This can prevent her from successfully birthing. A delay in contractions or weaker ones may require a vet’s assistance to provide hormonal stimulation. The last resort may lead to a caesarean section but other options will have been exhausted beforehand while keeping the kittens safe as possible.

After pregnancy the Queen will often take lead and provide maternal care to her children over the next few days and weeks. During the next few weeks its important to look out for a number of issues that can manifest post birth. Various infections can present themselves and its important to recognise these. For instance if the queen begins to exhibit a high temperature with hardening mammary glands, a closer examination is required. These are not immediate signs of danger but do indicate the presence of Mastitis and will cause concern if left untreated. A course of antibiotics and treatment using warm water to relieve the hardening lumps will bring the cat great comfort. There are times where more immediate effects will be apparent. Eclampsia may emerge as violent convulsions and are caused from the loss of calcium from the post-natal care being provided as a mother. Supplementing the queen’s diet is important but the immediate response to alleviate these symptoms will be a visit to a vet to provide an injection. Recovery will be almost instantaneous and is highly recommended. 

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