labor for our cat

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
We have a cat that is in labor. She has a strong odor and has had fluids on her body all day. She had some contractions earlier today but they seem to have stopped now. She is just laying down. She can walk around but it is very difficult for her. I am wondering if this is too long to let labor go on or if this is normal for cats. This is her first litter. She is about 1 1/2 years old. We rescued her as a stray and she was so starved that she could not even meow.
ANSWER: hi Wanda, thank you for your question. Things do not sound very good for your cat. Can you get back to me with some more details. How long ago did her contractions stop? can you describe the odor? Does she have fluids all over her body?/ where are the fluids coming from ? Is there any discharge from her vaginal area and what colour, texture etc. I will wait near the computer to hear back from you ! Teresa

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QUESTION: Hi,
Thank you for your fast reply. I didn't think you would be available this late. The liquids are around her tail and vaginal area. She has long dark hair so I do not know what color it is but even on the towel she is laying on, it does not show up. The odor is VERY strong and smells terrible. You can smell it when you walk in the room with her. We have tried to leave her alone all day so I am not sure about the contractions. When we checked on her at about 8:00 this evening they seemed to have stopped. She does not seem to be in pain or anything. She does not like it when we try to move her tail but still purrs when we pet her head. Please let me know what you think. A trip to the vet would be very difficult for us but all 7 of our children have become very attached to her. Thank you for your time. Wanda

Answer
Hi Wanda, Well I hate to tell you this but your cat really needs a trip to the vet. I am afraid if you left her until the morning you may lose her in the night. It sounds like she may have a dead kitten in her and that is what is causing the smell. The liquid would be her water which has broken to start her deliveries which is not happening. I can imagine it will be quite expensive to get her fixed and with 7 children I am not sure if you can afford it but I am sure you can also appreciate the pain this poor dear must be in.... after having 7 children yourself... It would be kinder to even take her tonight and get her put to sleep if the vet fees are going to be too high...
just a couple of more questions before you do anything.. can you feel kitten movement in her still?? and is the odor more like old meat smell or diarrhea smell.. maybe she has just soiled herself?? and it is almost 11 pm here but I am not sure what time zone you are in. did she stop labor about 3 hours ago...?? or longer? Teresa (Vancouver Canada)