my cat is prgnant

Question
Hi Dr Ray, How are you?
My 17 month old Persian cat is pregnant, almost 6 weeks now.
I have no idea how to help her at delivery, how should I take care of her?
I also want to know how to take care of her coming kittens, how to deal with them? What about their toilet issue?
Please help me take the best care of them all.
Thank you so much


Answer
Hi Fayza
Well now soon to be a mummy
Cats gestation lasts 9 weeks, 63 to 65 days so she is about three weeks away
Preparation
You need to encourage her to have her kittens somewhere safe so decide on a room with a quite corner and a door that can be closed to prevent the kittens and mum escaping
Now remove anything that could be a danger to a small animal, block up holes cover plugs, ventilators, remove sharp or large objects as well.
You will need to have a kittening box or a cat pen where she can have the kittens and the cannot escape or fall out of. Make sure the box is on the floor, not in a draft and is warm and dry.
An example of a birthing box is
http://www.birmancatclub.co.uk/kittening%20box.htm
Items you need
Lots of clean dry bedding
An under bed heater to keep everyone warm
Surgical gloves just in case you have to help mum in the medical department, with pacenta and maybe feces
A sharp pair of scissors to cut the cord just in case
KY jelly to help lubricate mum to help the kittens come out
Dry towels in case you have to clean kittens
Scales to weigh them
Small elasticated hair bands to put round the necks of the kittens in case they all look alike to tell them apart when you weigh them.
Pen and paper to record the weights
Emergency pack
Sometimes kittens don't want to suckle off mum so you need to help feed them so you will need a syringe and tubing
A link to a video is attached
http://www.purrinlot.com/tube.htm

Remember try to encourage mum to have her kittens where you want her to, don't let her wander off when she is about to give birth in case she delivers them in a very awkward place

Make sure she has plenty of fresh water near by and fresh food for after the delivery also make sure her litter tray is accessible but away from the food and water

The kittens won't go anyway fro about two to three weeks but soon they will start to investigate their surroundings so as long as the room is kitten proof you will not lose them in a hole, in the wall up a chimney, behind the fire place or under the floor boards.
Also mum will clean them whilst they are very small but once they start to investigate they will need access to a litter tray low opening type. Mum may well teach them to use the litter tray so all will be well

It is a beautiful time but can be hectic so just like adults who are expecting their own babies, practice what you plan to do, make sure you have all the things near and then help mum when she needs it

Good luck