be a consequence of calcium deficiency. It is known that calcium ions play a critical role in the passage of signals along nerve endings-axons, i.e. in conductivity nerve tissue. Both during pregnancy and postpartum period, a large amount of calcium (labile calcium) circulating in the bloodstream of the mother’s body is used to build the bodies of the fetuses and to produce milk. If there is not enough labile calcium in her body, stable calcium begins to be washed out of the bones. In this situation, there is a risk of developing a deficiency of calcium ions necessary for normal operation body, and as a result - inadequate signal transmission to the uterus of the woman in labor. As a result, the uterine contractions necessary for the normal course of labor are either insufficient or absent altogether. In such a situation, stimulation with oxytocin is useless, there is no reaction to it. This problem is especially common with multiple births. In this case, the cat can easily give birth to her first kitten, and then nap for 3-4 hours or have rare and weak attempts.
Help the cat: Intramuscularly (deeply) - 1 ml of 10% calcium gluconate solution - 2-3 injections during labor with an interval of 2-3 hours.
Caution: Calcium gluconate causes strong, active pushing, quickly leading to expulsion of the fetus, which is only desirable if the fetus is in a normal position.
In labor complicated by abnormal fetal position or discrepancy between the size of the fetus and the pelvic inlet, the use of calcium gluconate and/or oxytocin and/or other stimulant drugs leads to real threat uterine rupture.
In addition, an excess of calcium ions disrupts the conductivity of the heart muscle and interferes with its work, so it is not recommended to independently exceed the above dose. An excessive dose of calcium gluconate can cause cardiac dyspnea, and the accompanying phenomena occur several hours after administration of the increased dose.
Against the background of calcium, oxytocin can also be used: in normal doses, but at intervals of 30 minutes after injection of 10% calcium gluconate. Sometimes minor problems may arise in this case. Although they occur quite rarely, they are important to be aware of. Even when the uterus is completely freed from the fetuses, it continues to actively contract for some time (sometimes several hours). Most often this happens when oxytocin is used together with 5% glucose solution. But these phenomena pass within a few hours. Subcutaneous injection of 0.3 ml of oxytocin - + 5 ml of 5% glucose is also very effective, this injection is recommended for use when the last fetus is expelled, since this is a very big shake-up for the uterus, after which it can rest up to 12 hours. Therefore, before this injection, it is advisable to make sure that the kitten is the last one in the uterus, and only after that administer oxytocin on glucose.
The use of calcium for eclampsia is recommended by a veterinarian, but in each case the dose may be individual. The average dose is considered to be deep intramuscular injection of 1 ml of 10% calcium gluconate every 40 minutes until the symptoms of eclampsia cease. In parallel with calcium gluconate, no-spa 0.3 ml is injected once and prednisolone 0.5 ml is injected once. Next, the animal is transferred to a maintenance dose of 1 ml 2 times a day for 7-10 days and then calcium is given in any form orally until the end of milk production.
If labor is prolonged and the kitten is not visible or palpable in the birth canal, an x-ray should be taken to determine the location and size of the kittens.
