Essential Kitten Birthing Supplies
Kitten birthing supplies can help your cat’s delivery go a smoothly as possible. While most cats do not need human intervention when birthing kittens, a little help goes a long way to ensure that your cat and her newborn kittens are comfortable and secure.
Home birthing of kittens is the preferred method of delivery. Most cats will feel most protected at home during this vulnerable time. A home you can provide support to your cat as she nurses, bonds with, and tends to her new kittens. While you may not need all of the supplies listed here to aid in your cat’s delivery, it’s good to have them on hand just in case you need them.
Kittening Box
A kittening box is a place where your cat can delivered and tend to her kittens. A kittening box can be made from plastic, woods, or cardboard. There are also commercial kittening boxes that can be purchased at pet supply stores.
A kittening box should come with a lid to protect kittens and have a side opening to allow mom cat to come and go freely. This box should also be warm, dry, and in a quiet non-trafficked area. Make sure that your cat is introduced to her box prior to delivery so that she gets use to it.
- Towels
Clean towels are used to clean up messes as well as to insulate the kitten box. Use tightly knitted towels to line the bottom of the kittening box immediately after birth.
- Newspaper
Newspaper is used to absorb water and allow mom cat to scratch while in her kittening box. Because newspaper is disposable it can be used to line the kitten box floor before and during delivery.
- Thermometer (Rectal & Room)
Typically, a queen’s body temperature will decrease about 2°F about 24 hours before delivery. Keeping an eye on your cat’s body temperature may help to indicate when she’s going into labor.
A room thermometer also helps to keep tabs on the air temperature of the kittening box. Newborn kittens must be kept in a warm environment (>85°F) to prevent hypothermia and death.
- Heating Source
Infrared lights, heat lamps, and hot water bottles are common heating sources for kittening boxes. Be careful not to put the light source too near the newborns as they may move away from their mother and go towards the light.
- Gloves
Gloves may be needed to clean up after your cat delivers. Sterile gloves are needed when you want to be as clan as possible when handling your cat or her kittens. If you need to assist in removing a kitten from the birth canal or are involved in other invasive procedures, you’ll want to use sterile gloves.
- Scissors
Scissors are used to cut the umbilical cord attached to mom and her kittens. Most cats will chew their cords off. But, some queens may need extra help.
- Bulb Syringe
Bulb syringes (like the type used to irrigate ears) are used to suction secretions out of newborn kitten’s mouths when they are first born. Excessive fluid in the mouth and nose can impede a kitten’s ability to breathe.
Most cat moms will stimulate their kittens to breathe. However, some may need help especially if they are inexperienced moms or have very large litters.
- Thread
Thread or dental floss can be used to tie off umbilical cords once they are severed.
- Antiseptic
Antiseptics help to remove harmful bacteria from the surface of umbilical cord stumps. Ask your vet about the best kind for your cats.
- 24 Hour Emergency Vet Number
Always keep the phone number to your nearest 24 hour emergency pet center just in case your cat has kitten birthing complications during delivery. Emergency centers can be a bit pricey. But, they are well worth it and can save your cat’s (and her kittens) life in urgent situations.
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