Video of cat giving birth

[Whistler]

Our little Siamese cat, Cinnamon, decided to have her kittens on the dining room floor. So Curly Miss and Little Mister got to watch the process, or part of it until they got bored and went to play Mario with Daddy.

I could not tear myself away, it was so amazing to get to watch the birthing process.

So if you or your kids are interested in seeing pictures and video of kittens being born, please see my blog entry: http://whistlererin.blogspot.com/200...s-kittens.html and enjoy!

[phatchristy]

Thanks for sharing!

Is she a pregnant cat that you rescued? Just wondering how she wound up becoming a momma!

Good luck with the kittens, hope you find great homes for them (if you're not keeping them).

[Whistler]

She is a stray Siamese that adopted us. I decided not to get her "fixed" but to let her become a momma, at least for now. We'll probably keep one of the kittens and make sure to find really good homes for the rest.

[because why not?]

Awww, that is such a great experience, isn't it? I'm sad there are too many cats in the world, because I wish every child could experience the birth process.

A few years ago we adopted a kitten, and I wanted to hold off until she was 6 months or older to have her spayed. She was pregnant at four months. She was an indoor cat but multiple males actually squeezed through a tear in the window screen to "play" with her, and I didn't find out about it until one day when I came into the kitchen in the middle of the night. I turned on the light and two cats collided with each other trying to run away. It was like finding out I had roaches The poor tiny kitten had SEVEN babies. She looked like an engorged tick by the end.

Anyway, my daughter got to enjoy the experience which, despite all of my disgusting insect metaphores, was lovely and sweet.
Afterwards, we had Rosie fixed... because there really just are way too many cats starving and freezing alone in the world.

[Sailor]

I've seen cats give birth, but it was always from a position of spying.

What surprises me is how in the open the cat is, and that she lets you touch her during this process. That's amazing!

All the cats I've known preferred to find a dark, secluded, and very private corner. I think they'd have bit my hand off had I tried to touch them.

So, that's amazing.

[kaylee18]

Please get your cat spayed before she has any more kittens. Please also contact the rescue organizations in your area for help getting the kittens spayed and neutered before they also find homes that think it's fine for them to reproduce.

Kittens do not "find really good homes." They use up really good homes that others could have had. This is why kittens are dying in shelters. Cats have many kittens at once, while humans have single babies; there are simply far more kittens being born than people, and this situation is fatal for the kittens, whether it's the ones you see or the ones you don't. I have seen far too many healthy, beautiful animals die due to this surplus, and I implore you to become part of the solution.

[phatchristy]

I've had limited time on the computer, been away from this thread.

I'm a bit concerned about FIV, FeLV among other diseases. Was she bred purposefully to a tested cat, or was she just let to roam around outside? That may be something you would want your vet to investigate in your cat, especially now that she has kittens, you don't want to adopt out kittens that may be infected.

It's actually preferalbe for a female cat to be spayed prior to the first heat if at all possible because it virtually eliminates the chance of mammary cancer and reduces the rate of reproductive tract cancers and pyometria.

As for the petting/touching of a cat in labor, it's best actually to let the queen labor on her own, undisturbed. Only stepping in if there is something out of the normal. Cats are similar to humans, they generally do quite well on their own, and touching/noises/etc. can induce a fight/flight adrenaline response in a female. Which can cause a cessation/delay in labor. And, I am not an unexperienced cat person. I am a former show breeder. I'm not against 'breeding' per se, but I'm for carefully planned pedigreed breeding with health tested parents.

I'm only including this information for anyone else reading the thread. Obviously this cat has already reproduced, and her kittens are already here. But, all of this information is verifyable by research for anyone who is interested.

[queenjane]

Also for any lurkers....

If you really want the experience of raising a momma cat and kittens, most shelters have a foster program....there is a need for foster homes specifically for pg and/or nursing cats and dogs. That way you can love on some little babies, without adding to the overpopulation problem, AND you have support in finding homes for the little ones when the time comes (and they will either be fixed before adoption or go out on contract.)

Also....there are SO MANY siamese cats and kittens in rescue, and in shelters....many of whom are put to sleep. Feel free to check out the Siamese rescue: http://www.siameserescue.org/ On Petfinder there is more than 3600 Siamese cats/kittens listed, more than any other breed...no doubt some of these are mixes but a great number are purebred.

I think people think "well, i'm finding these kittens each a great home, so its fine"...but for each home you place a kitten into, that is one more kitten in a shelter or rescue that does NOT find a home.

When its "kitten season" in my area, local dog pounds have to actually put teeny tiny adorable healthy kittens to sleep. Its really sad, and so so preventable.


Katherine

[blessedwithboys]

I really truly applaud all of the subsequent posters for bravely speaking out...

now to play devils advocate...OP, was the mama pregnant when you rescued her and you simply chose to let her give birth rather than remove her uterus while full of babies?

[Sailor]

I completely agree with the ethics of what everyone is saying - I'm heavily involved in rescue and see the overpopulation in shelters. Kittens are around by the dozens. As are adult cats. Finding good homes for the kittens you choose to breed in such a way simply makes less homes for those who truly need them. Especially since this type of thing could have been avoided if the cat had been spayed.

However, I'm still amazed by how out in the open this cat is! I've never seen that in cats before. You must have a close relationship with your cat for her to be so comfortable this way. Maybe I've just been unlucky, but all the cats that have ever been in my life were very solitary creatures.

[phatchristy]

Originally Posted by queenjane

Also for any lurkers....

If you really want the experience of raising a momma cat and kittens, most shelters have a foster program....there is a need for foster homes specifically for pg and/or nursing cats and dogs. That way you can love on some little babies, without adding to the overpopulation problem, AND you have support in finding homes for the little ones when the time comes (and they will either be fixed before adoption or go out on contract.)

Also....there are SO MANY siamese cats and kittens in rescue, and in shelters....many of whom are put to sleep. Feel free to check out the Siamese rescue: http://www.siameserescue.org/ On Petfinder there is more than 3600 Siamese cats/kittens listed, more than any other breed...no doubt some of these are mixes but a great number are purebred.

Keep in mind the overwhelming majority of the cats pictured at that siamese rescue are in fact random bred cats (I checked that site out). It's one of those things, any cat that has 'colorpoints' are often referred to as siamese. Being a siamese is more than just a matter of having the genetics associated with colorpoints. Himalayans too have the same genetics actually, and random bred cats can as well. What they have on that website seems akin to calling any longhaired cat a 'persian' which is most definitely not the case. But, as a friend of mine in rescue would attest to, they do prefer to label something as a specific breed if at all possible as it makes adult cats appear more 'valuable' and it can help them have a higher rate of adoption.

Here is a link to the breed profile of a siamese.

I definitely do agree that it would be a good experience to foster a queen.

It's also an excellent idea if you're going to adopt a cat to seek out an adult. Adult cats have their personalities determined, are better with young children, and you can definitely screen out the personality types that you like. Additionally, it's a great thing because so many people go for the 'cute, fluffy, kittens' while absolutely wonderful adults are euthanized at a higher rate. Having raised litters I can say honestly the two cats in my life that have been my 'soul kitties' (or whatever the term people use for them) both came to me as adults!

[phatchristy]

Originally Posted by Sailor

However, I'm still amazed by how out in the open this cat is! I've never seen that in cats before. You must have a close relationship with your cat for her to be so comfortable this way. Maybe I've just been unlucky, but all the cats that have ever been in my life were very solitary creatures.

You've been unlucky! I have people come to our home all the time who are amazed by our cats. They're outgoing, affectionate, playful and generally love to be around people. They talk to me, cuddle up to me on my lap, on my chest, will knead my shoulder and tummy (free massage ). They're generally really lovable, outgoing and attentive souls! They will approach and 'flirt' with strangers, asking to be petted!

I've been spoiled enough during my life with such wonderful persians I think it's unlikely that I'll ever get a dog or another type of pet again. They're just such affectionate companions.

[queenjane]

Originally Posted by phatchristy

You've been unlucky! I have people come to our home all the time who are amazed by our cats. They're outgoing, affectionate, playful and generally love to be around people. They talk to me, cuddle up to me on my lap, on my chest, will knead my shoulder and tummy (free massage ). They're generally really lovable, outgoing and attentive souls! They will approach and 'flirt' with strangers, asking to be petted!.

My cats are like that too. Esp my one female...she loves to be petted. She'll take affection from anyone. She esp loves men, for some reason.

But when she was a young cat i was stupid and let her get pg (put off spaying)...and even though she'd a love bug she still didnt give birth in the middle of the living area...but rather in a closet. All three kittens eventually died. It was a horrible experience, and i had her spayed pronto...i would NEVER ever want to repeat that experience.

I personally think kittens are overrated. Yeah they are cute and all, but so much more trouble/work than an older cat.

Katherine

[Sailor]

Darn it - where do you find these sociable cats? All the ones in my life refused to sit on my lap, spent lots of time alone in other rooms, and only came to me for petting when they wanted something, i.e. food, treats, play, etc.

That has been my only experience with cats. I'm always surprised by the stories of other cats. I wish I could get such a cat!

Maybe the pattern has been that I always picked up stray cats who left their mom WAY too early. Like 3, 4, 5, weeks, etc. Maybe that has something to do with it?

[Whistler]

Wow, sorry I shared this with you all. I never expected to get attacked in this way. I have always adopted shelter cats and supported ethical practices... but I don't need to defend myself here. This makes me really sad that people are so harsh and judgmental.


Edited to add: I am still pretty new here and I had the idea that people were pretty nice and definitely gentle here. This is kind of a shock, especially people like daekini who is obviously really passionate.

To ease your minds, I do NOT advocate random kitten-bearing. I didn't know she was pg and I didn't want to spay her when I found out. I agree that there are too many cats freezing and starving in the world but that the blame lies with irresponsible owners, of which I hope I am not one. Almost every cat I have ever had was a shelter cat and all have been fixed except this one, which I plan to do in the (near) future. I also plan to make sure all of the babies are fixed.

I appreciate people's passion to help animals be treated well. However, the manner in which you expressed it about left me in tears tonight. Ouch.

[Sailor]

I don't think it's so much judgmental as pointing out facts. Shelter cats and kittens are around by the handfuls. Breeding them just adds to that. It's the same thing in the dog arena. Our rescue is FILLED with dogs, and we can't save them all. There's 5 dogs for every spot we have open. And when people breed, it only adds to the problem.

There are a lot of rescue and shelter volunteers here, and I think we're just all responding to that. Emotionally, it's very hard to volunteer in rescue and shelter work, and then NOT say something when we see breeding that could have been avoided.

It's not an attack so much as a sharing of facts. I'm sure you had your reasons, but unless you've been to a shelter and helped in the euthanization(sp?) of numerous dogs and cats ... it is very difficult to understand why people would breed more. It just adds to the problem.

It's hard to see that, emotionally.

I did enjoy your video. I think birth is beautiful. But, emotionally, I also can't forget about the other side - the filled shelters and rescues, the many cats that are killed monthly, the lack of homes for these pets.

I, too, suggest you spay your cat. And, spay ALL the cats - before giving them homes. Otherwise, those cats might go on to make more cats, which will either wind up killed in shelters or will contribute to the overpopulation problem.

[Whistler]

Read my previous edit.

I feel attacked because all those sharing "facts" assumed the worst of me. I have been in shelters and volunteered for rescues. Trust me, I know the facts.

[Breathless Wonder]

Whistler-
Was the cat pregnant when she adopted you, and you chose not to abort the kittens? Was that what you meant by you didn't get her "fixed"?

FWIW- I don't know if I'd have the heart to spay an already pregnant animal. While I love puppies and kittens, it can be so hard to see "oops!" or intentional litters born into this world, when I know that in 2007, our shelter took in 2517 dogs, and 1998 cats, and 1525 of those dogs were euthanized, and 1749 of those cats were euthanized. 38 dogs died in the shelter of their own accord (from prior neglect or abuse?) and 34 cats died of their own accord. That mean 952 dogs and 215 cats walked out of our county shelter's doors alive. Many of those were transfered to other no kill rescues/shelters, but who knows what percentage of those animals got put to sleep for one reason or another once they were out of our shelter's accounting. all 3 major organizations took in 3015 dogs, and 2090 cats. After euthanization, and death from other causes, 1447 dogs and 304 cats left alive. That is only 47.9% of the dogs, and 14.5% of the cats. And with the economy being what it is, and the number of owner surrenders we have had this year... knowing that kitten season is coming up...and the huge litters of puppies the dogs around here have because so many females are allowed to get pregnant before a year of age...well, it turns my stomach.

I know you feel attacked, but I just wanted to give you some perspective as to why you may have received such negative reactions to your post.

[Breathless Wonder]

Whistler- we cross posted.

[Sailor]

Ah, gotcha. Ok. I think we assumed based on your second post. I don't think we, or at least I didn't, realize she was already pregnant.

In that case, I apologize, and withdraw my comments. Sorry - we do tend to get passionate on this board.

Anyway, I'm still amazed that your cat let you pet her and everything. I could just see my mom's cat taking my arm off in such a situation. It is a great video, I think. I love how natural and easy birth is for animals. Or at least, the ones I have seen.

I like the orange kitten. I'd totally want to take him, if I were closer and if I didn't have a big dog who thought cats were his personal prey.