Welcoming a litter of kittens to the family is exciting, if not a little daunting. Knowing the ins and outs of the birthing process will allow you to help your cat if she needs any help.

Birthing cats are more than capable of taking care of themselves. But it's always helpful to know at least a few things to make sure the delivery runs as smoothly as possible.

During your cat's last week of pregnancy, make sure she is kept away from other pets and children as females in late stages of pregnancy can get aggressive. Try to keep her calm and inactive during this time.

Construct a maternity bed for your cat from a cardboard box that will be big enough to fit both your cat and her kittens. It is best if the box has a top to keep the newborn kittens warm and safe, as well a hole on one side that is large enough for mum to crawl in and out.

Place a few inches of shredded newspaper in the bottom of the box and cover with a blanket or old shirt. Finally, make sure to place the box in a warm and quiet place.

It's best to try to get your cat accustomed to this special bed. Cats naturally look for an area where they can deliver their kittens, so without a maternity bed they will find another suitable place, which could be the bottom of your wardrobe!

When your cat is ready to give birth, she will become very restless and vocal as well as begin to pace as if she is looking for something. She also might make many unproductive trips to the litter tray, but eventually will settle into a place to give birth.

If she is not well accustomed to her maternity bed, however, she may choose another suitable spot. Don't force her to use the maternity bed if she doesn't want to. It's always safer to let her give birth where she chooses.

Once she settles into her spot, she will go into labour, which can last for up to 12 hours. During this time you should prepare for the birth by getting together a bowl of warm water, clean towels and cloths, sterile dental floss and petroleum jelly.

If the mother screams as the first kitten is born, don't be alarmed. This is normal, especially for a first time mum. Unlike humans, kittens can be born either head or feet first. Stand and watch at a safe distance and only intervene if absolutely necessary.

Once the kitten is born, the mother will break the amniotic fluid. If she doesn't, you may need to help by tearing the sack using a towel so the kitten can breathe. Don't use a sharp object.

After each birth, the mother will eat the placenta and clean every kitten. This is important maternal behaviour necessary for the bonding process.

However, if your cat fails to remove the membranes from her kitten's face, you will have to step in. Gently clean membranes away from the mouth and nose and quickly dry the kitten against the grain of the hair using a clean cloth. Facecloths can work well because they're big enough to cover the kitten but won't get in your way. Finally, firm rubbing with a warm cloth will dry and warm the kitten, and also stimulate it to take its first breath.

Your cat will also bite through the umbilical cord. If she needs help, tie dental floss around the cord about 1 inch away from the kitten's body, and cut the umbilical cord on the mother's side of the tie. Don't cut it too close to the kitten, as this may cause infection or even death. If you notice the mother trying to chew too close to the kitten, stop her and do it yourself.

If you notice your cat having trouble giving birth at any time, place some petroleum jelly around the birth canal to ease the kittens' passage. If your cat appears to be straining unproductively for an hour or more during the birth, contact your vet.

Litters are usually between 4 and 6 kittens, although litters of just one or two are also common. Once all the kittens are born, let your cat take care of them. If she doesn't seem to be taking care of her kittens, you may need to take over. Consult your vet immediately.