im having kittens!!!!

Question
hi, my cat is well and truly pregnant!!!
i can see the kittens moving she makes me rub her tummy constantly and she has isolated her self to 1 part of the living room!i would just like to no what the basics for me to expect when Tess gives birth. I no every pregnancy is differant but what are the quidlines so to speak.How can we make it more comfertable for Tess and what r the do's and dont's? we have only really noticed it this last week and she is due to see the vet thursday but sum how i dont think she will make it!
thanks for all ur help in this matter

Answer
Samantha,

There is no way in an answer to an expert question, you can get all the do's and don't's of this birthing business.  You need to do research and the Internet is a great source.

You may ding me for this, but why have you waited until the last minute to get information when you must of known she was probably going to give birth?

Unfortunately, of the two best books on the subject, one is out of print "My Cat's in Love" by Frank Manolsen and the other is not generally available in the USA "Cat Breeding" published by Royal Canin pet food products.

I would give her a birthing box.  I like the cardboard "jumbo" storage chests (10" X 16" X 26").  Put some old toweling or sheeting into it.  Encourage her to jump into the box. Half covering it with a towel can make it seem like a den.  

Her water may break a day before or immediately before birth.  Her milk may come in a week before or immediately upon giving birth.  For neophytes, let the queen do the work.  Do not "help" out unless you really know what you are doing.  If she appears to be in trouble get her to a vet immediately.

The first bit of labor is restlessness and can last a few days.  She may have some kitten positioning contractions which are fairly mild.  When she actually starts to have birthing contractions, you will know it.  Usually form the onset of hard birthing contractions until the first kitten is born takes about an hour.  Approximately 50% of kittens are born breech (back end first), so do not be alarmed when this happens.  If after 2 hours of hard labor nothing is produced or part of a kitten is produced with no progress after a certain point, off to the vet.  Often the queen will empty one horn of the uterus in short order take a couple hour to 24 hour break and then empty the other horn.

When a kitten is born, it is important that the kittens face is cleaned.  Push mama to clean the kitten's face rather then herself until the kitten's face is free of placental material, sac, etc. If mama wants to eat a placenta, by all means let her. This can help milk production.  Don't forget to count the placentas.  There should be one placenta delivered per kitten.

Newborns MUST be warm. You should take any kitten that wanders off by itself back next to mama.  The kitten when newly born may be tired and may not be interested in suckling immediately, but, usually within a half hour the kitten should be rooting to get to a nipple.  It takes the kitten a little bit to get the knack of hanging onto a nipple.  You should weigh each kitten every day to make sure they are all gaining weight.

Once she is done, you should have her to the vet to get a shot of oxytocin to help clean out and condition the uterus.  Also, you should have the vet give her a shot of long acting penicillin G.

Hopefully, all will go well, so good luck!

Best regards.. Norm.