Enjoy Your Pet’s Affection

Learning that your kitty is expecting a litter of kittens can be an exciting time, especially if the pregnancy was planned and you are fully looking forward to a few feisty little ones. While most of the felines who successfully become pregnant will have a normal labor and delivery without problems, occasionally problems can come up that will require emergency attention, possibly even a Cesarean. For example, labor may not progress naturally and timely or a first-time mother might tire out before her kittens are delivered. A Cesarean for a cat sounds scary, and it is definitely a major surgical procedure. However, with the proper aftercare and attention, your new momma feline will be just fine.  

Immediately after Surgery at the Hospital

Your mother cat (and her babies) will likely be kept at the animal hospital for most of the day while anesthesia wears off. During this time the kittens can nurse, which is something that most people find surprising. However, if the mother was under great stress, the babies may be tended to by a veterinarian until the mother recovers. When the anesthesia is worn off, you will be allowed to take your cat and the new additions home.

Bringing Your Pet Home

Once you get momma and her babies back to your house, she should be kept contained in a small area where she cannot move around a great deal. You should expect that your cat will be sore; she may even have a hard time standing or walking for a few days. During this time, you should keep a close watch on her to ensure she is still caring for her babies. If she shows no interest in feeding them or it proves too painful, you should consult the veterinarian to obtain supplemented formula and a bottle for feeding.

During the Healing Period

Your cat will have stitches in her abdominal area after a Cesarean, both inside and out. In some cases, the cat will be fitted with an e-collar to prevent her from biting or pulling at her stitches. If she is not, it is best to watch her closely, as the cat could easily pull out her own stitches, which will require another emergency surgery. Allow your cat more room to roam little by little, keep her litter changed daily, and give her a soft diet and plenty of fresh water.

A Cesarean for a cat can be just as traumatic as it would be for a human. If your cat does need to have this surgical procedure performed, talk openly with your vet about any concerns you have and how to recognize signs of problems. Consider contacting the Babylon Animal Hospital to speak with a veterinarian.