Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat just had kittens, but her placenta is stuck. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 4 months old | 10 lbs

My cat just had kittens and she is having problems. This is NOT her 1st litter. What I believe is the last kitten was a difficult 1 for her as it was breech. She got the baby out, rested, when it came time to deliver placenta, she had a hard time. Flinging the kitten here and there as she tossed herself around. The kitten separated from the placenta due to the thrash g and now shes having a hard time deliver g the placenta. We dont habe any financial means for vet. Should I try to get it out?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on May 13th, 2019

Kittens can come out head or butt first, it shouldn't make any difference. I would not recommend pulling on the placenta because you can tear the uterus. I would simply give Dusty time to pass it. If there are any more kittens, the placenta may pass with the next kitten. If she exhibits signs of illness (lethargy, not nursing the kittens, not eating, etc) then she needs to see a vet about the possibly retained placenta.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button