Depending on circumstances, experiencing the delivery of a kitten litter for the first time can be stressful. A mama cat (usually referred to as a queen) can take care of this on her own, but there are times when assistance of a human is essential for health and safety of each newborn.

You may ask yourself, “what can I do to be prepared for the birth of newborn kittens?”

When you can feel the babies move around in the tummy, you know it’s time to get prepared. Dedicate an area of the house specifically for the mama (queen) cat.   It’s best to have a warm and quiet corner.

The Bed

Source

You will need a store bought pet bed or cardboard box with clean towels. Color for towels is a matter of preference.  If you bleach everything and prefer linens without dyes, then select white. For those Costco members out there, you can purchase six Martex bath towels for $18. The thickness provides comfort for the mama cat and the package of six would allow opportunity to launder and ensure you have clean towels until the newborn kittens are weaned.

Towards the end of the pregnancy and until after the baby kittens are born, try laying the box on the side so the mama cat can easily walk inside.  Jumping into the box have proven to be difficult with a belly full of kittens.  Draping a small blanket or towel half way down the opening gives the mama cat comfort and privacy.  Once all the kittens are born, swap out the soiled towel for a clean one and place the box with opening on top.  Carefully place each kitten in the box.  It is perfectly natural for the kittens to cuddle up in a ball.

The Secondary Litter Box

Make a secondary litter box near the kitten nursery.  Whether you have a one or multi-cat household, a litter box nearby allows the mama cat to keep an eye on her newborn kittens.

Clumping litter for mama cat? Absolutely NOT! Litter often becomes stuck or attached to the fur and the last thing you want is the newborn to accidentally digest. Also, clumping litter is not eco friendly.

Clay litter? NO! Clay litter can stick to fur too and you do not want baby kittens to digest this either.

Pine pellets? Yes. After trying every type of litter availabe at the local pet stores, the pine pellets seem to work best when it comes to odor. You never smell the stank from the urine and once dried, poop is easily picked up with a large spaced litter scoop. Natural ingredients are used in this type of litter. Cost is comparable to clumping litter.

Corn litter? Yes. Though corn litter can stick to fur, it is digestable and also flushable. If you have a multiple kitten family, corn litter will quickly smell like amonia from the urine. Another reason why I prefer pine.

Secondary food/ dining area

In addition to the mama cats usual feeding area, make sure you have a bowl for clean water and one for dry food near the birthing bed/ box.

Special food:
KMR (kitten meal replacement) is formula for kittens and is also used for lactating mama cat. After having a litter of kittens, the mama cat will be drained of nutrients. KMR will keep the milk flowing and the fat on the mama.

First aid kit – essential for any delivery

Disposable gloves; 2×2 sterile gauze; pair of hemostats; sterile scissors; sewing thread or dental floss on spool; rubbing alcohol; hydrogen peroxide; band-aids; neosporin; Purell or other hand sanitizer and phone numbers for your vet and a 24-hour vet hospital.

Again, not every delivery is an easy one. You will need sterile gloves or at least clean disposable gloves in the event you should handle the newborn kitten. The sterile gauze is used to clean the sac or clear the airway of the newborn. Sterile scissors, sewing thread or unwaxed dental floss on spool is used in case you need to cut the umbilical cord. Rubbing alcohol is used to clean any instruments soiled. Peroxide, Neosporin and Band-Aids in case of any lacerations on humans. Purell to keep your hands clean if you are not wearing cloves at the moment.