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My cat had kittens, placenta retained, cord attached. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

My cat gave birth late last night, by morning she had 4 kittens however the last one (which is large) is still attached to the placenta which is still inside here. Despite efforts she is not chewing the cord or expelling the placenta. Should I cut the cord? Is it possible for her to still expel it now or will it be retained?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2017

If the placenta is still inside her and the last cat was born last night, she needs to go to the vet to have it examined/treated. It should not take this long for the placenta to pass on its own, so she needs assistance and also to be sure there aren't any additional kittens left, because I am concerned if her uterus wasn't able to expel the placenta if there could be other kittens she hasn't expelled either.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    No, I would not cut the cord yourself, and I would take Rosie and her kittens into the vet immediately. This could be a medical emergency. There could potentially still be more kittens inside if she hasn't passed the placenta yet, and/or she may need help to pass the placenta especially if she has tried to pass it and cannot. This is something that is best left to a vet, please take them all into a vet now.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 13th, 2017

    No, I would not cut the cord yourself, and I would take your cat and her kittens into the vet immediately. There could potentially still be more kittens inside if she hasn't passed the placenta yet, and/or she may need help to pass the placenta. This is something that is best left to a vet, please take them all into a vet now.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 1st, 2019

    Hi, it could be that she still has more kittens to give birth to. If concerned, best to have her checked over. The placenta normally comes out with the kittens, however an injection from your vet might help with contractions and getting the placenta out. Hope this helps,

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    5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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