Have you ever been present when...

[Medusa]

I've been present at numerous cat and dog births, and you really need do nothing. Momma should take care of everything, and it's best not to intervein unless absolutely necessary. When my Lhasa had her last litter, one of the pups was stillborn and I tried to revive it, but to no avail.

Make sure Momma cat has a nice birthing box or area, and definitely do not let the other cats stay with her while she is giving birth, or even after for that matter. Not only could it stress her, but could be dangerous for the babies. I don't know how much truth there is to this, but I have heard that a male cat will try to kill the babies - all except for a Siamese male. When my Siamese Momma had her kittens, my male Siamese would get in the box with the babies and babysit, so Momma could take a break.. but I still did not allow him near her while she was delivering, and for about a week after.

Yes, I concur w/what Ellie said. (I can't comment on the part about Siamese, though, b/c I really don't know.) My vet told me not to keep looking in on a cat or dog while they're giving birth b/c it stresses them, just to let nature take its course and Mom will do fine unless you can tell that something just isn't going right. My dog Charmin gave birth to only 2 puppies but she ended up having them Caesarean so I was glad that I checked on her but my cats have had kittens w/no problems.

[Barbara]

My first cat Grisette had a litter two times. They look for a safe place and you can even notice the time has come when she starts to search. Grisette first time found that place in a closet. When we opened the door in the morning, there she was with her 4 purrfect babies on a stack of old clothes that was on the bottom and she had it all cleaned up nicely and was very proud. So you see that when all goes fine there is really nothing you have to do.
The second time (which was unplanned- at that time back in 1977 we thought she should have kittens one time but she became pregnant after the first birth in no time. I didn't have the heart to have them aborted and found good homes for all of them- including a litter I found abandoned in the woods at the same time) she accepted the nice box with towels we had made for her behind a paravent and I could watch it all. It was one of the most touching experiences of my life and it all went well. She licked herself while the little kits hatched enclosed in their coat of slime and licked it all away until they looked like wet little mice and then more until they showed they were furry
I will never again have a cat getting pregnant but I wish I could be part of that experience again