Cats normally have their kittens without incident and with little help from their human owners. However, when kittens are delivered in a breech position, it can bring about a few extra concerns. Here are a few of the most common questions about breech kitten delivery.

Is it possible to determine if kittens are breeched before labor starts?

It is usually not possible to tell that there is a kitten in a breech position, because they do a lot of moving right before and during labor. Therefore, even with an ultrasound that shows kittens in a face-down position, there is no guarantee that they will stay that way.

Is it normal for the kitten's tail to show up first?

Kittens are often delivered in a breech position, and this is usually no reason to panic. However, breech labor, especially for first-time queens, can be especially difficult. If you see the kittens tail or hind quarters show up first, you should be on alert as this could be a sign that your cat is going to have to work a little harder to deliver.

Is there anything you can do to help the cat deliver when the kitten is in a breech position?

If you see that your cat is having an especially difficult time delivering her breech kitten, it is possible to help her along, but only gently. If your cat has been aggressively pushing in labor for more than a half hour and you still see no signs of the kitten moving outward, it is time to step in. At this point, it is always best to contact a veterinarian, like Clovis Veterinary Hospital P A, for advice. In a lot of cases, you will be asked to bring the cat in for a possible cesarean. However, the vet may also instruct you to gently pull the kitten, along with the mother cat's contractions. If you do pull the kitten, gently grasp it only by its midsection. Never try to pull the kitten by the tail or back leg.

The biggest thing to keep in mind about a cat who is in labor is the fact that something could go wrong that threatens the life of both her and her babies, especially when the babies are being born breech. It is best to keep watch, talk to a veterinarian for advice, and do some research on what to expect during the whole labor process.