If your cat still has kittens inside, it’s essential to diagnose the illness.
Although it may seem daunting, you can get to the bottom of it by examining your kitten. Here are some of the signs that your feline still has its younger, leftover kittens.
So, how do you tell if cat still has kittens inside?
Let’s start now!
How Can You Tell If Your Cat Still Has Kittens Inside?
Nesting Behavior
You’ll note that the 3-year-old cat is acting unusual.
One common sign is the cat’s nesting behavior.
If your kitten is old enough, then it might try to create a nest. Usually, the cats will try to create a nest somewhere under the sofa or bed.
However, some cats may try to create a nest on your couch or mattress. If you notice that your cat is nesting, then it’s 90% sure that it still contains kittens.
She will stay since it s the best place for feeding the newborn. In addition, the cats will also stay close to their nest since that is the safest place for the newborns.
Therefore, she will always return back to her nesting place.
She won’t move much, and there are two main reasons for this. First, the kitten might be too weak to move. Secondly, she might be scared to move.
If the kittens are stillborn, then she might still hide them. In case, the kittens are alive, then she might hide them to avoid getting stepped on.
It’s essential to note that the cat might not move until the newborn kitten leaves the womb.
When this occurs, it may still have kittens inside.
Constant Licking
Pay attention to the cat’s behavior while cradling and licking its paws.
The pregnant cat will show evident cradling and licking its paws. This behavior is only done by the pregnant female.
It is a common sign that she still has kittens inside. The pregnant cat will continue to cradling and licking its paws because it needs to clean them regularly.
This is because the kittens secrete a lot of urine, and the pregnant cat needs to clean it regularly.
This involves frequently comforting cradling and licking the paws. The cat won’t move a lot.
If the cat still has a kitten inside, then it will show this sign. When the kitten is born, the cat will clean its paws more often.
Nevertheless, if the cat still has a kitten inside, then it will show this sign. When the kitten is born, the cat will clean its paws.
The goal is to ensure s that the newborn has a healthy and clean start.
If the newborn has a healthy start, then its chances of survival are high.
In addition, cleaning the paws means that the cat is not sick. If the cat still has a kitten inside, then it will show this sign. When the kitten is born, the cat will clean its paws
The goal is to ensure that the newborn has a healthy and clean start.
Examine for Miscarriage Symptoms
The kitten may not get to term. This means that the kitten might be stillborn. Examine for miscarriage symptoms.
If the pregnant cat is pregnant for 24 hours or more, then consider testing for miscarriage.
You can use a home pregnancy test kit to confirm if your cat is still pregnant.
Remember that a kitten stays in the womb for 58 days.
So, if your cat is still 4 weeks or more pregnant, then she has a chance of miscarriage.
Look for signs, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss. If the cat still has kittens inside, then it will show this sign.
If you detect this during the 6th week, then it is very likely that the kitten is stillborn. However, if your cat is still pregnant, then don’t panic.
In addition, avoid taking any other steps. Let the cat rest and take care of itself. This will reduce the chances of miscarriage. Feed the kitten regularly.
Bulging Spot Near the Perineum
It is critical to utilize touch while cradling and licking the paws.
This entails taking your hand (or anything else) and place it on the cat’s belly.
The belly should touch your hand. If you notice that the cat’s belly bulges, then it’s a sign that your cat still has a kitten inside.
However, if the cat is still pregnant, then don’t panic. Give her some room.
Your cat will only give birth when the time is right. This is because she will stay in a safe place.
This will be close to the womb and anus. Your cat will lick this area to remove any smell.
Please keep in mind that this is a sensitive portion. So, if you press it, then she might panic. In addition, touching this portion may cause miscarriage.
The Perineal Area Is Inflamed
The perineal region of the mother cat is inflamed.
You may check for vulva swelling by cradling and licking the paws. However, you should only do this if you are experienced.
Otherwise, you might end up injuring the cat.
Examine the cat’s perineal region.
Take note that inflammation in the perineal region is a sign of infection.
What Should You Do If Your Cat Still Has Kittens Inside Her
After birth is often left behind because s the mother cat loves the newborn.
Therefore, she will do everything to protect it. She will be so protective that she might smother the newborn.
The newborn will end up suffocating to death. However, this won’t happen.
This is because the mother cat doesn’t know how to provide enough milk. Therefore, she won’t smother the newborn.
Although breastfeeding may cause your kitten to die, it won’t happen.
If your cat is a mother, she’ll not eat the placenta.
If there is still a kitten within your cat, then she’ll not eat the placenta.
She might leave it for the newborn. She might leave it for the newborn.
So, the newborn will not starve. However, if there is still no milk, then the newborn will die.
The newborn will die. In this case, you should feed the newborn.
As the mother cat licks the newborn, it will ensure that it is suckled. In contrast to others, when the cat is still pregnant, you should feed it.
This is vital to ensure that the newborn is cared for. Monitor the Newborn Kitten’s Status Regularly.
To ensure that the newborn is cared for, you should monitor its status regularly. To do this, you should examine its stomach.
The stomach of a kitten should be round. You may assist your cat by assisting it in feeling around the anus.
If your cat is still laboring with a kitten within her, this is normal; but, if the newborn doesn’t move, then there is a problem. If you see that the newborn is limp, then it might be dead.
However, surgery is occasionally neccessary.
Although, owing to stress, cats may occasionally suckle their kittens to death, sometimes, a cat might accidentally kill a kitten.
How Can You Assist the Mother Cat in Getting Her Stuck Kitten Out?
- When your cat has given birth, it may be neccessary to assist her in getting her stuck kitten out.
- Wear disposable gloves (they don’t smell), then, without coming too close to the mother cat, gently pick up the newborn kitten, and place it on its back.
- Tie a dental floss around the scrotum of the mother cat.
- Tie an inch away from scrotum of mother cat.
- Between the ties, snip off about six inches of the dental floss.
- However, avoid cutting it too close to the baby.
- The mother cat will nibble the cord until the kitten is ejected.
- If the mother nibbles near scrotum, remove that tie, and tie again.
Also Read: Can Kittens Eat Egg Yolks?
Final Words
If you feel the female cat is pregnant, then you need to take her to the vet. She might have a miscarriage. So, it is best that you take it to a vet. The vet will examine the cat to ensure that she is healthy.
This is uncommon, so don’t panic. Your cat may still have kittens within her. You can assist her in giving birth.
