The gestation of cats, as in other mammals, culminates with birth, a complex and special event in which maternal and fetal hormones interact to initiate the expulsion of the kittens. Gestation in female cats lasts approximately 65 days, although this can vary depending on the breed and the number of kittens gestated.
In most cases, a cat's birth occurs without major complications. However, there are situations in which veterinary intervention is necessary, either through manual help, pharmacological help or with the assistance of some type of equipment. In some exceptional cases, a caesarean section is necessary to ensure the survival of both the mother and the kittens.
What is a cesarean section?
Cesarean section is a surgical intervention that involves the extraction of kittens through a incision in the abdominal wall and the mother's uterus. This procedure is performed when a natural birth is not possible or could put the life of the mother or the puppies at risk.
There are two main types of caesarean sections in cats: preventive and therapeutic. Preventive caesarean sections are scheduled when the birth is expected to be complicated, either due to the excessive size of the kittens, due to anatomical problems of the mother or due to a history of difficult births (dystocias). Therapeutic caesarean sections, on the other hand, are carried out on an emergency basis when there are complications during birth.
Instructions for performing a cesarean section
There are several situations in which a cesarean section may be required for a cat:
- Fetal dystocia: when fetuses are too large or poorly positioned, preventing them from exiting through the birth canal.
- Uterine inertia: when the cat's uterus does not have the strength or contractions necessary to expel the fetuses, either primarily (from the beginning) or secondarily (after contractions begin, but then stop).
- Anatomical problems: In some cats, deformities or abnormalities in the birth canal can make natural birth impossible or dangerous.
- Stillbirths or problems with fetuses: In the case of stillbirths, surgery is necessary to prevent infections and save the remaining fetuses.
Stages of labor in cats
To understand when a cat needs a cesarean section, it is important to know the stages of natural birth. In general, a cat's birth is divided into three phases:
- Dilation phase: During this phase, the cervix dilates. This stage can last from a few hours to a full day in first-time cats. The cat may seem restless, meow more than usual, and look for a quiet place to give birth.
- Expulsion of kittens: Once the fetuses are expelled, the mother experiences stronger contractions. The first kitten should be born between two and four hours after the contractions begin. If the interval between births is longer than two hours, this should be considered an alarm sign.
- Expulsion of the placenta: After each kitten is born, the mother must expel the respective placenta. It is essential to count the placentas to avoid infections or postpartum complications.
Care during and after a cesarean section
Once the cesarean section has been performed, both the mother and the kittens require special care to ensure their well-being.
In the case of the mother, her temperature and vital signs are monitored, and the surgical wound is cared for to prevent infection. The cat must be at rest during the first few days after surgery, and it is recommended to clean the wound and make sure it is dry and free of secretions. If the cat has a fever, she should be taken to the vet immediately.
It is also vital to monitor the kittens. Since the mother has been anesthetized, she may be drowsy during the first few hours postoperatively. In some cases, it is necessary for owners to help the newborns nurse until the mother fully recovers.
Surgical wound healing
Sutures used during a cesarean section may be external or internal, depending on the type of material used. Internal sutures are usually absorbable, meaning they do not need to be removed. External sutures should be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery.
It is essential to carry out regular checks of the scar to ensure that there is no infection and that the wound is healing properly. Kittens should be prevented from putting pressure on the wound during nursing, so in some cases the vet may suggest the use of artificial feeding during the first few days.
Caring for kittens after a cesarean section
After a cesarean section, Kittens require special care, especially if the mother is still recovering from anesthesia. This care includes helping them breastfeed and making sure they are warm, as newborn kittens They cannot regulate their body temperature.
If the mother does not produce enough milk, the owner can feed the kittens with formula milk specifically for cats. Under no circumstances should they be given cow's milk or any other substitute not designed for felines, as this could cause digestive problems. The veterinarian can recommend the frequency and amount of feedings.
Signs of trouble in kittens
It is important to monitor kittens closely during their first few days of life. If kittens cry excessively, do not latch on properly to their mother's nipple, or appear weak, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. These symptoms may indicate problems with the mother's milk production, infections, or digestive problems that should be treated immediately.
Post-cesarean complications in cats
Although cesarean sections are common interventions in veterinary medicine, there is always a risk of postoperative complications for both the mother and the kittens.
Some complications include:
- Infections: Any surgery carries a risk of infection. If you notice redness, swelling, purulent discharge or a bad smell coming from the wound, you should urgently go to the vet.
- Mastitis: It is the inflammation of the mammary glands of the cat due to an infection. Symptoms usually include red, painful and hard breasts. If not treated in time, it can affect the health of the mother and the kittens.
General recommendations
It is important that cats are kept in a quiet, dry and warm place after a caesarean section. During the first few days, constant monitoring of both the mother and the kittens is necessary to detect any abnormalities.
It is also essential to provide the cat with adequate nutrition. During the lactation period, the nutritional demands of the mother increase considerably, so it is best to offer her foods rich in calories and proteins, such as specific feeds for lactating cats.
As for the kittens, it is vital to ensure that they are all nursing properly. Otherwise, you can opt for the artificial feeding with formula milk designed for felines.
Visiting a veterinarian for regular check-ups during the first few weeks after a cesarean section is vital to prevent any complications for both the mother and the puppies.
Caesarean sections, although not routine procedures, can save the lives of many cats and their kittens when natural birth does not go as expected. Timely intervention by a veterinarian, as well as proper postoperative care, are essential to ensure the recovery of the mother and the well-being of her kittens. Therefore, it is essential to be alert to signs of problems during birth and not hesitate to go to the vet if necessary.
Hello, my cat had a cesarean, she could not have a normal delivery, the problem is that she does not want to eat since then for two days she only drinks a little water, what can I do to make her eat?
Hi Adelita.
Try giving him wet cat food, which is much more fragrant and tasty than dry. You can also give him cans of tuna or boneless chicken broth.
However, if she does not want to eat anything, it is important to see a vet, otherwise her system could start to fail.
Greetings and much encouragement.
Hello Deyanira.
It depends on the country you are in and the prices the vets have there.
In Spain, for example, it is around 300 euros.
We recommend that you contact a nearby vet and ask.
Greetings.
Hello, my cat is Persian and the vet tells me that in a week he is going to perform a caesarean and sterilization ... I am worried about how the kittens will suckle with the mother's wound and the antibiotics that he will surely take to heal ... that do you recommend me?
Hello Mercedes.
In this case, and for the sake of the little ones, I would recommend that you take care of feeding them with a syringe without a needle or with an animal bottle. On this article has more information.
Anyway, when in doubt, you can ask the vet.
A greeting.
Hello, I have a cat who had a cesarean section 9 days ago.
How long is it advisable to wait for her to be pregnant again? Taking into account that she is already looking for a cat.
Hi Jordi.
Cats recover quickly, but I recommend waiting at least two to three months for the wound to heal properly.
A greeting.
My cat had a cesarean section yesterday the doctor told me that he could give her serum but she vomits it and her kittens rejects them but if they suckle, what can I do
Hello Castro Figueroa.
It is normal to feel sore and a little listless. But today the 4th should start to eat something, for example, wet cat food. If it does not, the most advisable thing would be to consult with a veterinarian.
Kittens will want to be with the mother, but if she is not fit, they may need someone to bottle feed them. On this article explains how to care for newborn kittens.
A greeting.
Hello, my cat had a cesarean section today. It's been 9 hours and she's still super lost, she doesn't feed the kittens or anything. What I can do?
Hello Micaela.
It is normal for him to be like this. When you expel all the anesthesia, you will wake up a little more. But if nothing has improved to date, consult your vet.
With regard to kittens, if they have not received food, you can give them replacement milk for kittens that they sell in veterinary clinics or pet stores.
A greeting.
Hello to my cat, they did the surgery 7 days ago, I want to know how long it takes for the wound to heal. And how do I know it's okay and not have to worry about
Hi Yufer.
The wound will surely have started to heal by now, but until another week has passed I don't think it will heal completely.
If you don't lose your appetite and can relieve yourself, everything will be fine.
A greeting.
Hello, yesterday my cat had a caesarean section and sterilization at the same time. It had to be an emergency intervention since it had been two days since I had given birth to two dead kittens, I was swollen and the vet told me that the rest of the kittens had to be removed. In the end they told me that they found no pups and the obvious swelling I had was due to retained urine in my bladder. But they charged me as separate caesarean section and sterilization procedures, is that correct? I would like them to absolve me of that doubt since they did not carry out other tests. Thank you.
Hi Shaiel.
I'm not a veterinarian and I can't tell you.
In principle I would say yes, that is normal, since they are two different things, but no idea.
I hope your cat improves soon.
A greeting.
my cat could not give birth so they did the cesarean and they also castrated her but and 5 hours have passed and the cat has already woken up but she is still wobbling and she does not want to stay in bed with the kittens she stands up and comes out all wobbling What I can do ?
Hello German.
It is normal that after the operation the cat feels bad and wants to be alone. As the hours go by (and especially the days) you will feel better. Anyway, kittens cannot go without food for a single day, so if their mother does not feed them, it would be advisable to have someone take care of it. On this article we talk about it.
Greetings.
Hello, my cat had just had a caesarean section but unfortunately the kittens were already dead, she spent two days voting blood I thought it was normal until this morning she wanted to give birth and could not when I realized that a baby's paw looked like And he was stuck, it was at that moment that I took him to the vet and they had a cesarean section.The doctor said that the pups were with their intestines out in the belly of my cat, now he is at home but he does not move at all my question was how much longer She will be able to move after she was transferred, the vet told me that it would take about 2 hours but more time has passed and nothing reacts
Hello Elena.
How is your cat doing? We hope it has improved.
We are not veterinarians, but we trust that he will recover as soon as possible.
Greetings.