How do I know if my cat is having problems with her pregnancy?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – How do I know if my cat is having problems with her pregnancy?

Sara B.

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email Sara. There are several indicators of pregnancy problems. If a cat is lethargic, vomiting or not eating during the pregnancy – that is cause for concern. If a cat is having difficulty giving birth (the medical term is dystocia) – she should be examined by a veterinarian. Signs of problems include:

• The first stage of labor lasting longer than 24 hours.
• No baby has been produced after 60 minutes of continuous, hard pushing.
• More than 4 hours from the delivery of the last baby (although some cats can go longer – especially if disturbed).
• A baby stuck in the birth canal that does not pass after 15 minutes.
• Profound lethargy or exhaustion in the mother.
• Abnormal bleeding.
• Foul discharge from the vulva.A couple articles that might be helpful to you are Pregnancy in Cats and Dystocia – Difficult Birth in Cats.
  Best of luck!
• Dr. Debra
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