Inertia, the common name for functional dystonia, can be primary or secondary. Dystocia in cats is almost always brought on by primary inertia. It is evident when the uterus does not contract at all or only weakly and infrequently, and when normal kittens are not successfully expelled through a normal birth canal. Primary inertia may be brought on by stress, aging, obesity, poor health, or the use of specific medications. According to certain theories, extremely little or very big litters may cause insufficient or excessive uterine distension, which may lead to primary inertia.
Recent research, however, demonstrated no distinction between the litter size of cats with dystocia caused by primary inertia and cats with dystocia caused by other factors. Primary inertia brought on by stress, also known as “hysterical inertia,” is a common occurrence that is more common in Oriental, Siamese, and Burmese breeds of dogs. Extreme anxiety in the first stage of this illness halts all forward movement. The troubled cat is clearly vocalizing its distress, screaming nonstop, and pleading for attention. She might even be hysterical, in which case tranquilizers can be used to provide instant comfort.
