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My cat had a stillborn kitten and stopped labor. Vet emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | 9 lbs

My cat got pregnant on her first heat cycle and went into labor last night, she had 1 stillborn kitten and no other kittens or contractions in 7 hours, I am out of town but I have a camera on her to watch her. She was very big towards the end and looked like she might have several kittens but I never really felt them move or kick much, she also never really let me feel her stomach. She's sleeping next to the dead kitten but doesn't seem in distress. do I need to have someone take her to the vet?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on May 29th, 2022

Hello, my name is Dr. Shines and this is concerning. Yes, I recommend to get Cali to the veterinarian ASAP. Cats can stop birthing and then finish up to 24 hours later if they are disrupted by something. But it's rare and that doesn't seem to be the case in Cali's situation. So I think it's best to err on the side of caution and get Cali into the veterinarian's office right away. She may need help having the kittens or she may need a C-section. Here' is a link about normal birthing (called queening) in cats: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/breeding-and-queening-cats I hope everything turns out well for Cali! Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 30th, 2019

    If there are more kittens but there are no more contractions, that is a medical emergency. Scruffy needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately, or she and any kittens that may still be alive in the uterus may not survive. See the links below for more information: veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952101 veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951456

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 11th, 2019

    It is possible there could be a kitten stuck, or some other pregnancy complication going on. If it has been several hours without another kitten being born, it would be best to bring Hazel to your vet or an emergency clinic ASAP to have her examined, see if there is a stuck kitten, and check the health of mom and babies.

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