Kitten maybe still inside

Question
Hi my cat just had kittens and my girlfriend believes there might be still one in her. She gave birth to five but one did not make it. She is up and walking. She also is feeding the kittens and she did eat her food.But earlier in the day she was pushing and moaning a lot. The vet we called said the only way on knowing is going there and getting an x-ray but do not have money at this point to go there and get her checked. Is she going to be fine or do you think that there could be a kitten still in her?
Steve

Answer
Steve,

Unfortunately, the only way to be absolutely certain is to X-Ray the cat.  I am assuming that there were the same number of placentas as there were kittens born?  Sometimes what happens is that mama gets a little constipated and you are feeling constipated stool rather than a kitten.

Another thing we always do after we figure mama is done is to give her a shot of oxytocin to induce labor, just in case. In addition the oxytocin conditions the uterus, shrinks the uterus, and helps in milk production.

What I would do is to go to your vet and get the shot. Wait about 45 minutes to an hour and if nothing is produced, you should be clear.  Also, do not be concerned if there is hemorrhaging for a couple of days.

The problem you face is that if there is a kitten or placenta inside and she does not get it out, it can fester and you can lose the mama, which would mean hand raising her kittens.  If there is a kitten or a placenta still there, and you do not get it out, you are talking about really big bucks in vet bills!!!!!  Also, your vet can palpate and tell if there is anything really left in there, especially after the oxytocin shot.

Please let me know what transpires.

Concerned regards... Norm.