Sphynx cat: photos that are admired and horrified

Heat and signs of pregnancy

Estrus in animals is the period of sexual arousal.
At this time, females are ready to conceive and bear offspring. The regularity and duration of estrus depends on many factors. On average, this phenomenon lasts 10-15 days and repeats every 3-4 weeks until pregnancy. Domestic cats may experience periods of sexual arousal throughout the year. However, in early spring the animal's activity can be even more noticeable. To monitor the process of obtaining offspring, a special pregnancy calendar for sphinxes has been developed. With its help, you can determine the date of appearance of the first signs, the expected day of birth and the date of resettlement of the offspring to new owners.

3 weeks after a successful mating, you can notice the following changes in the animal’s condition:

• increase in nipple size;
• changing their color from pale to bright pink;
• at week 4, signs of toxicosis may be observed - the animal becomes lethargic and loses appetite;
• from the fifth week body weight increases;
• After the sixth week, you can notice colostrum in the nipples.

How long the pregnancy lasts depends on the individual condition of the animal and the number of kittens. In Sphynx cats, the average duration is 62 days. An individual error of up to 5 days in one direction or another is possible. The more kittens to be born, the shorter the gestation period. Stress experienced by the cat can complicate the pregnancy and childbirth of the Canadian Sphynx.

If the owner of the animal is not sure of the successful outcome of the mating, you can contact a veterinary clinic and show the pet to a specialist.

Estrus is a period of sexual arousal; its occurrence and regularity depend on various factors. One heat lasts about two weeks. It is repeated approximately every 3-4 weeks until the cat becomes pregnant. Pets can experience sexual desire at any time of the year, but activity is most common in early spring.

In the first weeks, pregnant Sphynx cats become more affectionate, they experience drowsiness and loss of appetite. The main signs appear after three weeks:

1. 1. Nipples increase in size and change color.
2. 2. The fourth week usually begins with toxicosis.
3. 3. In the fifth week, the animal’s weight begins to increase.
4. 4. In the sixth week, colostrum appears in the mammary glands.

How long does it last?

Sphynx cats bear kittens from 63 to 66 days, and if the animals go 4-5 days longer, this is not considered outside the norm. The following signs indicate that an animal is about to give birth:

• the appearance of whitish discharge;
• the sphinx becomes very apathetic and lethargic;
• nipples protrude, areas of fur around them thin out;
• The mammary glands begin to enlarge.

Experts noticed several patterns. The older the cat, the greater the number of kittens she can bear, while a larger litter shortens the duration of pregnancy - therefore, with an older cat, you should keep a calendar and record all the changes that occur to her in order to approximately calculate the date of birth. Too large deviations lead to severe pathologies of kittens and even their loss.

It should be borne in mind that sexual maturity in animals of this species occurs at approximately 7 months, but if progesterone is not produced in sufficient quantities, then estrus can occur every 3 months, and if the cat mates on these days, then any mating can lead to fertilization.

As a result, kittens are born of different ages - the very first ones will be healthy, but the subsequent ones will be underdeveloped and in most cases non-viable.

The duration of pregnancy in such a situation is calculated from the very first contact with the cat. And if during pregnancy the cat experienced stress (the reasons can be very different, from loud noises in the house to short-term separation from the owner), then with a high degree of probability she will give birth much earlier than the due date.

Before giving birth, it is necessary to prepare the birth place

The simplest option is a spacious cardboard box, in which you need to make holes on the sides for additional ventilation.

The future place for the cat to give birth and the future life of the kittens must meet the following requirements: 1. open from the top rather than from the side - this will make it more convenient for you to monitor the birth and change the bedding in the future; 2. when the top is closed, there must be an exit for the cat so that the kittens are closed, but the cat can independently go out about its business.

Place clean diapers or sheets at the bottom of the box. It is recommended to cover everything on top with disposable diapers (available at the pharmacy) and then change them regularly. Place the box in the quietest corner.

As soon as “hour X” comes and the cat begins to prepare a birthing place for itself: rummaging everywhere, climbing into or on cabinets, collecting material (pieces of newspapers) for the nest, this means the first stage of labor has begun. Take her to the box, pet her, talk in a gentle voice, show her that the nest is ready for her.

Signs of imminent labor

An experienced breeder determines the imminent onset of labor within a few days. This makes it possible to prepare for the process and make it as smooth as possible. The pregnancy of the Canadian Sphynx and the upcoming birth leave an imprint on the appearance and behavior of the animal:

• the mammary glands swell and colostrum oozes from them;
• the cat often licks its genitals;
• the animal may lose its appetite;
• the nose and ears become cold, the overall body temperature decreases;
• a pregnant pet is looking for a secluded corner where she tries to hide in order to build a place for herself to give birth;
• if the expectant mother accepted the place offered by the owner, she often climbs into it;
• From time to time the sphinx shows restlessness - it follows its owner, meows, rubs against its legs and demands attention.

Immediately before the onset of labor, the animal's breathing becomes intermittent. The cat can lie on its side with its hind legs extended. The most reliable sign is the release of amniotic fluid and the appearance of contractions.

When the kitten is born, the female licks it and bites through the fetal membrane, freeing first the head of the cub and then the body. Then the mother independently gnaws the kitten's umbilical cord and eats the afterbirth. She needs this, since the placenta contains a large amount of hormones and other biologically active substances that are beneficial for the cat.

Changes in behavior

The period for which sphinxes bear kittens depends on the age of the female. They usually bring from 1 to 12 babies per pregnancy. The number of offspring may increase as the cat gets older. If you allow the animal to mate too early, the body may not be able to withstand the load and the cat will die along with the kittens. During the process of bearing kittens, the behavior of the Sphynx can change significantly:

• the animal begins to refuse its favorite food and become picky;
• the cat walks around the apartment in search of a new shelter for its offspring;
• sometimes aggression towards the owner and other inhabitants of the house, including pets, occurs.

There is no need to worry about such changes. Gradually the animal will get used to its new state and behave as usual.

What happens during childbirth?

We know that false pregnancy is not uncommon in dogs. It may be less common, but it also occurs in cats. Moreover, in sphinxes more often than in cats of other breeds.

Suddenly your cat begins to behave in the same way as during a normal pregnancy. You will see that your nipples have become swollen and increased in size. She is constantly thirsty and drinks often. The appetite is “brutal”, he eats everything. The belly gradually increases. Mucus discharge is constantly visible near the vagina. And milk comes out of the mammary glands.

The psychology of behavior also changes sharply, that is, it becomes the same as that of a pregnant cat. First of all: she becomes restless. She doesn’t just rush around the apartment, but looks for a place where she will give birth. She pulls soft toys, mittens, and knitting threads into her mouth and takes them to a “safe place” (she imagines that these are her children).

How can you be sure that this is a false pregnancy?

Only a veterinary clinic: first of all, ultrasound, blood tests and a careful examination by a veterinarian. If the doctor concludes that the pregnancy is false, you must strictly follow his recommendations. Remember: failure to do so may result in the loss of your pet.

We will not go into the medical details of this condition; if any of you are interested in this, it is better to familiarize yourself with the medical literature or talk to your doctor. But each of the owners should have general concepts and we will try to briefly explain them to you.

In terms of time, this usually happens a month or two after menstruation. The Sphynx cat talked, was on a hunt, with a cat who had been neutered for a long time, or may not be in full health for fertilization. That is, “not with the right person.”

It may also be the other way around: the cat herself at that time was not ready for normal mating. There are often cases when there was no mating, and the cat simply communicated with a pregnant “friend”.

She sees the behavior of her pregnant friend, accepts it and transfers it onto herself, and in her subconscious there is a suggestion that she is also pregnant. Psychologists in such cases say: I took the imaginary for the real.

The cause may also be nervous or psychological stress. For example, a Sphynx cat went for a walk and got lost, got lost, and spent a long time looking for each other with its owner.

Maybe the owner left altogether, or moved everyone to live in another place. Or, God forbid, his death. Cases of hormonal disorders in the cat’s body are also very common.

What should we, their owners, do? First of all: do not panic or draw your own conclusions without consulting a doctor. You simply must understand that the cat completely feels pregnant; you must fully enter into her position.

Like never before, take her in your arms, caress her, stroke her, walk and play with her. If possible, do not leave her alone. Reduce the amount of milk in her diet and generally resist her desire to eat more.

Buy a massage cream or gel at the pharmacy and massage the mammary glands, avoiding mastitis and other problems.

One to four weeks pass and everything goes away on its own. Therefore, if there are no complications, there is no reason to panic. Surely, already at the next heat, normal mating will take place, and your friend will successfully prepare to become a real mother.

But, unfortunately, it also happens that the situation repeats itself from heat to heat. Make the decision only together with your doctor, but in our opinion, you will have to go for sterilization.

Old veterinarians generally say that if you are breeding Sphynx cats, then this condition is in your favor: the cat has died, there are children left, so the “false mother” comes to their aid. In general, in the wild, this phenomenon benefits reproduction. But you have a sphinx. That is, a breed that has a hereditary tendency to this bad disease. Be careful, this is all very, very serious.

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The Sphynx (also known as the Canadian Hairless cat) is a rare breed of cat known for its lack of hair. According to Wikipedia, the modern Sphynx breed appeared in 1966. Sphynx cats are known for their extroverted behavior. They exhibit high levels of energy, intelligence, curiosity, and love for their owners.

Registered breeders of these cats are usually very passionate about this unique breed, and many of them are constantly working to improve the temperament and health of their breed. Of course, they are in business, but their business can only grow successfully if they produce and sell healthy, cute and adorable cats.

Ready to help your cat give birth to her kittens? You'll be surprised, but chances are you won't need to do anything to help with the birth process.

However, you should know how to identify potential problems and what measures to take if assistance is needed during the birth process.

Signs of impending birth are primarily nesting and behavioral changes. These include restlessness, heavy breathing and excessive grooming of your genitals. There may also be a drop in body temperature and the cat may feel sick. You may also see blood or other colored fluid discharge.

Your biggest role may be preparing the birth area. To do this, you can use old newspapers, clean towels, and an additional cardboard box into which a giving birth cat can transfer her kittens is also useful.

There can often be a delay of 10 to 60 minutes between kittens being delivered, although longer periods of time are not uncommon. If the delay continues for more than four hours, and you are sure that there are still kittens, you need to call a veterinarian.

The entire birth process can take up to six hours.

Unfortunately, stillborn kittens also appear. All you can do is remove the dead kitten.

• Special box for kittens (with heating pad). You can make it yourself from an ordinary strong cardboard box or purchase it at a pet store.
• Sterile surgical gloves.
• A pipette or syringe to remove fluid from the mouth and nose.
• Sterile thread.
• Antiseptic.
• Scissors.
• Clean towels.
• Vaseline oil.
• Phone number of a veterinarian who can urgently come to your home.
• Cat milk replacer.
• Scales
• Notebook, pen.
• As for medicines, it is advisable to buy gamavit (vetpeparat), calcium gluconate in ampoules, glucose, ascorbic acid, cardiac medications (cordiamin, caffeine, camphor), oxytocin. You shouldn’t use more serious remedies yourself; you could lose all the kittens and the cat.

• In the last weeks of pregnancy, the cat's mammary glands enlarge.
• About two days before giving birth, your cat begins to produce milk.
• The cat can begin “nesting” - setting up a place for birth.
• The temperature drops to about 37 degrees.
• In the last two days of pregnancy, the cat loses its appetite.
• Changes in behavior occur. During the last week before giving birth, the cat may either become reclusive and look for a secluded place where she can hide from everyone, or she may become more affectionate, especially if she has a very close bond with one of their owners.
• Anxiety.
• Frequent licking of the genitals.

A cat's uterus has two horns that meet in the central cavity of the uterus (like a Y). The cervix is ​​at the end of the cavity and is closed during pregnancy. Developing kittens are located in the uterine horns and are attached to the mother with the help of an umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is attached to the placenta, which connects mother and kittens. The role of the placenta is to transport nutrition from mother to kittens and waste in the opposite direction.

The birth process includes three stages.

First stage.

Childbirth begins with contractions of the uterus. At this stage, the cervix begins to open. Vaginal discharge may occur. This discharge is a mucus plug that was in the cervix during pregnancy and separated the uterus from the vagina. At the first stage, labor pains arise and become more frequent.

Second stage of labor.

Contractions become stronger and more frequent, and the cervix opens completely. The cat is ready to give birth. The kitten moves through the birth canal. Pressure on the cervix causes the mother to push the kitten out. You may even see the cat straining to push it out. The kitten is often born in the amniotic sac, or the sac ruptures while the kitten is moving through the birth canal.

Third stage of labor.

Immediately after the kitten is born, the placenta is usually delivered. As soon as the mother cat has licked the kitten and it begins to breathe normally, she chews the umbilical cord and often eats the placenta.

Important: if a kitten is born, be sure to pay attention to whether the placenta has been delivered. It’s better to take a piece of paper and a pen and write down how many placentas came out so you don’t forget it out of excitement. This is extremely important, as placenta remaining in the birth canal can lead to a life-threatening infection.

Resumption of labor.

Once the kitten is cleaned, the cat begins to push it towards the nipple. Then uterine contractions resume and the next kitten is born. As a rule, this occurs 10-60 minutes after the appearance of the previous kitten

Most cats are quite capable of giving birth unassisted, so your role is to observe and not interfere with the birth process unless there are any problems.

Care and nutrition

A pregnant Sphynx requires special nutrition. Cat food should be selected based on its age and individual condition. The diet should contain more foods rich in protein and calcium. You can purchase special food for pregnant women or for kittens.

It is also necessary to care more carefully - at this time the cat requires more attention. It is better to avoid walking outside at this time. If you don’t take care of your pet, repeated fertilization is possible, which will not benefit the cat’s health and will harm future offspring.

All medications your cat takes during pregnancy should be approved by your veterinarian. This is especially true for anthelmintic, insecticidal and acaricidal drugs.

During pregnancy, immediately after lambing, the animal especially needs its own housing. You can build a cozy nest for a cat. It is better to place it in a warm, quiet place without drafts. A pregnant pet's house should be low enough so that she does not have to make sudden movements or jump from great heights.

As the size of the belly increases, the cat will not be able to reach certain places to lick itself. This may require the help of a loving owner. You can wipe the animal's skin with a clean cloth soaked in warm water.

In recent days, you should not leave the cat unattended for a long time. If the condition and behavior of the animal causes concern, you can invite a veterinarian to your home or go to the nearest clinic. It is advisable to have the doctor's direct phone number with you.

Who would have thought that hairless cats with dissatisfied faces would gain such popularity. We are talking about sphinxes. Some experience delight at the sight of animals, others feel disgust and disgust, but no one remains indifferent. From our article you will learn everything about the genera of sphinxes.

Carrying kittens and a two-month pregnancy greatly affects the health and behavior of the pet. Hormonal changes will bring with them apathy and nervousness. The main point during pregnancy is increased attention to the Sphinx.

For food, you can use special food for pregnant cats or even food for newborn kittens. Portions should be small and well ground. The cat must have access to fresh and clean water. Moreover, there is no difference in the pregnancy of a Canadian or Don Sphynx.

Any additional medications must be approved by your veterinarian. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to experiment with medications and suspend any treatment courses. Among the general recommendations, the following can be noted. Try to limit walking outside (especially important for owners of private houses).

The pet needs peace and care, but keeping it locked up for two months of pregnancy is not entirely correct. Two or three walks in the early stages (in the later stages - solely at the owner’s own risk) can be completely tolerated. The ideal option for a pregnant cat would be a personal home. Of course, this is expensive, but what can’t you do for bald pets?

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A budget option would be a regular cardboard box with soft padding. It is important that the toilet and food bowls are within walking distance.

IMPORTANT! Apathy and lethargy do not exclude the possibility that the Sphinx will want to conquer the next peak. For example, climb onto the top shelf of a closet, where it is warm or dry, or hide in a pile of clothes in the hallway.

Protect the pregnant Sphynx from contact with other animals and excessive attention from children.

Childbirth takes place quickly, but much depends on the state of health and the number of kittens. In rare cases, labor can last a whole day with long breaks. It is important to keep in mind that the shorter the periods between the births of kittens, the better. Otherwise, specialist intervention will be required.

Do not leave a pregnant cat alone, do everything possible for comfortable pregnancy and childbirth, and soon your home will be filled with the joyful squeaks of newborn babies.

Useful materials:

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A cat that is in an interesting position requires increased attention. You should limit her from walking outside, as re-conception may occur, which will negatively affect both the condition of the cat and the health of the kittens.

The Sphynx must be fed with special food for pregnant women; the animal’s diet must contain a sufficient amount of protein and calcium.

It is also worth making sure that the Sphynx cat has its own place; it should be clean, cozy and warm. A house for a sphinx can be purchased at a pet store, or you can build it yourself using a cardboard box. It is important to monitor the animal and protect it from sudden movements and jumps.

Feed replacement

Even the most expensive and elite food can cause digestive upset in a pet. Problems with bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation, and general deterioration in health indicate that the body does not accept the food offered.

The kitten becomes restless, refuses to play with the owner, and eats reluctantly. It is necessary to contact a veterinarian and have the animal examined. If no objective reasons have been identified, then the deterioration of the condition is caused by poor nutrition. In this case, it is necessary to change the food.

The change in diet is approached gradually. Choose another feed manufacturer. Add some new ones to the old granules and offer them to the kitten. Sphynxes are very sensitive to substitution and at first they can sort out their food, choosing the usual one.

The replacement process is lengthy; if the cat categorically refuses to eat the new food, it is necessary to purchase another one. This is how the trial method is used to achieve a complete replacement of nutrition. You need to be patient, because the health of the pet is in the hands of the owner.

Preparing for the event

Sphynx pregnancy lasts about two months - from 60 to 70 days. During this time, you should get used to the idea of ​​expanding your family and prepare for the event. There is no need to worry about the process itself. As a rule, females cope with everything themselves. Sphynx cats have very well developed maternal instincts, so if the cat is healthy and has not had any problems during pregnancy, trust her. But there are points that you should take care of.

Location requirements

Cats are independent creatures and love to spend time alone and in silence. And during the birth process, cats generally have a special mental state, so they need peace and privacy. It would be better if it was a separate, quiet room. But you can select a secluded corner and put a special cat house in it or build it from a large cardboard box.

The best option is if it opens from the top, but has a small hole on the side so that the cat can get out to eat and go to the toilet. This hole should be located at such a height that small kittens cannot then accidentally crawl out of the box. You need to lay something soft inside to make it warm and comfortable.

As soon as you notice that the pet has begun to worry, look for a secluded place and drag soft things there, place it in the house and stay with it, gently talking and stroking it. This way the animal will calm down and understand that there is no need to look for a place anymore.

Usually cats cope with everything themselves: they help the kitten to appear, lick it, and gnaw the umbilical cord. But you must be ready to join the process at any time and help your pet. Especially if she is giving birth for the first time.

So, you will need:

• sterile medical gloves, which can be purchased at any pharmacy;
• sterile thread, disinfectant, scissors. You will need these tools if you need to cut the umbilical cord;
• small pipette or syringe: for sucking liquid from the nasal and oral cavity;
• clean soft napkins or pieces of cloth;
• Vaseline oil;
• artificial food: it is better to purchase a special one for cats, but as a last resort, for the first time you can get by with high-quality children’s food;
• if you want to monitor whether the baby is developing correctly, then scales, paper and a pen to record the weight;
• colorful ribbons: used to mark kittens. It is very convenient when artificial feeding or when there are a lot of babies, they help make sure that everyone eats.

In addition, it is better to make arrangements in advance with the veterinarian who cares for your cat in case of unforeseen situations.

Don Sphynx kittens

Sphynxes are born blind, deaf and toothless. All these features begin to disappear by two weeks after birth. At four weeks, kittens can already feed themselves and begin to crawl out of their “nest.”

Being in a cozy and warm nest, kittens feed on their mother's milk. Female Sphynx cats usually do not have problems with milk.

Owners do not have to feed the kittens.

The cat keeps the maternity nest clean all the time the Don Sphynx kittens are near their mother. The mother regularly licks and washes her offspring. It is advisable to give kittens to new owners at the age of 1.5–2 months. The kids will get stronger and become completely independent. You can come up with nicknames for kittens in advance, or you can leave this choice to new owners (especially if a pedigree is not expected).

Process Features

This breed does not have any special features during pregnancy and lambing. Therefore, to the question, how do sphinxes give birth? There is only one answer - quite easy.

However, when Sphynx cats give birth, especially for the first time, they may require the presence of their owner. They announce this with loud meows.

At such a crucial moment, a pet needs moral support and the presence of a person close to it.

However, there are a number of things that need to be taken care of in advance to ensure that mommy's first lambing goes smoothly.

It is necessary to prepare a place for the cat before the birth begins. A cardboard box with an open top is ideal; you can make holes in the sides for better ventilation. It is also worth taking care of insulating the box with towels or other material. It’s also a good idea to use a heating pad; kittens should be kept warm.

Most often, Sphynx cats give birth to kittens without outside help (that is, help from the owners). However, it is necessary to have a number of available means and tools for an emergency and to facilitate the birth canal of the offspring. The main list consists of things like:

• Pipette for removing mucus from the mouth and respiratory tract;
• Sterile scissors and thread;
• Diapers or clean rags;
• Clean water with a temperature of 38 degrees;
• Vaseline oil;
• Cat milk replacer;
• Antiseptic;
• The number of a veterinarian who will help you in case of force majeure.

The process itself consists of three stages:

1. Contraction of the uterus: the vagina opens, minor discharge (mucus plug) and contractions may occur.
2. Contractions become more frequent and stronger. The cervix is ​​completely open and the fetus begins to move through the birth canal. Due to the pressure on the cervix, the cat strains to push the baby out as quickly as possible. The kitten may be born in a bladder if it does not rupture during birth. As a rule, the cat bursts the bubble itself and licks the kitten completely to open its airways and stimulate breathing. Variably, this can take from 10 minutes to an hour. If the stage has begun, more than an hour has passed, and the baby has not appeared, call the veterinarian.
3. After the baby is born, the placenta comes out. After the cat licks the kitten and makes sure that everything is fine with it, it gnaws the umbilical cord and eats the placenta. At this stage, it is important to ensure that the placenta appears after each baby; if it gets stuck in the birth canal, this can lead to a dangerous infection. To be completely sure, if you are alone at the birth, it is better to write it down.

After the mother has taken care of the baby, she will push him towards the nipple. If this does not happen, you can apply it to the baby’s nipple yourself. Childbirth resumes. In between, the cat licks itself and rests. There are times when the process seems to be completed, and then after a few hours it resumes again.

Puberty of cats

The onset of puberty depends on belonging to a particular breed. For example, Siamese and Balinese ripen earlier. Representatives of large-bodied breeds, Maine Coon and Scottish Straight, are distinguished by late maturation. Physiological maturity also depends on the time of birth of the kitten. Those born in summer become sexually mature faster than in winter.

During the maturation period, the so-called “cat” songs begin. These are gentle meows and uterine sounds that communicate intentions. Such “concerts” can last a long time. The cats become overly affectionate and loving. They constantly clean themselves up and mark their territory. They often rub against the owner's legs and the legs of tables and chairs.

It happens that a cat demands a cat, but due to her age she is not yet ready for pregnancy. In this case, on the advice of a veterinarian, you can reduce libido with medications. This will calm your pet, and she will stop asking to go outside. The owner will protect himself from unplanned mating and the associated unwanted pregnancy of the cat.

In what cases should the owner seek help from a specialist?

– wipe the kitten with a towel, cut the umbilical cord (if the mother does not do this)

-remove fluid from the kitten's respiratory tract if necessary

– difficult passage of the fetus (for example, a kitten that is too large). In this case, it is enough to lubricate the cat’s vagina with Vaseline oil.

- the kitten got stuck in the birth canal. This is a relatively rare occurrence, but if this happens, the owner should be able to help the cat even in the absence of a veterinarian. Use a hand towel or flannel handkerchief to make a kitten loop. Carefully place it on the kitten's body. Without putting much effort, pull out the kitten's body little by little, following the cat's attempts.

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- weak contractions. Solution: intramuscular injection (in the thigh, with an insulin needle).

Option 1. Gamavit

Option 2. Oxytocin. It is placed only if you are sure that the uterus is OPEN. For a medium-sized cat, you can start with a dose of 0.1 ml... look after 20 minutes, if nothing happens, repeat, but this time 0.2 ml, wait another 20 minutes and set 0.3 ml. We carefully monitor that there is no bleeding (bleeding is the volume of a tablespoon, not a drop)

Option 3. Cocktail that stimulates labor: the effect of the cocktail is fundamentally different from the mechanism of action of oxytocin and similar drugs (oxytocin “works” at the level of nerve fibers, “causing” the muscles of the uterus to contract, and the cocktail stimulates the contraction of the smallest blood vessels without affecting the nerves ...

therefore, “uterine fatigue” does not occur...)...Moreover, if it is necessary to use oxytocin, it is recommended to inject such a cocktail “before that”. The recipe itself: 4 ml (cube) glucose 4 ml (cube) calcium gluconate 2 ml (cube) ascorbic acid acids, all components are selected into one syringe, total volume = 10 ml (cubes). Single dose, for a medium-sized cat = 1 ml. Inject after the birth of the first kitten!

-If, despite all the signs of pregnancy, labor does not occur on time.

-If there are signs of the preparatory period of labor, but labor itself does not occur, there are no contractions and attempts. With such signs, one can assume uterine atony, that is, the absence of labor.

-If there are attempts and strong contractions, but the kitten is not born. In such cases, you cannot wait long (an hour maximum), otherwise the cat will become very tired of fruitless attempts and, after helping in the birth of the first kitten, will be unable to continue labor. The reasons for this situation may be the large size of the kitten, its incorrect position in the uterus, or inversion of the uterine horn.

-If only part of the kitten has appeared and, despite all the efforts of the cat, it is not born. Most often, this is due to the incorrect position of the fetal limbs. For example, if a kitten walks with its head, and you only see its muzzle and one paw. This means that the second limb in the shoulder is turned back and pressed against the body, the kitten in the shoulder girdle cannot pass through the cat’s pelvic opening. This situation should be urgently discussed with a doctor, perhaps before his arrival you will be able to help the kitten.

-If a kitten is born dead or with any abnormalities (for example, premature, “bloated”). A dead kitten may be the result of injury or weak labor.

-If the cat still has kittens in the uterus, and labor has stopped or greatly weakened.

-If a cat has kittens in the uterus, active labor remains, but kittens are not born (that is, only part of the litter was born). One can assume inversion of one uterine horn or part of the horn.

-If after the birth of all the kittens there are placenta left in the uterus

-If, after the cessation of labor, you have doubts whether all the kittens were born.

There are situations in which the cat cannot or does not have time to cope on its own (short interval between births). Therefore, you should be alert if:

• The release of amniotic fluid and the birth of the baby coincided. You must make sure that the baby does not choke: turn him upside down and shake him lightly. If he sneezed or sighed, everything is fine;
• the cat did not have time to free the kitten from the bubble. Tear it, carefully wipe the baby with a soft napkin or cloth, use a syringe or pipette to clean the nasal and oral cavities;
• the cat did not chew the umbilical cord. To avoid blood loss, tie the umbilical cord with a thread and cut it with scissors. Everything must be sterile;
• if the kitten is too weak and does not breathe normally. Perform very lightly (with gentle finger pressure) cardiac massage and artificial respiration;
• if the movement of the fetus is difficult or stuck. Lubricate your vagina with Vaseline oil. Make a loop from a soft napkin or cloth and slowly help pull the baby out while pushing;
• weak contractions. Consult your veterinarian and get a stimulation shot;
• In any unclear situation, call your doctor.

When do you need veterinary help?

In most cases, the cat copes with the birth of kittens on her own. But there are times when the help of a loving owner is extremely necessary. Sometimes, due to fatigue and pain, a cat can “squeeze” a cub that is only halfway out. Most often, this happens if the kitten walks forward with its hind legs.

Such situations require immediate intervention. The easiest way to help is to grab the cat by the scruff of the neck so that it stands upright on its hind legs.

By switching to a new stimulus, the woman in labor will relax the vaginal muscles and the kitten will be born. If this does not help, then more radical measures should be taken. You need to carefully take the kitten with a gauze cloth (a clean cloth or a gynecological glove) and pull it out with light, rocking movements. This should be done at those moments when the cat begins to struggle.

Normal birth in British cats does not require specialist intervention. However, owners should observe how the cat behaves after giving birth. If certain symptoms occur, you should immediately call your nearest veterinary clinic.

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• labor does not begin more than 70 days after conception;

• there are signs of fever and increased temperature in cats before giving birth;

• fever in cats after birth;

• the appearance of bright red discharge from the vagina, lasting more than 10 minutes;

• unpleasant and pungent odor from the vagina;

• contractions in cats without continuation of labor for a long time (more than an hour);

• restless behavior of the cat after the termination of labor.

Features of the first birth

The first meeting of a cat and a male cat does not always end in pregnancy. There are many reasons for this - from banal fear (you have to get used to your partner) to loud scandals and, oddly enough, incompatibility. The female may become aggressive if she does not feel safe, is hungry, or is extremely agitated.

But aggression at the time of mating or after pregnancy is only one, perhaps the most striking sign of changes in the life of a pet. Let's look at other possible signs.

Attitude to food

A female Sphynx can dramatically change her taste preferences. For example, I am happy to eat egg yolk or cottage cheese instead of meat products. Even a short-term refusal of semi-finished products (dry food, etc.) is possible.

Of course, if your pet lives on food produced by well-known brands and consumes little organic food, sooner or later he will return to his usual diet. There's no need to worry about this. But it is important to keep in mind that the diet of a pregnant cat should be adjusted depending on individual characteristics and the advice of a veterinarian.

In practice, a pregnant Sphynx often eats more than usual because it is necessary to feed the embryonic offspring. A categorical refusal to eat is also possible, but it is isolated and not long-term. As a rule, after giving birth, the cat will return to its usual diet.

Lifestyle

It's easier at this point. Even hyperactive animals tame their agility and pay great attention to arranging their favorite sleeping place and their own safety. Any contact and encroachment on the sleeping area can lead to aggression.

A loving owner should pay special attention, understand the difficult situation of the pet and help arrange the future “nest”. Of course, this is true for city cats who live in apartments. Freedom-loving inhabitants of private and country houses, as a rule, go to attics, bathhouses or barns to give birth. These are the strange cat ideas about comfort and safety.

External changes

20-25 days after the fateful meeting with the cat, a pregnant Sphynx can be recognized by external signs. The color of the nipples becomes milky and they rise slightly. The nipples will fill with milk a little later, around the sixth week. The cat is gaining weight.

From 30-35 morning toxicosis and general lethargy of the Sphinx are observed.

The most effective way is palpation of the abdominal cavity. But for inexperienced breeders this can be a real challenge, so it is recommended to turn to specialists.

Duration

New owners are interested in the question: how long do Sphynx cats stay pregnant? Numerous observations and statistical data confidently put the figure at 60-62 days. Of course, the individual characteristics of the pet cannot be excluded.

ATTENTION! Deviations from the given deadline are normal and common. No need to worry about minor discrepancies within 4-5 days. It is also useful to keep a kind of pregnancy calendar, where the due date and condition of a particular pet are noted.

Experts have noticed an interesting pattern: the older the cat, the more kittens it can bear. Let us also note the relationship between the number of kittens and gestational age. The larger the offspring, the faster the birth of the sphinx occurs. This is where the pregnancy calendar will help the owner, since large deviations are fraught with serious illness and loss of kittens.

Hairless sphinxes of various breeds (Canadian, Don, etc.) enter puberty before the body is fully formed. Therefore, pregnancy before a year is undesirable for cats. The optimal period varies around 13-15 months . To avoid health problems, sterilization of the Sphynx (Canadian, Don, etc.) should be carried out exclusively after the first birth.

For clarity, let us note the stages of the sexual cycle of the sphinx:

1. Condition preceding estrus. A kind of preparatory stage. Lasts 1-2 days.
2. Estrus. Lasts up to a week.
3. Condition after estrus. Lasts 3-4 weeks until the cat becomes pregnant.

Experts note some features of bearing kittens and pregnancy in general. Due to hormonal imbalance and lack of progesterone, estrus may become more frequent, which will lead to positive mating. What does this mean? At the time of birth, the Sphynx gives birth to kittens of various kinds.

ATTENTION! The first babies will be healthy, but the rest will remain premature, which will lead to additional illnesses and, more often, death of part of the offspring.