I’m really worried and don’t know what to do right now. My sweet Persian cat, Bella, is supposed to be in labor, but something seems off. It started last night, and she still hasn’t delivered any kittens. She’s been hiding under the bed and just meows softly every now and then, but she seems uncomfortable and restless. It's been almost 18 hours since she first started showing signs, and I’m not sure if this is normal or if I should be rushing her to the vet. This is her first litter, so I’m completely clueless about how long it should take or what to expect. Has anyone else experienced something like this before? I’m so anxious seeing her like this.
That definitely sounds concerning, and I’m glad you’re reaching out. Persian cats are wonderful but can sometimes have a tough time with childbirth due to their physical characteristics, like a narrow pelvis and large-headed kittens. This situation is called dystocia, and it’s not uncommon.
Some potential causes for your cat's labor difficulties could be the size of the kittens, exhaustion from prolonged labor, or even kitten malposition. While offering at-home care, make sure your cat is in a calm, quiet environment where she feels safe and comfortable. You can try gently massaging her abdomen to stimulate contractions, but do this cautiously and only if she seems at ease.
Keep an eye out for signs that may indicate a more serious issue, such as prolonged labor lasting over an hour without a kitten being born, severe distress or fatigue in your cat, and any abnormal discharge that appears green, brown, or has a foul odor. If you see these, it’s critical to seek veterinary attention immediately.
I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet so we can assess the situation together in more detail. We’ll work on ensuring both your cat and her kittens come through this safely.
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