What You Need to Prepare for Your Cat’s Delivery

Preparing for the arrival of your cat’s kittens requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and smooth delivery for both mother and offspring. This involves creating the perfect environment, gathering essential supplies, and understanding potential complications. Let’s delve into the specifics of what you need to prepare for this joyous occasion.

1. Creating a Safe and Comfortable Birthing Space:

The first and arguably most crucial step is preparing a safe, quiet, and comfortable birthing space for your expecting queen. This isn’t simply about finding a quiet corner; it’s about creating a sanctuary where your cat feels secure and protected. Consider these factors:

Location: Choose a warm, secluded, and dimly lit area away from household noise and activity. A spare bedroom or a quiet corner of a less-used room is ideal. Avoid areas with high foot traffic or sudden loud noises which can stress the mother cat.

The Whelping Box/Nest: Invest in a spacious whelping box or construct a comfortable nest. The size is critical; it should be large enough for your cat to comfortably move around, stretch out, and nestle with her kittens. A cardboard box lined with soft, clean bedding such as towels or blankets makes a good improvised nest. Ensure the bedding is absorbent and easily washable. Avoid using materials like cotton balls which can be easily ingested by kittens and cause a blockage.

Bedding: The bedding should be soft, clean, and absorbent. Multiple layers are recommended to allow for easy cleaning and replacement as needed. Avoid using materials that could be a choking hazard for the kittens. Old towels or blankets work perfectly.

2. Gathering Essential Supplies:

Beyond the birthing space, you’ll need a collection of essential supplies readily available for a smooth birthing process:

Clean Towels: Have an ample supply of clean, absorbent towels on hand. These will be used for cleaning the kittens, the mother cat, and for general cleanup.

Sharp Scissors: A pair of clean, sharp scissors will be necessary for cutting the umbilical cord if the mother cat doesn’t do so herself. These should be sterilized with rubbing alcohol before use.

Disinfectant: Keep a bottle of mild disinfectant (diluted bleach solution or veterinary-approved disinfectant) on hand to sanitize surfaces and tools. Always follow the dilution instructions carefully.

Warm Water: A container of warm water will be helpful for cleaning the kittens and the mother cat. Avoid extremely hot or cold water.

Veterinary Contact Information: This is absolutely paramount. Have your veterinarian’s contact information readily available, including their emergency number. It’s always better to be overprepared than underprepared. Note the location of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic as well.

Emergency Supplies: Have a list ready of common emergency items. This should include what you will need in case of complications for both the kittens and the mother cat. Such items could be things like towels to help dry the kittens and supplies to stimulate breathing in new borns. These supplies will need to be kept in a clean place and easily accessible.

3. Providing Nutritional Support:

During and after labor, your cat will require extra energy. While generally not recommended due to potential complications, provide a small amount of nutritious food that your cat is accustomed to, or some easily digestible food for recovery. Avoid giving milk as this can actually upset the stomach. This will provide the energy she needs for the birthing process and for caring for her new kittens. If she’s refusing food, consult your veterinarian. You could also offer some broth specifically formulated for cats.

4. Prenatal Care for Your Pregnant Cat:

Adequate prenatal care is crucial for a successful pregnancy and delivery. This includes:

Calcium Supplementation: Pregnant cats have increased calcium needs. Consult your veterinarian about supplementation to prevent eclampsia (calcium deficiency). Do not administer calcium supplements without veterinarian approval.

Optimal Environment: Create a calm and relaxing environment to minimize stress. This includes ensuring adequate sleep, minimizing noise and activity, and preventing interactions with other pets that could potentially be stressful to the mother cat.

Limited Exercise: Avoid strenuous activity; moderate exercise is fine, but avoid activities that could cause stress or injury.

Gentle Handling: Avoid rough handling that could harm the unborn kittens. Handle your cat gently and avoid placing excessive pressure on her abdomen.

Nutritional Diet: Provide a high-quality diet specifically formulated for pregnant cats. This diet will ensure that your cat receives all the necessary nutrients for herself and the developing kittens. Ensure the food meets the nutritional requirements of a pregnant and lactating cat. Your veterinarian can recommend specific brands and types of cat food.

By diligently following these guidelines, you’ll significantly increase the chances of a healthy and happy delivery for your cat and her kittens. Remember, constant observation and prompt veterinary attention in case of complications are key to ensuring a positive outcome. Always consult your veterinarian for any concerns or unusual occurrences during your cat’s pregnancy and delivery.