A cat kitten was born, and still the little one is attached to the mother via a small tube known as the umbilical cord. This is the cord that binds the kitten to the placenta in the mother’s womb. The kitten is fed and supplied with oxygen through this cord before birth. It is as though a lifeline that is keeping the baby alive and growing. After the birth of the kitten, there is no need of umbilical cord anymore.
In the majority of cases, the mother will chew the cord on her own. Her instincts guide her on what to do. It might be slightly intimidating the first time that you are viewing it, but it is natural. The length of the cord that is cut or chewed is normally one to two inches long. As time goes by, it will wither and shrivel away.
The Importance of Umbilical Cord Care of Kittens
You may think, what is so special about umbilical cord care of kittens? And anyway, the cord snaps itself off. But here’s the truth. The place of cord attachment is an open wound for several days. And a laceration may admit germs into the organism.
The immunity of kittens is very weak at the time of birth. They are not able to resist infections as old cats do. In case bacteria get in via the belly button, this may result in swelling, pain, or even severe disease. In uncommon situations, infection may turn fatal when it is not treated.
What Sometimes Happens after Birth
The Umbilical Cord and how Mother Cats Attend to it
Mother cats tend to be very useful in taking care of their babies. A kitten is born, and immediately the mother starts cleaning it. She licks the kitten to get the fluids out of it and get it breathing. Then she digs through the umbilical cord. This can be too clumsy, yet it is normal behavior.
Even her saliva has weak antibacterial effects. This assists in the prevention of infection. The materials to work with she has been given by nature. You do not need to intervene in the majority of situations.
When Human Help Is Needed
There are moments when things fail to work out. A first-time mother can be unaware of what to do. She can play with the cord or not chew it well. Only in exceptional situations can she be too weak or stressed to be able to take care of her kittens.
Having to come in calmly is at this point. Raising ships of umbilical cords of kittens falls on you. In case the cord is still attached and the mother does nothing about it, you might have to cut it yourself.
Initial Guidelines on Umbilical Cord Management among Kittens.
Keeping the Area Clean
The initial days of the baby are crucial. Kitten umbilical cord care can be done properly in this period to avoid numerous issues. The good news? You do not require any special equipment or special skills. You only have to keep them dry and clean.
The newborns spend the majority of their time sleeping and feeding. They are sleeping near their mother and littermates. Due to this reason, the belly area may at times become wet with milk, urine, or wet bedding. The foe of healing is moisture. Warm and wet are the favourites of germs.
When and How to Tie the Cord
You want to tie the cord in most births, you see. The mother handles it well. This, however, you may be called upon to do at times, particularly with orphaned kittens or weak mothers.
In the case where the cord remains intact and is not bleeding, then you may leave it alone in the short-term. However, when it is extremely long or bloody, something has to be done. Kitten care of the umbilical cord in this case is to be handled with care.
Signs of Healthy Healing
What a Normal Umbilical Cord Appears Like
You might be so preoccupied with every minor change if you are new to taking care of kittens. That is normal. But you will be at peace knowing what healthy healing will resemble.
To treat the kitten with proper umbilical cord the cord is supposed to dry gradually. Initially, it can appear tender and light. After a day, it is harder and darker. It often turns brown or black. This is a good sign. It refers to the tissue as drying and shrivelling.
When the Cord Falls Off
When the cord finally drops, many people become nervous. He or she might be in the bedding, and be wondering whether something has gone wrong. This is, however, normal with umbilical cord care of the kittens.
The rope is not cut in a way that the rope would fall off. It loosens as it dries. One day, you will find it has disappeared. Instead, it has a tiny scab, or dry patch, upon its belly.
Symptoms of Infection or Problems
Red, Swollen, and Discharge
Despite the best umbilical cord services for kittens, issues may occur. Newborns are fragile. Contagion is dangerous, and the initial symptoms are important.
Pay attention to the belly area on a daily basis. When you notice that there is intense red through the order site, then it is not normal. Another warning sign is swelling. The region can either be puffy or warm.
When to Call a Veterinarian
It becomes difficult to understand whether you are overreacting or not sometimes. New pet owners are known to be too concerned. However, where the umbilical cord care of the kittens is concerned, it is safer to be safe than sorry.
Call a veterinarian if:
- The bleeding does not cease in a few minutes.
- The region turns extremely erythematous or inflamed.
- Bad-smelling/pus discharge is present.
- The kitten stops nursing.
- The kitten seems weak or cold.
- One notices a big protrusion at the belly button.
Kittens become ill very quickly when they are newborn. A single day can make a lot of difference.
Providing a Clean and Clean Nesting Space.
Choosing the Right Bedding
The environment is important in the maintenance of the umbilical cord among kittens. Although you are able to manage the cord perfectly, dirty or damp bedding may cause an infection.
Use warm and soft washable fabrics such as fleece blankets or cotton towels. Avoid rough fabrics. The cord-area is tender and may slide across the surface. It may be irritated by rough material.
To Keep the Environment Warm and Dry
Without cleanliness, warmth cannot be disregarded. Infants of cats are unable to regulate their body temperatures. When they are cold, they become immunologically weak. This increases the likelihood of infections even at the cord site.
Maintain room temperature approximately at 85 90 o F (29 32 o C) within the first week. One can place a heating pad beneath some portion of the nesting box. Cover it with a towel and leave it on low always. Ensure that the kittens are able to move away from the heat in case they become overheated.
Special Circumstances of Umbilical Cord Care of Kittens
Orphaned Kittens
It is even harder to take care of orphaned kittens. And even with no mother, every job is yours. This situation requires additional care in regard to umbilical cord care of kittens.
Immediately after birth, it is necessary to tie and cut the cord in the right way. There is no mother to clean the kitten, so simply wipe away the birth fluids with a warm, damp cloth. Dry the kitten fully.
Premature or Weak Kittens
Premature babies are highly delicate. Their skin is thinner. Their bodies are smaller. Extra care should be given to the umbilical cord of the kitten when it is born prematurely.
The cord of the premature kittens might take a longer time to dry. Healing may be slower. There is no need to panic because it remains longer than usual attached.
Long-Term Belly Button Care
Follow-Up of the Healing Process
The cord falls off, and your work is not over yet. The care of the umbilical cord in the kittens is continued through mere monitoring.
Examine the belly button on a daily basis within the first two weeks. It is to be absorbed gradually into the skin. A small scar can be left, but it must not be elevated or inflamed.
Prevention of Future Complications
The healing of most of the kittens is not a problem. It is best to prevent than cure. As the kittens continue to grow, keep the places where they live clean. Hygiene minimizes the danger of skin infections.
Arrange a medical examination at the veterinary during the initial few weeks of life. The vet is able to check the belly button and ascertain whether everything is okay.
Conclusion
The umbilical cord of kittens might not sound that easy, but it may be easy. The mother cat takes care of everything in most cases. Your primary functions are to observe, maintain the place clean, and create a warm and safe environment.
And remember the fundamentals the cord should not be pulled, it should not be touched by any strong products, and it should be monitored whether it is infected or not. Look twice a day but touch very lightly. Should it seem something is amiss, be in touch with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Newborn kittens are fragile and are also powerless in their own way. You contribute to providing kittens with a healthy and safe start in life by taking proper care of the umbilical cord of the newborn.
FAQs
1. What is the length of the umbilical cord of any kitten?
The umbilical cords normally detach after 3 to 7 days of birth. It might take some kittens more time, and that is normal in case there are no symptoms of infection.
2. Is a drop of blood that is small normal when the cord falls off?
Yes, it can be normal for a blood drop. It should dry quickly. In case of continued bleeding, get in touch with a veterinarian.
3. Is it possible to clean the cord with alcohol?
It is not recommended. Alcohol is capable of rubbing the skin. Adequate care of the umbilical cord in kittens is usually provided by warm water and clean gauze.
4. What does the infected umbilical cord appear like?
The symptoms are redness, swelling, unpleasant odor, yellow or green discharge, and a weak or nondispersant kitten.
5. What is an umbilical hernia in kittens?
Umbilical hernia is a tender swelling that is close to the belly button. Not all of the hernias that occur are significant, and some can be treated by the veterinarian.