I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now and could really use some advice. My sweet cat, Luna, is unexpectedly pregnant, and our vet won't spay her since she's so far along. I've been trying to book an alternative, but no luck yet, and I'm worried time might be running out. I've never gone through this before, and I'm not sure what to expect or how to prepare for the birth and the postnatal care. What should I be looking out for to know she's in labor, and how can I make sure she and the kittens are healthy after delivery? It feels like there's so much to learn, and I really want to do everything I can to support Luna. Any tips or resources you could share would be a huge help.
Thanks for reaching out with your question! It's great that you're thinking ahead about your pregnant cat's needs. When preparing for your cat's labour and postnatal care, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Firstly, during labour, most cats are quite self-sufficient. You'll want to provide a quiet, comfortable space for her, free from disturbances. This could be a cozy box lined with clean, soft bedding. Monitor her discreetly to ensure she isn't showing signs of distress like excessive panting, straining without kittens, or bleeding.
Once the kittens are born, your mother cat will handle most of their initial care, such as cleaning and nursing. However, ensure they are feeding well and are warm. If any kittens seem weak or the mother isn't feeding them, you may need to step in with gentle supplemental feeding.
Watch for any unusual signs in your cat, such as fever, lack of appetite, or lethargy, as these could indicate an infection or other postnatal issues needing veterinary attention.
Feel free to book a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals if you have any concerns or need further guidance. We're here to help you and your furry family through this exciting time!
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