question about the birth process..never mind

[Tina B and crew]

Victoria still has not chewed the cord completely off the first kitten. It's been about 40 minutes since it was born. Should I do anything or will she eventually get to it?

She handled it eventually...just took her a while.

[Traci]

Tina, for future reference, you can review my Pregnancy & Birthing page for tips on tying off the umbilical cord. It should be done within the first hour after birth, and if momma cat doesn't, you should intervene. Umbilical cords can strangulate, get caught somewhere amoung the litter or birthing box, etc.

[Tina B and crew]

Thanks Traci...it's been a while since I've overseen birth...I remember Frodo getting the umbilical cord and placenta out of the way rather quickly...Victoria didn't seen to want to do anything but lick them and not chew all the way through. However when I left she handled it all beautifully. They are all out, clean and have been nursing voraciously