My cat is going to have kittens. What possible complications should I look for?

Autumn Davidson, a Veterinary Internist at the University of California-Davis says cats have very few problems giving birth, but you can take steps to ensure your queen has a smooth pregnancy and delivery.

A pre-partum check-up before breeding will make sure your cat is healthy and ready to carry her litter for the nine- week term. Then a follow-up exam and ultrasound at four weeks will allow your veterinarian to determine the number of kittens. A small litter may mean large kittens and therefore possible delivery complications. Before the big event, Davidson suggests preparing a box in an out of the way space. She says, “queens need a quiet, warm, secure, private place to have their kittens.”

After the birthing, watch to make sure the mama and kittens bond.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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