My cat gave birth today. She has a total of 7 kittens. She positioned herself in a corner of my room and began giving delivery. She then began to clean them. After a while, I observed she was purring loudly and, rather than allowing the kittens to feed themselves, she sat on top of them as if to protect them. Or perhaps squashing them? Anyway, she isn’t feeding her babies and doesn’t appear to notice their cries. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I honestly don’t know what to do.
Any advice?
I don’t know much about cats, but I do know a lot about other maternal mammals such as goats, sheep, dogs, and bunnies. Lay your cat down and pet and soothe her. Then, try to get the kittens to latch on and breastfeed. Encourage her if you find one on there. She might not know what to do.
She is presently in a comfortable position and feeding the kittens 
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This was all really overwhelming. I am really emotional now ahah.
you’re a great cat midwife 
!!
Whaoooo! Thanks 
Check out the kitten lady on YouTube she has a lot of very helpful things for your situation. And please make sure to get mamma spayed once the kittens are weaned
It’s a genuinely incredible experience. I’m glad they’re fed. Don’t be surprised if she moves the kittens overnight. They do this because the smell of birth is powerful, and they want to avoid predators. When the kittens disappeared from their box, I freaked out. Mama will take a break and walk about, but she will return to feed.
On this note, wild cats take turns tending for the colony’s pups. So allow mommy some time to do her own thing. Make sure they’re warm, and if it appears she’s having problems, you can assist with kitten formula to supplement their meal (7 mouths are plenty). With any luck, you’ll reach a point where mama will bring kittens to you or try to take you there when she needs a break.
Is she a young cat, or is this her first litter? These animals are considerably more likely to not know how to care for the kittens or even reject them.
I recommend keeping bottle feeding supplies on hand in case of a persistent problem and the need to supplement feed. Also, ensure sure mom is still encouraging them to urinate and defecate.
It is quite uncommon for the mother to smother the babies by laying on them.
Please spay and neuter both mom and babies as soon as possible. They can become pregnant again while nursing, and the kittens can begin breeding (even without outside cats, either with mom or each other) at 4 months old.
Roll her onto her side and rub her belly, as if you were clearing crusties from her nips. And feel for more; if there is none, and she begins to hug your hand, bring the kittens in.
The kittens will perish if they do not eat. Mama will not die if you force her to lie down.
And usually, after they latch, instincts kick in.
Sometimes cats just let their kittens die because they don’t feed them or don’t make enough milk. We had wild cats more regularly than you’d imagine at the animal shelter where I worked. That is why we would do pregnancy spays.
Hopefully she’ll come around; bottle feeding kittens is difficult. And, as others have said, get your cat spayed if possible.
Please schedule an appointment for your cat to be spayed. And the others, too. 7 rapidly becomes 24, then 49, and so on. Nobody needs more cats. They will be healthier if they are spayed or neutered. Ty.