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My cat gave birth to one kitten, then stopped pushing. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

It's been 3 hours since she gave birth to one kitten. There are more in her tummy, but she is not doing anything. Is that normal? Does she need more time?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 18th, 2016

If she is not straining to push at this time, then yes give her more time to birth the rest of the kittens at her own pace. This process, known as queening, can take up to 48 hrs to complete. Please try not to worry or stress her during her labor process as this can stall and prolong her labor. If no kitten is delivered after 30 minutes of active straining/pushing, then you should have her examined by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER.

125Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
No, this is not normal. This is an emergency. You need to take your cat to a vet or the Pet ER now.
21Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on July 9th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

If Mimi is still having contractions and is pushing (making faces?) for 10 hours with out the birth of another kitten then that is an emergency. She should be seen immediately. If she is NOT pushing or having contractions you can wait. Cats can delay labor for up to 24 hours. Be sure she is in a quiet room with no children, other pets or a lot of people. If she is calm and not contracting you can check on her every 2 hours. Otherwise it is an emergency.

I wish Mini the best!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 8th, 2017
That is definitely an abnormally long interval between giving birth and indicates a complication. If the kitten was born alive, then this is encouraging that the complication was not severe, but I am concerned that there are more kittens in there.

I recommend taking her to your veterinarian to assess whether the kittens are still in there and make sure the mom is in good health. If mom is acting normal and seemingly doing fine, then you can wait until normal business hour to see your vet, but the chances of the kittens being born alive decreases with more time. If the Mom is not acting normal, or you are noticing excessive bleeding or discharge from the birth canal, then I recommend having her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Sometimes these complications can be life threatening.

I hope that helps and all goes well with the new kittens.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 1st, 2019
I’m not sure what time zone you’re in, but if it has been more than four hours since the first kitten was born or if your cat has been actively pushing for more than 60 minutes with no kitten she may be having difficulty with labor and should be seen by a vet right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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