Premature labour

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Hi everyone,

I’m new to the forum and I’m looking for some advice or to hear from anyone who’s been through something similar to me.

First off, I’ve done a lot of reading on various forums and I’m really not looking for any judgement, just some help or reassurance if anyone has experienced this.

I bred my female Ragdoll with another Ragdoll and she was due between the 17th and 20th.

We had an X-ray on the 11th to find out exactly how many kittens to expect; there should be 4 or 5.

Then the nightmare started...

At 12:30 am, Mystik started meowing and wouldn't leave me alone until I followed her into the bathroom. I realised she was about to go into labour, so we got her kittening box ready.

At 1:15 am, she pushed a kitten out just like she was going to the toilet... it was stillborn, but she still looked after it, cleaned it, and ate the placenta. It weighed about 0.15 lbs.

At 1:45 am, she properly delivered the second kitten. It’s very small but lively. It’s trying to suckle and is quite wiggly. It weighs 0.12 lbs.

I should mention that I’ve called two different vets about the prematurity, and they both told me there isn't much to be done and that I just have to let nature take its course.

I haven't slept since; I'm staying right by them because my girl needs some help and encouragement to look after her kitten.

What I’m worried about, and my main question, is that it’s been nearly 18 hours since the second kitten was born and nothing else has happened... no contractions, no visible pain, and she seems to be acting normally.

I don't know why, but she growls when she goes to eat her dry food...

I called both vets again.

One told me that kittening usually lasts 12 hours at most and that I could bring her in tomorrow for hospitalisation.

The other said if nothing happens by tomorrow morning, I should bring her in for a scan to see if the babies are still alive and then decide what to do... but neither of them seemed particularly alarmed, and I just don't understand why?

My theory is that Mystik wanted to get rid of the stillborn kitten to protect herself, but another one came out with it... and she’ll carry the rest of the litter to full term? Is that even possible?

Many thanks

Translated from French
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    • Mimij
    Mimij Icon representing the flag French
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    So I’m gambling with my cat’s life? What a load of rubbish. It’s like human pregnancy – do you avoid having children just because there are a million reasons why things might go wrong? If there’s a hitch, there are doctors... So, that’s a stupid argument. Like I said before, I’m not asking for your opinions on my cat’s litter. It’s because of people like you that people like me, who are currently in "distress", end up leaving this forum without getting an answer to their original question... The mating was planned and controlled; unfortunately, there was a complication. In my first pregnancy, I had twin girls; sadly, I had pre-eclampsia and gave birth at 28 weeks... and I lost one of my daughters. Unfortunately, life is unpredictable even when you’re trying your best. No matter how much you research every possible scenario, there are always unique cases. Anyway, that’s not the point and I don't want to justify myself anymore. To update you on my story, in case it helps someone in the future... (this is a support forum, after all). The vet checked the heartbeats; two are beating, though it’s not certain if there’s a third. My cat is doing well; he gave her an injection to induce labour because the kittens can't stay in any longer. She’s stayed at the surgery and I’ll have news later this morning or during the day. Hello. I’m not judging you... I just hope you didn't do this to sell the kittens. You should know that when you’re in a tough spot, there’s never anyone there to help. Back in Madagascar, we don’t neuter our cats. I’ve kept all of mine; they are beautiful and they mate by choice ♡ I hope your cat is doing well, along with the little ones.
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    Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    thanks for the great news, could you post a photo for us, please? 👌

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    To wrap things up, everything is fine.

    It turns out that giving birth at 60 days can be viable. I’ll never know the cause of the stillborn kitten 😔, but apparently, it happens quite often...

    I also don't know what caused the premature labour, which is actually quite rare in cats.

    The babies are doing well and are gaining about 10g a day.

    Three boys and one girl (the girl is the biggest).

    Mystic is being a wonderful mum to her babies, so all is well for the time being.

    Translated from French
    Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    No idea about the placenta; yeah, the care your girl is getting is a bit shoddy! You’ll see, it’ll all turn out fine, but give the vet another ring and be a bit firm with him. It’s his job to look after her and make sure everything’s okay, isn’t it? Honestly!

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yeah, they’re absolutely useless... As for the placenta and any risks, I haven't got a clue, sorry.

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    An afterbirth has just come out and it smells foul... it confirms exactly what I thought about the local vets... I find it unacceptable that they didn't check to make sure everything had come out... that’s the absolute basics, surely. Three kittens were born there—should I be worried about the other placentas? Will they just come out on their own eventually? I know it’s dangerous and there’s a risk of infection if they decompose inside.
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello, it’s lovely news that your cat and her kittens are doing well. And congratulations to the mummy! 🙂
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I’m certain that whole “not feeling pain” thing is a myth lol. Anyway, everyone is back home now and a third little one arrived this afternoon. So there are four in total; Mystik seems much more settled. She’s grooming herself and leaving the babies be for the moment while they’re all sleeping. I just hope she’ll be able to nurse them without any trouble when they start crying for food. The kittens' survival will depend on their weight gain.
    Translated from French
    Tania28
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    Right, some reassuring news then, even if she (supposedly) isn’t in any pain—though I’m a bit sceptical about that myself; she’s definitely a bit shaken up.

    Whatever you do, don't try breeding her again.

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I don't know the first thing about genetics, so I'm certainly not going to get involved in all that. My cat doesn't have any genetic issues and I bred her with a male who was also healthy. You've obviously done your research on Ragdolls, which are "supposedly" known for not feeling pain... well, the reality is quite different. Try treading on their tail or a paw and you'll soon see if they don't jump a mile... My cat's temperament suits me down to the ground. And as far as I'm aware, the life expectancy of a moggy and a Ragdoll is exactly the same... so I don't see where the cruelty is in what I've done. I didn't just have my cat mated by anyone, and especially not at 6 months old like some professional breeders or other people who, in my opinion, are just irresponsible. So yes, the animal shelters are bursting at the seams and it’s heartbreaking. But if someone wants to live with a Ragdoll, a Birman, a Siamese or whatever, that's their choice. People really need to stop judging, honestly! I'd even compare it to adopting children because I look at my cat as my own child; some people want to adopt an Asian child, others African, others European – it's their choice. It's not for us to judge anyone. You’re fighting for animal welfare and that’s a great cause, but you should pick on the right people. In no way have I mistreated or abused my cat. I’ve been awake since 7am on Saturday – it’s now 3pm on Monday and I’ve had 5 hours of sleep in total. Even though I’m 5 months pregnant and absolutely exhausted, I’m stepping up and doing what needs to be done because I'm a responsible person. Anyway. Mystic is still at the vet's. She’s had two more kittens; I saw her briefly and she was really out of sorts, growling at everyone, even me. She seems to be looking after the two new ones well. The vet asked me to bring the first-born back to be with her. They’re going to do an X-ray or a scan to see if there’s another one left. Then she’ll be able to come home with the kittens.
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