My cat just gave birth to one dead kitten about 7 hours ago and not sure if she's done laboring. Its her first litter.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of the kitten. This can be a challenging time for both you and your cat. Since it's her first litter, it's not unusual for there to be uncertainty about whether her labor is complete.



Cats can have breaks between delivering kittens, sometimes lasting several hours. You may observe signs like nesting, restlessness, panting, vocalizing, or contractions if she still has kittens to deliver. It's essential to monitor her for these cues, as well as any signs of discomfort or distress.



If your cat seems content, is eating, drinking, and taking care of herself, she may have completed the birthing process. However, if she shows signs of lethargy, continuous panting, excessive bleeding, or straining without progress, these may indicate complications such as retained kittens or infection, both of which require immediate veterinary attention.



At home, make sure she has a quiet, warm, and comfortable environment to recover. Offer her food and water nearby so she doesn't have to move far, and try to reduce stress by minimizing noise and activity around her.



It's always better to be cautious, so I recommend booking a video consult with one of our veterinarians on Dial A Vet to ensure your cat is healthy and to discuss any next steps. We're here to help!