Mother cat tries to persuade her escaped kitten to return home.

Felines are pretty good at taking care of themselves after they’ve given birth. The queen will groom herself frequently, and you shouldn’t see much discharge or blood coming from her vagina. She doesn’t usually start eating or drinking until about 24 hours after she has given birth, and she will be hesitant to leave her babies. Place food, water, and a litter box outside of the nursery area so that she feels safe and comfortable.

What if a nursing cat seems sick? Felines can develop mastitis, an infection of the mammary glands. They can also experience an infection in the uterus. Any time that the mother or kittens appear sick or lethargic, take them to the vet. If the queen neglects her kittens or refuses to eat, you may also have to step in