How warm should the nesting area be?

Keep the nest around 29–32 °C in the first week, tapering to ~27–29 °C in week 2 and ~24–26 °C by weeks 3–4. Provide a warm and a cooler zone so kittens can move away from heat if needed.

How often should newborn kittens gain weight?

Typically 10–15 grams per day in the first week and steady gains thereafter. No gain or weight loss for 24 hours is a red flag—contact your vet.

What are urgent warning signs after birth?

Heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, fever, lethargy, refusal to eat, painful or hot mammary glands, tremors or seizures (eclampsia), kittens that are cold, not nursing, persistently crying, or losing weight.

When should mum and kittens see the vet?

Arrange a postnatal exam within 7–14 days, or sooner if you notice any concerning signs in mum or kittens.

What to Do After Your Cat Gives Birth: A Complete Postpartum Guide

Your cat just had kittens—congrats! This step-by-step guide covers the essentials so you can keep mum and babies safe: observation, hygiene, warmth, feeding, and when to call the vet.

Immediate Postpartum Care: First 24 Hours

The first day is critical. Stay nearby and observe, but keep handling to a minimum so mum can bond and nurse.

Observing Mum and Kittens

Check that kittens are nursing and wriggly/active between naps.
Normal vaginal discharge in mum is small-to-moderate and dark/reddish-brown; heavy bleeding, foul odour, or constant straining are red flags.

Actionable tip: Stay close, keep the area quiet, and only intervene if a kitten is not breathing, not nursing, or mum ignores a kitten.

Providing a Safe and Warm Nest

Use a low-sided box or pen lined with clean, dry blankets. Keep it away from draughts and household traffic.

Warmth matters: Newborn kittens can’t regulate body temperature. Aim the nest environment for about 29–32 °C (first week), then gradually taper to about 27–29 °C (week 2) and 24–26 °C (weeks 3–4). Use a heating pad on low under half the nest so kittens can move off if too warm.

Actionable tip: Check the nest several times a day—keep it clean, dry, and quiet.

Initial Kitten Check (gentle, brief)

Breathing is steady; no gasping or persistent crying.
No obvious deformities or injuries; umbilical area looks clean.

Actionable tip: If any kitten seems weak, cold, or can’t latch, call your vet promptly.

Monitoring Mum Cat’s Health

Postpartum Discharge & Hygiene

A small amount of discharge is normal for several days. Watch for a bad odour, bright-red bleeding, or green/grey pus.

Actionable tip: Gently wipe her rear with a soft, damp cloth as needed; replace soiled bedding daily.

Nutrition & Hydration

Lactation is energy-intensive. Feed high-quality kitten food (higher calories/protein) and offer wet food to boost fluids.

Actionable tip: Keep fresh water and food available at all times; expect increased appetite.

Veterinary Check-up

Schedule a postnatal exam for mum and kittens within 7–14 days (earlier if any concerns).

Actionable tip: Book the vet now to confirm mum’s recovery and the kittens’ early development.

Kitten Care & Development

Weigh Kittens Daily

Use a kitchen/digital scale; log weights at the same time each day.

Age	Typical daily gain	Red flag
0–7 days	~10–15 g/day	No gain or loss for 24 h
8–14 days	~10–20 g/day	Consistent lag behind littermates
2–4 weeks	Steady gain; eyes/ears opening, crawling	Lethargy, persistent crying

Actionable tip: Record weights in a simple sheet; bring it to your vet visit.

Ensuring Proper Nursing

Rotate smaller kittens onto a nipple first to ensure intake.
If a kitten can’t latch, ask your vet about kitten milk replacer and safe feeding technique (never cow’s milk).

Actionable tip: Watch bellies after feeds—round but not hard; content kittens sleep quietly.

Stimulating Elimination

Mum usually licks to stimulate urination/defecation for the first 2–3 weeks.

Actionable tip: If needed, after feeds gently rub the genital area with a warm, damp cotton pad until the kitten goes.

Potential Postpartum Complications (Know the Signs)

Mastitis & Metritis

Mastitis: swollen, hot, painful mammary gland; kitten(s) avoid that nipple; mum may be off food/feverish.

Metritis: foul-smelling discharge, lethargy, fever, reduced nursing.

Actionable tip: Urgent vet visit if these signs appear.

Eclampsia (Milk Fever)

Low calcium from lactation → restlessness, stiff gait, tremors, panting, seizures.

Actionable tip: This is an emergency; seek veterinary care immediately.

Retained Placenta

Ongoing straining, foul odour, or mum appears unwell after delivery.

Actionable tip: Contact your vet promptly for assessment and treatment.

When to Call the Vet Now

Heavy or bright-red bleeding, bad-smelling discharge
Fever, lethargy, refusing food, or rapid breathing
Kittens cold to the touch, not nursing, persistent crying, or weight loss

Simple Timeline

Timeframe	Your priorities
0–24 hours	Warm, quiet nest; confirm nursing; quick visual check; hands-off unless necessary.
Days 2–7	Daily weights; rotate smaller kittens; keep nest ~29–32 °C; book vet.
Weeks 2–3	Eyes/ears open; keep warm (~27–29 °C); continue weights; gentle handling.
Weeks 3–4	Introduce litter tray with non-clumping litter; warmth ~24–26 °C; begin weaning guidance per vet.

Conclusion

Caring for a mother cat and her kittens takes calm observation, cleanliness, warmth, and timely veterinary support. Keep records, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to call your vet with concerns. You’ve got this—congratulations!

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