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My cat had 8 kittens, long labor. Should I call the vet if she's calm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 12 lbs

My cat has had 8 kittens in the last 7.5 hours, her last one being born about 3 hours ago. I'm afraid she may have at least 1 or two more kittens to go but everything I have read online says if labor lasts more than 7 hours to seek veterinary help. She does not seem distressed nor does it look like she is straining at all. In fact, she is calm, purring and kneading. Should I take her to an emergency vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 4th, 2017

If your cat is acting normally now and not having anymore contractions or straining then she is probably done with labor. 8 kittens is a lot already, some cats only have 1 or 2. Keep an eye on her, offer her food and make sure she is nursing her kittens. If she is doing all these things then she should be ok.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    If she is a first time mom, labor can sometimes be prolonged. If you don't see any kittens produced in the next few hours, she appears to be straining without results, or she appears very exhausted or stressed, it would be best to seek veterinary care immediately, especially if you think there are other kittens remaining.

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