Your cat after giving birth, may act oddly and uneasy, so be sure to stay with your cat throughout the entire process. During this time, your cat will probably begin cleaning its rear end and nesting in a nesting box. It is not necessary to be at the birth, but you should stay close by in case your cat needs assistance. Keep a phone number for an emergency vet handy.
Changes in behavior after kittens are born
During the first few weeks, kittens begin exploring their environment. This behavior is a sign that their nervous system and muscles are developing. At two weeks old, kittens will begin to crawl and stand, and they will have their teeth coming in. By six weeks, they will start to play and climb.
At this point, the kitten has not developed enough muscle or coordination to move around, so it will make some awkward movements when exploring its environment. It may even fall or stumble.
Fetal head pressure
Fetal head pressure in cats after giving birth can be a cause for great concern. This condition is often caused by abnormalities in the mother cat’s body. The uterus, for example, may not have enough room for the growing fetus. Torsion or rupture of the uterus can cut off the fetus’s blood supply and prevent delivery. If a cat experiences fetal head pressure after giving birth, it is best to seek immediate medical attention.
Fetal head pressure after giving birth can occur due to malpresentation or malpositions of the fetus. Cats suffering from this condition may be lethargic, refuse to eat, or have excessive pain. The abdomen is often tender, and the uterus may be thickened. Treatment is necessary immediately, as the symptoms can lead to death.
Endometritis
Endometritis in cats is a potentially dangerous condition for both the mother and the pup. The infection is caused by bacteria that can spread from the uterus to the bloodstream. If left untreated, the disease can lead to sterility or septic shock. Thankfully, there are treatments for this problem, including medication.
In one study, a veterinarian reported that endometritis and adenomyosis were common in female cats. The study included 79 queens with clinical disease, as well as 25 cats that had lesions that were clinically silent. Interestingly, all 79 cats had some type of endometrial condition. Twenty-three had endometrial hyperplasia, and 30 cats developed pyometra. The other 11 cats had adenomyosis, parovarian cysts, and cystic rete ovarii.
Mastitis
In most cases, a cat can recover from mastitis within a few weeks. However, some cases can be very serious and require veterinary treatment. In these cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help with the bacterial infection. Your veterinarian may also suggest that you apply warm compresses to the infected teats to allow the fluid to drain. Your cat should also receive proper nutrition during this time. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately take your cat to the veterinarian for further advice.
In addition to looking for the presence of pus or milk in the cat’s teats, your veterinarian may also order tests to rule out other conditions or confirm that bacteria are present. A complete blood count is an important diagnostic test, as a high white blood cell count may be an indicator of an infection. Alternatively, your vet may examine a sample of milk with a microscope to determine whether it contains the infection. Another test, called a milk culture, involves placing a sample of the milk onto a growth medium for several days to determine whether it contains infectious bacteria.
Eclampsia
Although it is not common for cats to experience eclampsia after giving birth, it is something that should be treated immediately. This condition is characterized by a high fever and restlessness. If left untreated, it can lead to a kitten or puppy becoming stuck in the birth canal, or it may spontaneously abort. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a veterinarian for immediate care.
Your veterinarian will most likely start by performing a physical exam. Your pet may also need bloodwork to measure calcium levels and electrolytes. In addition, an electrocardiogram can help monitor the heart’s rhythm and rate, which is affected by eclampsia.
