By DANIELLE GUNN-MOORE

When dealing with breeding problems it is important to understand the normal anatomy and mechanics of parturition. As in other animals that give birth to a number of offspring at one time, the uterus or womb of the cat is divided into two long horns or cornua, one on each side. These lead back, one from each ovary, to join together into a short body which is closed during pregnancy by the cervix, which is a strong muscular ring. From here, the birth canal or vagina leads through the pelvis and out at the vulva. In pregnancy the fetuses are spaced along each horn. Each fetus is contained within its own membranes and has its own placenta through which it derives nourishment during its development within the womb.

At parturition, the irregularly-shaped and relatively unyielding fetus (kitten to be) passes through the irregularly-shaped and completely unyielding bony tunnel (the maternal pelvis) before it reaches the outside. The kitten has to change its method of receiving oxygen and nourishment; it must switch from supplies derived through the placenta to inhaled air and sucked milk. Moreover, it is at first incapable of controlling its body temperature and must derive warmth from contact with its mother. Birth is a hazardous journey at the best of times and potentially a fatal one.

Information on the duration of pregnancy is almost entirely derived from cats kept under conditions of confinement, since neither the exact mating nor the kittening date can be accurately known in the feral animal and even in the pet cat the mating date is often a matter of conjecture. Pregnancy has for a long time been held to last for approximately 63 days, but it is certain that very many cats go longer and it seems likely that 65 days is more like the true normal average.

Parturition is generally described in its classical three stages, although in the cat the second and third stages are repeated with each kitten and the third stage is brief and nearly continuous with the second.

This is essentially the stage of relaxation of the cervix and vagina and the start of intermittent contraction in the uterus. Uterine contractions must always be interrupted by periods of relaxation, otherwise the fetal blood supply would be cut off by contraction of the uterine wall over the closely applied placental areas. The pelvic muscles slacken and the perineum (the area between the anus and the vulva) becomes looser and longer. Uterine contractions are not yet observable as straining, although movement of the fetuses may be clearly seen and felt through the abdominal wall. There is little else to see at this stage except repeat visits to the prospective kittening bed, and in the dependent type cat, an apparent desire for reassurance from the owner. Some scratching up and bed-making occur. Panting may be a late first stage feature although this is not constant. Vaginal discharge is rarely seen and is licked away very promptly by the cat. In the primigravida (cat kittening for the first time) the first stage can be very prolonged, even lasting up to 36 hours without it being abnormal.

After the relaxation of the first stage, the uterine muscle begins stronger and more frequent contractions which drive the fetus, contained within its membranes, towards and into the pelvic opening. As the first fetus enters the pelvis, the outer layer of the fetal membranes appears briefly at the vulva as the 'water bag', which bursts and sheds some fluid which is promptly cleared up by the cat. The inner layer passes into the pelvis and retains some of the fluid which acts as a continuing lubricant to assist the passage of the fetus.

Secondary inertia or uterine tiredness, and failure to contract after a prolonged earlier delay can occur. The interrupted type of labour already described is definitely not an inertia, as the cat is manifestly normal, labour recommences normally, and kittens are born alive and normal. An important point of difference between the two is that secondary inertia follows previous difficulty or delay and the cat is often restless and exhausted.

Obstructive dystocia may occur for various reasons. Abnormalities of the soft tissues of the passage of the dam are rare, but a misshapen pelvis, usually following a pelvic fracture, is a fairly common situation. This can give rise to a complete obstruction to delivery, necessitating a Caesarean operation. Any female cat with such a narrowed pelvis should be spayed to prevent breeding. Simple fetal oversize can occur, although it is much rarer in the cat than in the dog since breeds of cats are not nearly so diverse in size and shape as breeds of dog and so far the feline world has been spared the horrors of the miniature and the toy. Fetal monstrosities, such as hydrocephalus or Siamese twins may occur and lead to dystocia but are quite rare.

Apart from the value of their observations and knowledge of the behaviour of their own cat the breeder can, and in some cases must, be responsible for the treatment of some parturition problems. Treatment of first stage hysteria has already been described. Diagnosis and treatment of the major dystocias must be in the hands of the veterinary surgeon. Because of the small size of the cat, manipulative correction of malpostures from within the vagina is rarely possible and is in any case a job for the skilled expert. To compensate for this, manipulation from outside the abdomen can often correct a malposture such as a laterally deflected head: again professional skill is needed. Often, in any real holdup, a Caesarean operation is the preferred method and, provided that the cat is neither desperately ill nor very exhausted, it is a safe and routine procedure. Present-day methods of anaesthesia are much less likely to depress respiration in the kitten than was once the case, and even in major crises the cat's ability to survive acute abdominal emergency is exceedingly good and surgery is always worthwhile.

The normal mother cat will generally make a much better job of cleaning and drying her kittens than any human agency, so again no meddlesome midwifery is indicated if all appears well. If, however, a kitten has had to be helped out and is not breathing, or on those few occasions when the maternal instinct appears to be lacking and the kitten is ignored, reviving it becomes a matter of urgency. Observation of the cat's own methods show the order in which to imitate them to the best advantage. The cat's first act is to see that the kitten's nose and mouth are clear. Next with a nipping/licking action the cat picks up, then chews through, the umbilical cord and in the process provides a stimulation to the abdominal navel area, getting respiration going. If this is not sufficient, a vigorous licking massage of this area follows. Finally a more general drying lick and some attention to the posterior part of the abdomen and anal area is given to start the bowel and bladder movement going. Then, if it is needed, a nudge towards the maternal nipples. The human imitation can follow much the same plan with additions in real emergency.

1. Tear the membranes from the nose, wipe the nose and open the mouth, tilt the kitten head down and clear away any fluid.

2. If the cord has not broken on delivery, tear it a good inch from the kitten and remove the wet, sloppy bulk of the membranes. Complicated cutting and typing of the cord are not necessary. The cat would chew it through, providing a blunt crushing action to prevent bleeding; the midwife can tear it between the first two fingers and thumb, which does much the same thing.

3. If the kitten is not breathing and obviously vigorous, or if it has come tail-first, and possibly inhaled fluid, it is necessary to clear debris and fluid from the air passages. Take the kitten lying in the palm of the hand, its back towards the palm and neck between forefinger and third finger, its head protruding between the fingers. Enclose the kitten in the fingers and, turning the hand palm downwards with the arm extended, give a sharp swing several times; make quite sure first that you are not too near a table or other protruding edge or disaster will follow. The swing will have the effect of forcing fluids out of the air passages and a further wipe of nose and mouth will clear it away. The swing will also serve to stimulate respiration.

4. The next move imitates the licking of the abdominal wall and stimulates respiration. It comprises a stroking, rubbing movement with a clean towel. Follow this by a brisk,  rub dry, assuming that the kitten is by now showing regular breathing. It is imperative to rub the kittens tail as well to increase blood supply to it or the tip might go gangrenous and dry up and fall off. This is particularly important for c-section kittens. If it is not breathing regularly, some further form of artificial respiration may be necessary. Of these, mouth to mouth respiration is probably the most useful if carefully carried out. There are several essential points to remember. It is no use blowing fluids and debris further down: these must be cleared by the swing method and/or gentle shaking of the kitten in the head-down position. Secondly, the capacity of kitten lungs compared to the human is quite minute. Blow very gently and allow a pause for expiration. Repeat this cycle every three to five seconds. Ideally use a cut-down drinking straw to blow through as it is more hygienic and reduces the risk of damage to the kitten's lungs. ( I use a small length of bicycle valve tubing which is soft and pliable - Rusty) Various other methods have been used to make the new-born animal gasp. Among these may be listed brandy or other spirits transferred via a fingertip, and alternate hot and cold water applications. In general it must be said that if the newborn does not start obvious breathing within five minutes, it is probable that brain damage from lack of oxygen will have occurred and it is both unwise and inhumane to persist further and risk rearing a blind animal or a mental cripple.

Warmth is a primary essential for the newborn. The kitten cannot react to cold by shivering and cannot control its own body temperature. In nature, warmth is obtained by direct body contact with the mother and conserved by the maternal choice of an enclosed kittening bed. The first point to remember if help is required is that a newborn wet kitten loses heat very rapidly, hence the brisk rub dry. Follow this, if the mother is ill or not co-operative by contact with a warm, well-covered hot water bottle and conserve heat with a covering blanket. Great care must be taken not to inflict contact burns by having the bottle too hot. An acceptable alternative is the infra-red lamp widely used for pigs and puppies and readily obtainable. Its disadvantages are that many cats dislike the open bed required for its use, and it may make both mother and kittens too hot and lessen the normal close nursing contact.

A normal vigorous kitten when warm and dry needs no assistance from a midwife in finding its teat and commencing to suck. Occasionally an exhausted, restless, nervous or ill cat may fail to assist. Failure on the part of the cat to nurse the kittens should be checked by a veterinary surgeon to ascertain its reasons and for advice on the appropriate treatment for the cat. Meantime, neglected kittens or orphan kittens will need feeding.

In some circumstances the breeder may be faced with a decision to have kittens destroyed at birth. Apart from the agonising decisions concerned with sheer numbers, inability to hand rear or failure to find a foster mother, there are some cases where a kitten if reared is bound to lead a crippled existence and humanity necessitates its destruction. Some of these are obvious at the time of birth, others less so, and some only show defects considerably later. No list can be exhaustive, but as soon as possible a check should be made with the following defects in mind:

1. Severe hydrocephalus as shown by enlargement of the skull and evident presence of fluid.

Occasionally a cat may fail to pass the final set of fetal membranes after parturition appears to be complete. She will probably show some signs of restlessness and of abdominal discomfort and may be unwilling to settle with her kittens during the 24-72 hours after parturition. Her appetite will probably be poor and a brownish vaginal discharge may be seen. Examination will show a raised temperature and palpation, or feeling, through the abdominal wall will disclose a thickened lumpy area of womb containing the membranes. Veterinary treatment is called for if there is any malaise present. Antibiotic cover is necessary and hormones in the form of ecbolics may affect the expulsion of the retained membranes. Occasionally gentle palpation will cause the cat to strain and pass them.

Metritis, or inflammation of the womb, occasionally happens within three days of parturition. The cat is much more obviously ill than she is with a simple retention of fetal membranes. She will be dull and lethargic, will completely ignore her kittens and will refuse food. She may show an increased thirst for water and may vomit. A purulent, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina is present and the body temperature is raised. On palpation the abdomen is tender and the uterus is felt to be thickened Veterinary treatment, usually consisting of the administration of antibiotics, is indicated.

Uterine prolapse, or telescopinq of the uterus which then protrudes from the vulva may occur but only rarely as an acute post-parturient emergency. The appearance of the invaginated uterus at the vulva is self-evident. Initially the cat is noticed to be straining and uncomfortable despite the completion of parturition. If treatment is delayed the cat will rapidly become dull, shocked and lethargic, in a similar manner to the animal with a uterine rupture. It goes without saying that. uterine prolapse constitutes an emergency requiring immediate veterinary aid and surgical treatment.

Mastitis in its acute suppurative form sometimes occurs during early lactation. It is usually confined to one gland and may follow a simple congestion or overstocking. The affected gland will be tense, hot, painful and enlarged. If it is only congested, the application of heat and subsequent gentle massage will bring normal milk out of the teat orifice, and the situation may be speedily relieved by milking the gland concerned. If an abscess is present, the cat will be off her food, dull and feverish, and in addition to pain and swelling in the gland, a pointing, or purplish area of pressure from the accumulation of pus will be seen. Veterinary treatment is needed.