cat and after birth

Question
hi my cat gave birth to 4 kittens yesterday morning, but we noticed today she is still bleeding slighty and walks funny and also lies down as if she is still pregnant. shes also panting/heavy breathing more so when she is feeding the litter...she has only had a one tin of cat food today.....is the normal or should e be worried...thanks

Answer
Hi Louise.  Small amounts of bloody discharge are normal for a few days following delivery.  However, I'm very concerned about her labored breathing and panting and her strange walking.  I would definitely have her to the vet right away, probably on an emergency basis if she was my own kitty.  There is certainly the potential that she has not delivered all her babies, and if she has a kitten stuck in the birth canal or has suffered any internal injuries during delivery, this can be quickly fatal.  Outside of extremely hot temperatures, I have never seen a cat who has continued panting long after a normal delivery was complete, so this makes me believe something suspicious is going on.  Hopefully all she will need is an injection of oxytocin to strengthen contractions to help her deliver her last stubborn kitten(s).

Best wishes!

Jessica