how to tell if all kits have been born

Question
my cat has had 5 kittens and still has a lumpy feeling on her lower belly is it another kitten it has been 30 mins since her last delivery and im not sure if the lump is another kitten?  ruthie

Answer
Ruthie,

That "lumpy" feeling could be yet another kitten, but it is more likely a combination of constipation and the swelling of the uterus.  In any case, I have seen cats deliver the last kitten(s) 24 hours after the previous ones were born.  To be certain, you can take your mama cat to the vet for a post natal check up.  If you take the kittens with her, please put them in a separate box for transport.  It is never a good idea for mama and kittens to be in the same carrier together in a car!

More than likely, the vet will give her a shot of oxytocin which will help clean her out, condition the uterus, and help in milk production.

Please let me know what happens.

Best regards... Norm.