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Postpartum Care for Queen Cats

Cats' postpartum care can be divided into natural birth and cesarean section. If it is a natural birth, the owner should provide a quiet environment and nutritious food for the cat after birth, and wipe its body with warm water every day, closely monitoring whether there are any adverse symptoms. However, for cats that have undergone a cesarean section, in addition to these, special attention should be paid to wound care, wearing an Elizabethan collar, applying medication on time, and keeping the wound dry.同时, the cat should be supervised to avoid vigorous exercise, and fed high-protein food, nutritional supplements, calcium tablets, etc., to help the cat recover.

Cats will consume a lot of energy during childbirth, and their bodies will be relatively weak after giving birth due to breastfeeding. Therefore, the owner needs to care for the cat carefully at this time so that the cat can recover faster.

  1. Natural Birth Cats

Cats who give birth naturally usually do not have large wounds, so there is no need for additional wound treatment and care. However, since the cat's nerves and body are relatively weak after giving birth, the owner should provide a comfortable environment for the postpartum cat to rest and recuperate. Additionally, attention should be paid to the ambient temperature. If it is winter, keep the cat warm; if it is a hot summer, ensure proper ventilation.

Cats usually begin to eat within 24 hours after giving birth. The owner can prepare foods such as chicken breast, beef, and eggs in advance, crushing and cooking them before feeding the cat to help replenish nutrients and regain strength. Also, move the cat's litter box, food bowl, and water bowl closer to the cat's location to facilitate eating and elimination.

Cats cannot take a bath after giving birth. The owner should use a clean towel to moisten with warm water and clean the cat's private parts, breasts, and tail daily. After cleaning, promptly wipe off excess moisture to prevent the cat from catching a cold.

In addition to daily care, the owner should also closely monitor whether the cat exhibits symptoms of low blood calcium such as vomiting, heavy breathing, and convulsions, or persistent low or high temperature, bloody or purulent secretions from the nipples or vulva, and lethargy. If any of these symptoms appear, consult a veterinarian immediately.

  1. Cesarean Section Cats

For cats who have undergone a cesarean section, in addition to daily care, the most important aspect is wound care. Because the uterus needs to be cut during the surgery, cesarean section cats need a longer recovery time than cats who give birth naturally.

Normally, the wound left by the cat's cesarean section requires at least seven days to heal. Therefore, the cat should wear an Elizabethan collar after surgery to prevent it from licking the wound. The collar can be removed occasionally when the owner is watching. Secondly, the owner should disinfect and apply medication to the wound daily, avoid intense exercise to prevent the wound from splitting, and keep the wound dry to prevent the cat from staying in a damp environment.

It should be noted that cats are more likely to experience low blood calcium after a cesarean section, which can lead to seizures. Owners should promptly supplement calcium for the cat after surgery, such as feeding nutritional supplements and calcium tablets, to prevent low blood calcium and promote wound healing. Also, feed the cat more high-protein foods to help recovery.