postpartum care

Question
My 1 yr old cat gave birth last night to her first litter.  She had 5 kittens.  She is still bleeding.  How long should I expect this to continue and how much bleeding is normal?  Also she seems a little bit bewildered.  She stays near the kittens, but sits up a lot instead of lying down for the kittens to nurse.  

Answer
Nan,

Congratulations on the kittens.  Have you had your female to a vet for a post-natal check up?  It is normal for the mama to hemorhage for 2-4 days after giving birth.  

Have you counted placentas to make sure there were five placentas for 5 kittens?  Did she get a shot of oxytocin to make sure she is cleaned out and to help milk production? Did she eat any of the placentas(which will also help milk production)?  Does she have milk for the kittens? If you keep putting the kittens with her, she will get the idea.  The pressure of the milk (if she has any) will make her want to nurse.  The kittens should be getting close to her and rooting around for a nipple.  For the first day or two as important as it is for the kittens to nurse, they should be kept warm.

Let me know how it is going.

Best regards... Norm.