You have done everything right. Your cat has had a successful pregnancy and delivered healthy adorable kittens with no problems. You may think it is now smooth sailing until weaning time. Unfortunately, your queen has to make it through nursing before you can breath a sigh of relief.

The two most common complications that occur during nursing are eclampsia and mastitis.

Eclampsia

Eclampsia in animals is not the same as in people. In women, eclampsia is related to problems with blood pressure. In cats, eclampsia is related to blood calcium problems. Queens with large litters or nutritional problems may develop eclampsia. Their body calcium is donated to the milk to give the babies the best nutrition. This has a detrimental effect on the mother. Low blood calcium will result in muscle tremors or seizures. Without treatment, eclampsia can become life threatening. To help prevent eclampsia, make sure the queen is eating a high quality nursing food, and be sure to discuss the need for supplements with your veterinarian. Any sign of muscle tremors or abnormality should prompt you to seek veterinary assistance.

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Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation or infection of the mammary gland. The milk becomes infected and may cause illness in babies that nurse on the infected gland. Without treatment, the infection can make the mother quite ill, and the babies will suffer from maternal neglect and poor nutrition.

To prevent mastitis, keep the queening area clean. Make sure the mammary glands and nipples are clean. Any abnormality should prompt you to seek veterinary assistance.

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