Cat Pregnancy Problems

Cat pregnancy occurs if a mature female cat is fertilized by a male cat. There are a few problems that may occur during a pregnancy, so if your cat is expecting kittens, you need to be prepared. If you detect possible problems in time, you can keep your pet healthy and possibly save the kittens as well.

Signs of Cat Pregnancy

Cat pregnancy can be identified judging by a few tell tale signs such as vomiting, a change in the behavior, modified appearance and color of nipples, weight gain or enlarged abdomen. It's important to know whether your pet is pregnant or not, as during pregnancy the cat requires more nutrients and possibly some supplemeCat pregnancy occurs if a mature female cat is fertilized by a male cat. There are a few problems that may occur during a pregnancy, so if your cat is expecting kittens, you need to be prepared. nts that you need to provide.

Spontaneous Abortion

Spontaneous abortion can happen during all stages of pregnancy, but it is more common during the final stages. The spontaneous abortion will be signaled by vaginal bleeding and possibly the elimination of the dead fetuses. The cat may abort one dead kitten without the other kittens being affected. However, several kittens may be aborted.

The causes of spontaneous abortion can vary and may be due to:

  • Reproductive system health problems
  • Herpes virus
  • Brucella infection
  • Decreased progesterone levels

A vet must be consulted when the pregnant cat experiences vaginal bleeding. This may not always signal a spontaneous abortion, but is indicative of a pregnancy problem.

Fetal Resorption

Fetal resorption can happen during the early stages of feline pregnancy. The fetus may be reabsorbed in the cat's body. Typically, there will be no symptoms. One or several fetuses may be reabsorbed. If one or two fetuses are reabsorbed, the other fetuses may not be affected and remain healthy.

Premature Birth

The pregnancy in cats lasts for about nine weeks, and the earliest due date can be 57 days after the fertilization. If the cat starts giving birth before day 57 of pregnancy, this signals a premature birth, which can endanger the health of the mother and kittens. Typically, a cesarean section will be needed and a vet should necessarily assist the birth.

The kittens will require special care, so as to be able to survive. If the cat gives birth one day prior to the normal due date, this is like a woman giving birth one week prior to her due date. Kittens born before day 45 have diminished chances of survival.

Dystochia

Dystochia is a pregnancy problem that occurs during labor. A cat may experience dystochia if she has been in labor for more than 60 minutes and no kittens have been born yet.

Eclampsia

Eclampsia is a pregnancy problem caused by a lack of necessary calcium and will typically occur during the lactation period, when the mother needs more calcium to produce milk for the kittens. Symptoms of eclampsia include sudden collapse, seizures or fever. Calcium supplementation is required.

 

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