Difficulties

Signs of a Difficult Delivery

Most births proceed without incident, and your role as a foster parent is to quietly monitor the birthing process. However, call the coordinator or shelter immediately if any of the following happens during delivery:

• The mother cat seems to be straining or having strong contractions for a period of 1 hour without delivering a kitten.

• There is unusual discharge from the vulva under the tail. Normal discharge is green; abnormal can be black, cloudy, or foul-smelling.

• The mother is not cleaning the kittens after delivery. If this occurs, use a piece of sterile gauze and remove any fluid from the nose and mouth. Then dry the kitten using a clean towel and a gentle rubbing action.

• A kitten is not breathing. If this occurs, rub him vigorously with a towel for several minutes all over his body to stimulate breathing.

• Occasionally the umbilical cord will not separate from the mother and kitten. If this occurs, take a thread or floss (unwaxed, unminted) and tie a knot ½ inch from the kitten’s belly and another knot 1 inch towards Mom, and then cut the cord with the scissors between the two knots. This will prevent bleeding if the cord tears. Don’t be surprised if the cord retracts back inside mom during a contraction. The cord and placenta will be delivered in time. Never pull on the cord to try and get it out.

• You observe any excessive bleeding (more than approximately two teaspoons).