Why Is My Cat’s Stomach Still Big After Giving Birth: Understanding Postpartum Changes in Cats
If you’ve recently welcomed a litter of kittens into your home, you may be wondering why your cat’s stomach or abdomen still looks big after giving birth.
While it’s normal for a cat’s belly to remain enlarged for a few weeks following delivery, there are some cases where a large stomach may indicate a health issue. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why your cat’s stomach may still be big postpartum and what you can do to ensure your feline friend is healthy and happy.
Understanding cat’s pregnancy and birth before we dive into the reasons why your cat’s stomach may still appear large after giving birth, it’s important to understand the basics of feline pregnancy and birth.
Cats have a gestation period of around 63-65 days or about two months, during which time their body undergoes significant changes to prepare for the arrival of their kittens.
After giving birth, a cat’s body goes through a process known as uterine involution, during which the uterus gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy size. While this process can take several weeks, most cats will have a normal-looking belly within a month or so of giving birth.
Key Takeaways
- A cat’s belly may remain enlarged for a few weeks following delivery, but if it persists for longer or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a health issue.
- Understanding the basics of feline pregnancy and birth can help you better recognize when your cat’s post-birth belly size is normal or abnormal.
- Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper nursing care can help ensure your cat’s post-delivery recovery is smooth and successful.
Understanding Cat’s Pregnancy and Birth
If you have a pregnant cat, it is essential to understand the birthing process and what to expect during late pregnancy. The gestation period for cats is approximately 63-65 days, and it is crucial to monitor your cat’s health during this period.
As your cat approaches the end of her pregnancy, you may notice her stomach becoming larger, and this is perfectly normal. The kittens are growing inside the uterus, and the mother cat’s body is preparing for delivery. During late pregnancy, you may also notice your cat experiencing contractions, which are a sign that the birthing process is beginning.
When the birthing process starts, it is divided into three stages. The first stage involves contractions accompanied by labor pain that typically isn’t very prominent, especially in long-haired breeds. You may be able to see or feel the kittens (fetuses) moving. The cat will often make repeated visits to the kittening bed and some cats will ask for reassurance from the owner.
During the second stage, the kittens are born. This stage can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, and you may notice your cat pushing and straining. Each kitten should be born within an hour of the previous kitten. If your cat has been actively straining for more than an hour without delivering a kitten, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately.
The third stage involves the expulsion of the placenta (the membrane that attaches the fetus to the mother in the uterus and allows the transfer of nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus). After each kitten is born, the mother cat will expel the placenta. It is essential to count the number of placentas to ensure that all kittens have been born. If a placenta is not delivered, it can cause a serious health problem known as retained placenta and can be life-threatening for the mother cat.
In summary, understanding your cat’s pregnancy and birthing process is essential for ensuring the health and safety of both the mother cat and her kittens. If you have any concerns or notice any unusual symptoms, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Post-Birth Physical Changes in Cats
It is common for a cat’s stomach or abdomen to remain big after giving birth. This is because the uterus and surrounding tissues take some time to return to their pre-pregnancy state and size. Additionally, nursing kittens can cause the mother’s stomach to appear larger than usual.
During pregnancy, a cat’s body undergoes significant changes to accommodate the growing fetus. After giving birth, the body begins a process of returning to its pre-pregnancy state. However, this process takes time (up to several weeks) and can result in physical changes that may be noticeable.
One of the most noticeable changes is a swollen belly or abdominal distension. This is caused by the uterus contracting to expel the placenta and reduce in size. However, it can take several weeks for the uterus to fully return to its pre-pregnancy size, and during this time, the cat’s belly may remain larger than usual.
In addition to a swollen belly, a cat may also experience changes in body temperature. After giving birth, a cat’s body temperature can alter. It may drop slightly, but it should return to normal within a few hours. Your cat can also suffer from fever or hyperthermia which is normal after giving birth. If your cat’s body temperature remains low or elevated even after a few days and she shows signs of lethargy or weakness, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. If it’s cold outside you must place a heater or warm blanket on your cat to ensure it doesn’t suffer hypothermia as it can be deadly.
Another physical change that can occur after giving birth is mastitis, which is an inflammation of the mammary gland. Mastitis can cause swelling, redness, and pain around the nipples. Postpartum mastitis is normal in cats and if the nipples of your cat feel hot or painful, there is no need to worry. However, if they remain swollen and painful even after a week of giving birth you should consult a vet.
Finally, it is important to monitor your cat’s vulva after giving birth. The vulva may remain swollen for several days after delivery, but it should gradually return to its pre-pregnancy size. Your cat will release a non-odorous red to blackish-colored discharge from the vulva known as lochia for about a week which is completely normal.
However, if you notice a greenish or yellowish discharge accompanied by a foul odor, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately as it can be a sign of uterine infection (endometritis or pyometra) which can be fatal.
In summary, it is common for a cat’s stomach to remain big after giving birth due to physical changes that occur during and after pregnancy. However, it is important to monitor your cat for any signs of complications, such as mastitis or changes in body temperature for longer durations, and seek veterinary care immediately if necessary.
Normal vs. Abnormal Belly Size After Giving Birth
It is normal for a cat’s belly to be swollen or distended after giving birth. This is because, during pregnancy, the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetuses. After giving birth, the uterus needs time to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. This process is called uterine involution and can take several weeks.
During this time, the mother cat may still appear pregnant, and her belly may be swollen or distended. This is especially prominent if she had a large litter or if the kittens were born close together. It is important to note that this is a normal part of the postpartum process and not a cause for concern.
However, if your cat’s belly remains swollen or distended for an extended period (more than 2-3 weeks and you didn’t notice any size reduction), it could be a sign of a more serious issue. This could include an infection, retained placenta, or other post-birth complications. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take your cat to a veterinarian immediately.
A swollen or distended belly after giving birth is normal and to be expected. However, if the swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. Keep an eye on your cat’s belly size and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Potential Health Issues Related to Big Stomach
If your cat’s stomach is still big after giving birth, it could be a sign of potential health issues. Some of these issues include:
Inflammation and Infection
Inflammation and infection of the uterus, also known as metritis or endometritis, or puss in the uterus known as pyometra, can cause a swollen abdomen in cats. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms of pyometra include fever, pain, and foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease that can cause fluid accumulation in the abdomen. This disease is caused by the coronavirus and is more common in cats under the age of two. FIP is a life-threatening condition that requires veterinary treatment.
Organ Enlargement
Enlargement of organs such as the liver (hepatomegaly) or heart (cardiomegaly) can cause a swollen abdomen in cats. This can be caused by a variety of conditions such as liver disease or heart disease. Your veterinarian can perform tests to determine the cause of the organ enlargement and recommend appropriate treatment.
Retained Placenta
Retained placenta is a common issue in cats after giving birth. If the placenta is not expelled after giving birth, it can cause a swollen abdomen. This can lead to infection and other health issues. Your veterinarian can examine to determine if there is a retained placenta and recommend appropriate treatment.
Dystocia
Dystocia, or difficult birth, can also cause a swollen abdomen in cats. This can be caused by a variety of issues such as a large litter or a malformed fetus. Dystocia can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection of the mammary gland that can cause a swollen abdomen in cats. This condition is more common in cats that are nursing. Symptoms of mastitis include fever, pain, and swelling of the mammary gland. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate treatment for mastitis.
Rupture
Rupture of the uterus or other organs can cause a swollen abdomen in cats. This can be caused by trauma or other issues. Rupture is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
If your cat’s stomach is big even after 2-3 weeks post-delivery, it is important to seek veterinary attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Undelivered fetus
Another reason why your cat’s stomach may appear large postpartum can be due to an undelivered fetus that has died in the uterus of the mother. This can be a serious cause and is potentially fatal for the mother. During the pregnancy, it is recommended to get x-ray or ultrasound scans of the cat so you know exactly how many kittens to expect. If the number of kittens born is less than that shown in x-rays you should immediately take your cat to the vet. If there is a dead undelivered fetus in the uterus, the abdomen of the cat will not decrease in size and there might be foul discharge from the vagina.
Diagnostic Tests and Treatment Options
If your cat’s stomach is still big after giving birth, it is essential to take her to the vet for a thorough examination. The vet will perform a physical examination to check for any abnormalities and may recommend diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the abdominal enlargement.
Blood tests may be carried out to check for any infections or underlying health conditions. Urinalysis may also be performed to check for any kidney or bladder problems.
Ultrasound and X-rays may be used to examine the reproductive system, bladder, and other internal organs to determine if any abnormalities could be causing the abdominal enlargement or if there is an undelivered fetus in the uterus.
If your cat is diagnosed with an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection. Pain medication may also be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort your cat may be experiencing. If there is a dead fetus in the uterus, a cesarian section will be performed to remove it.
It is important to follow the veterinarian’s recommendations for treatment and to monitor your cat’s progress closely. If the abdominal enlargement persists or worsens, further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Role of Diet and Nursing in Cat’s Post-Birth Recovery
After giving birth, your cat’s body undergoes numerous changes to recover from the physical stress of pregnancy and delivery. One of the most noticeable changes is the size of your cat’s stomach. It’s normal for your cat’s belly to remain enlarged for a few days after giving birth. However, if your cat’s belly remains big for an extended period, it could indicate an underlying issue.
One of the essential factors in your cat’s post-birth recovery is a healthy diet. Your cat needs a balanced and nutritious diet to recover from the physical stress of pregnancy and to produce milk for her kittens.
A diet rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients is crucial for your cat’s recovery. Calcium is especially important for nursing cats, as it helps with milk production and prevents milk fever or hypocalcemia. However, too much calcium can be harmful and lead to obesity and heart problems. Therefore, it’s important to provide your cat with a balanced diet that meets her nutritional needs.
In addition to a healthy diet, nursing is also an essential part of your cat’s post-birth recovery. Nursing helps your cat’s body produce milk and stimulates the release of hormones that aid in her recovery.
It’s important to ensure that your kittens are nursing regularly to promote milk production and aid in your cat’s recovery. If your kittens are not nursing regularly, it can lead to a decrease in milk production and delay your cat’s recovery.
Providing your cat with a balanced diet that meets her nutritional needs and ensuring that your kittens are nursing regularly can aid in her recovery and promote milk production. If you notice that your cat’s stomach remains enlarged for an extended period or if you have any concerns about your cat’s post-birth recovery, consult with your veterinarian.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
While it is normal for a cat’s stomach to remain enlarged for a few days after giving birth, if you notice that your cat’s belly remains swollen for more than a week, it is best to seek veterinary help. This could be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires immediate attention.
If your cat is experiencing stress, appetite loss, foul vaginal discharge, or depression, or if you have any questions or concerns about her postpartum recovery, you should also seek veterinary help. A veterinarian can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to ensure that your cat is healthy and well-cared for during this critical time.
It is important to note that postpartum complications can be life-threatening for both the mother and her kittens. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your cat’s behavior and physical condition.
A veterinarian may also recommend medications, dietary changes, or other treatments to help your cat recover quickly. With proper care and attention, you can help ensure that your cat and her kittens remain healthy and happy.
Prevention and Care for Future Pregnancies
If you want to prevent your cat from getting pregnant, spaying is the most effective solution. Spaying your cat involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries, and it is a permanent solution for preventing pregnancy. It also has other benefits, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers and behavioral problems.
If you want to breed your cat, it’s important to provide proper care during pregnancy and birth. Make sure to provide a comfortable and safe environment for your cat to give birth. You can prepare a nesting box with towels or blankets for your cat to give birth in. Keep the area clean and quiet to minimize stress. Also, ensure proper temperature is maintained according to the season.
During pregnancy, it’s important to provide your cat with proper nutrition and care. Feed her high-quality food that is formulated for pregnant cats. Make sure she has access to fresh water at all times. You can also provide supplements such as calcium and vitamins to ensure she gets all the nutrients she needs.
When your cat is giving birth, it’s important to be prepared for any complications that may arise. Have a veterinarian’s phone number on hand in case of emergency. Keep an eye on your cat and make sure she is progressing normally. If you notice any signs of distress or complications, seek veterinary care immediately.
During pregnancy take your cat for scans so you know exactly how many kittens to expect or possible complications that may arise.
Overall, prevention and care for future pregnancies involve spaying to prevent unwanted pregnancies and providing proper care during pregnancy and birth if you choose to breed your cat. By taking these steps, you can help ensure the health and safety of your cat and her kittens.
