Labour in the queen cat
Labour occurs in 3 stages
Stage 1: Getting ready
The Queen's rectal temp drops, but this is a less reliable sign compared to the bitch. She may look anxious, pace and be seen to search for a place to give birth. Some queens will go off their food when 1st stage begins. Stage 1 Lasts 6-12 hrs but could be as long as 36 hrs if it is her 1st pregnancy.
Stage 2: Delivery of the kittens
Signs of 2nd stage labour include
- Straining (having contractions)
- Pass foetal fluids (her waters have broken)
- Her rectal temp back to N if it indeed dropped.
- Stage 2 Lasts 3-12 hrs (rarely up to 24 hrs)
Stage 3: Passing of placenta.
(This mixes in with 2nd stage with multiple births)
Identifying when 2nd stage labour has started is important, as the vet does not intervene unless 2nd stage fails to proceed normally.
To reiterate, check for signs it is in 2nd stage!
- She has passed fluids (water bag has broken)
- Visible abdominal straining (contractions have begun)
- Rectal temperature has returned to normal (but only if it dropped during stage 1)
If any of these are present then 2nd stage labour has begun.
Normal Progression
First Kitten: within 1 hour
Interval between kittens: 5min - 2 hrs
The whole of 2nd stage labour (ie first to last kitten): 3-12 hrs (up to 24hrs rarely)
All the above is normal. If it does not follow this pattern then it is worth having the Queen checked by a vet.
The following are indications for seeing the vet:
- Strong regular contractions for 20-30 min with no kitten -> urgently see vet
Foetal fluids (waters) passed 2-3 hours ago but nothing since - Weak irregular contractions only for 2-4 hours.
- 2nd stage Labour goes beyond 12 hours
- Reddish discharge but no kitten for 2-4 hours
- 2-4 hours since last kitten and sure more present
Following birth
An elevated temperature of up to 39.5 C is not unusual for 1-2 days following birth
A clear to bloody discharge may continue at a low level for 3-6 weeks
Ensure she is producing milk from sufficient teats to feed the whole litter.