The queen loses fresh … It will continue to enlarge until time for birthing. Mama cat puts her scent on her kittens, and prefers to keep things this way initially. The ads on this site allow us to raise the necessary funds to continue helping cats in need. Keep an eye on Kitty, but bother her as little as possible. Approximately 2 days before your cat gives birth, she’ll start to produce milk. Also. The majority of the time, their mother will began to lick her newborn kitten in a way that is persistent enough to break the sac and allow the kitten to take their first breath. When labor begins, most cats pant and vocalize and may become restless and pace around like they are looking for something. Ten minutes of intense labor does not expel a kitten that can be seen at the queen's vulva. Count to be sure your cat delivers the same number of placentas as she does kittens. Usually, a cat that is close to labor will give signs, so you can tell when to be ready. Loud and frequent vocalizing. You also do not want to risk mama cat from rejecting her kittens because your dissatisfying scent is on them. In the cat pregnancy generally lasts for 63 to 65 days; however, it is not unusual for some cats to carry a normal litter for either a shorter or longer time (range 58 to 70 days). Around delivery, her nipples will grow larger and pinker, while beginning a milky discharge. REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP; FOSTERING SAVES LIVES & SPAY AND NEUTER! Cats can also experience interrupted labor which can last between 24-36 hours. Just like humans, cats can go into labor before their due date and it’s your job to closely keep an eye on your cat in the weeks leading up to her impending due date. If your cat’s pushing hard, a kitten should be passed within 30 minutes. She may become increasingly vocal, meowing for attention, affection, and comfort, or because of discomfort from the growing weight of her abdomen and false labor contractions. Here are the key signs that you should be familiar with: 1 – It Refuses Food. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Fun Fact About Expectant Cat Mothers: Cats usually have 4 pairs of mammary glands. The Behavioral Problems of Female Cats in Heat→. Use a soft towel to stimulate breathing for the kitten once the sac is broken, but be careful to practice precaution as the newborn kitten is extremely delicate. The Time is MEOW! Nesting. Even if your cat normally is aloof and detached, she may begin behaving uncharacteristically affectionate and friendly when she is about to go into labor. Interrupted labor occurs often in cats where the queen stops straining, appears to be resting comfortably, suckling the kittens already born, and may accept food even though she has more kittens to deliver. If you don’t know the exact date of conception, however, you may not have a clear idea of when your cat is ready to go into labor (known as queening). The licking stimulates the kittens circulation and respiration. The cat gestation period can vary from as short as 61 days to as long as 72 days. Try providing her with a quiet place where she feels calm and safe. If you want to give her added protein, you can mix some kitten food in with her food during this time for an extra boost. Let this be a major sign that her delivery is quickly approaching. Excited, Many of us rescue/adopt our cats, so dealing with an expectant queen cat that is fast approaching her due date isn’t typical for all of us. A cat’s pregnancy lasts about 63-65 days. Your normally quiet and serene kitty also may become significantly louder in the very late stage of pregnancy before labor -- much to your chagrin. Signs Your Pregnant Cat Is In Labor And How To Prepare For The Delivery. This is the second stage of labor. As we discussed in part one, towards the end of your cat’s pregnancy you should be taking her rectal temperature every day waiting for a sudden drop below 99 degrees. She will be less likely to move around, so like we said, keep her food and water nearby. Gentle pulling on a trapped fetus causes the queen pain. Cat Labor - Signs She May Be In Labor, And What To Expect During Birth. She also may begin breathing rapidly and panting as if she's overheated and thirsty! But most importantly, your cat is most likely going to start searching for a place in your home where she will deliver her litter safely. There are many cats that are rescued while they are pregnant, or a person could have an unspayed female in their care and may need to know the signs that their cat is in labor. Cats often have a feel for when they are right about to give birth, and as a result they begin … When labor begins for your cat, she will most likely pant, vocalize and may become restless and pace around like she is searching for something. She might also meow constantly. Use a soft towel to stimulate breathing for the kitten once the sac is broken, but be careful to practice precaution as the newborn kitten is extremely delicate. You will also learn the signs that she is nearing labor. Related Story: VERY Pregnant Cat Rescued From Streets ~ Not Only With New Babies On The Way, But 3 From Previous Litter! Then, feel free to take away the placentas and dispose of them in the event that your cat doesn’t instinctually do this herself. Generally, two types of temperament are seen in cats at kittening: the independent type which will go to … Cats have been giving birth for centuries and this circle of life usually does not require human intervention. It is most likely that she will find a quiet and sheltered place for her birthing. Be vigilant and look for a pregnant cat behavior before birth that indicates that labor and delivery are going to happen soon. As a cat’s breasts and nipples begin enlarging in anticipation of the arrival of kittens, … Full term pregnancy in cats is usually between 63 and 65 days during which time energy requirements increase to 1.5 times normal. Form is being submitted, please wait a bit. This is a stressful time for your cat so do your best to keep her calm and give her the space and support she needs. When labor is near you can always look at the changes in behavior in your cat. You notice that her discharge is smelly or contains fresh blood (blackish/reddish discharge is normal for a few weeks after the birth). The queen is depressed, lethargic, or has a fever (rectal temperature greater than 103°F or 39.4°C). Make sure if she is asking for extra attention you give it to her, this can help your cat … The most simple signs are that she will be eating and drinking more often, and will be more affectionate. Usually the other signs will be so obvious you won’t need to … She might be more up and close wanting attention, or seems to be more tired and lays around. Persistent howling, crying and meowing all may be indications that labor is imminent. If anything seems off or out of the ordinary, please do not hesitate to contact your vet immediately. A cat soon to give birth might need constant reassurance from her person; she might follow you around the house. Right before labor, you may notice that your cat is licking herself excessively, particularly in the genital region and around her lower belly. Prepare Yourself For Your Cat’s 3 Stages of Labor. The best way to find out is to make an appointment with your vet. Another physical sign that your cat is nearing labor is the change in appearance of her nipples. In early labor, you might notice behavioral changes in your cat. She will also be looking for a spot when she is in labor, so the cat … If your queen starts behaving unusually nervous and on edge, it may be a sign that she's ready to go into labor. The third stage may not be something you’re thrilled about, but it’s necessary and needs to be understood should you have to step in to dispose of things: The third stage labor involves the expulsion of the placenta. During that final week, the search for the most suitable kittening bed becomes the dominant factor. One such clue is a clear or pinkish discharge, which indicates that her body is preparing to kick the kittens out of their nice warm womb. Don't remain clueless and in the dark -- learn the telltale signs. A pregnant cat may express her anxiety by pacing frequently. Don’t be surprised if she moves from room to room meowing loudly even though you’ve provided her with a comfortable bed. Also, do not try to handle the kittens in the beginning and allow for two weeks to pass before doing so. Make sure to watch the queen while giving birth discreetly. https://canna-pet.com/cat-pregnancy-stages-a-week-by-week-guide If for any reason in the rare event that mama cat doesn’t choose to break the sac and care for her kitten, you must intervene for the kitten’s sake. A pregnant or nursing cat is referred to as a queen, and you might agree that she is becoming more demanding as she progresses through her pregnancy. Cat labor has two stages - the beginning stage of nesting and contractions, and the second stage of stronger contractions and the birth of kittens. Are They Pregnant? Hopefully your queen will retreat to the safe place you offered her, a box with blankets in the quiet designated area is perfect, but if she does not than you cannot force the issue. Love Cats should be confined from this time to allow for observation of labour. Cats often have a feel for when they are right about to give birth, and as a result they begin the nesting process. This in itself is not necessarily a reason to worry, but if the vomiting continues or is frequent, contact your veterinarian for help. Labor takes place in 3 stages: 1) nesting behavior and comfort seeking are seen, and the cat may stop eating within 24 hours of birth; 2) active stage of labor where contractions may be seen, and kittens are produced. For the first 24-48 hours following your cat’s delivery, she should remain in a resting period which serves to restore her energy and allow her to have time to bond with her newborns. Related Story: Pregnant Black Cat & Her Daughter Both Rescued From Hoarding Situation; Just In Time For Birth Of Her Kittens In Live Video! Once the queen has progressed to the second stage of labor with stronger, more frequent contractions and/or noticeable straining, delivery of a kitten may take between 5-30 minutes. It doesn’t matter if the pregnant one is your cat or if you’re trying to learn how to tell if a stray cat is pregnant. Another physical sign that your cat is in labor is that her temperature will drop two days before her delivery day. Nesting: A day or two before labor, your cat will seek out a quiet and safe place to have her kittens. The First Stage Of Cat Labor. How long is a cat pregnant. Before a pregnant cat delivers, there will be changes to her nipple area in the days and weeks leading up to the arrival of her kittens. Other physical signs include a descended (dropped) abdomen, and an enlarged and softened vulva. The signs of impending labor generally include nervousness, overgrooming, and panting; sometimes the queen will stop eating during the final day of pregnancy. This will be noticeable since most pregnant cats display an increased appetite during the pregnancy’s last weeks. This is good for the cat (strengthens the maternal feeling and provides extra hormones for delivery and milk delivery) and the kittens. If a cat is showing these signs before the 61st day of pregnancy, it is likely that the cat is going into premature labor: Bloody vaginal discharge. This also may be accompanied by total appetite loss. Days prior to her labor, she may have a lower body temperature and exhibit nausea … Signs a cat is pregnant includes loss of appetite, weight gain, and possibly little lumps you can feel which are the kittens developing in her stomach. Nesting Activities: As the birth gets closer, your pregnant cat may seek out quiet, private places for the birth to take place.This typically begins up to two days prior to labor, but it may only begin a few hours prior. As we discussed in part one, towards the end of your cat’s pregnancy you should be taking her rectal temperature every day waiting for a sudden drop below 99 degrees. The licking stimulates the kittens circulation and respiration. They become a great deal quieter, less interested in other cats-especially male ones. If you’re not sure what to expect, take a look at this article to help you become the best “midwife” you can be for your pregnant cat that is with kittens…. They can confirm that kittens are on the way, and get an idea of how many, in a few ways: Feeling your cat's belly is sometimes useful but not always accurate. In today’s video I discuss the top 10 signs your cat is in labor. A domestic cat has a gestation period of approximately 63 days. When the initial symptoms of labor appear, the kittens might not arrive for another 12 to 36 hours. Her mammary glands are arranged in 2 parallel rows running along the outside body wall that extends from the groin area up … Usually the other signs will be so obvious you won’t need to be concerned with checking her temperature as a sign. After reading this article, you will become more able in spotting a pregnant cat. If the cat shows symptoms of illness. The cat’s behaviour alters little until the final week of the pregnancy. 5 Signs To Know Your Cat Is In Labor Mammary glands will increase in size During the final week of pregnancy, the mammary glands of your cat will increase in size. Around delivery, her nipples will grow larger and pinker, while beginning a milky discharge. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. Around the 30-day mark, pregnant cats start to develop a rounded, swollen abdomen - … Your cat may also begin to lick its nipples. To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Don’t be surprised to see your heavily pregnant cat consume nearly twice of what she normally does come feeding time. Provide her with fresh water and food nearby should she want to eat. She becomes restless, nervous and possibly clingy. Before a pregnant cat delivers, there will be changes to her nipple area in the days and weeks leading up to the arrival of her kittens. Think of all your favorite feline "kisses," from her rubbing up against your leg to headbutting you. Consuming more food also helps for her to store energy for the marathon she’s about to take part in. Increase in sleep – a pregnant cat tends to sleep more and you’ll often find them sleeping in places … In most cases, a drop in rectal temperature, to less than 100°F (37.5°C), occurs in the last 24 hours and signals impending labor. The majority of the time, their mother will began to lick her newborn kitten in a way that is persistent enough to break the sac and allow the kitten to take their first breath. One such clue is a clear or pinkish discharge, which indicates that her body is preparing to kick the kittens out of their nice warm womb. Activity - Pregnant Cat Signs of Impending Labor When cat is getting close to labor, she will be less likely to move around Like any animal, their mobility will differ when she is getting close to labor. Around delivery, her nipples will grow larger and pinker, while beginning a milky discharge. Hi Furiends! You have to be ready for when she goes into labor. By keeping calm and providing your feline friend with the relaxed, calm setting that she needs, hopefully things will go just fine. She Gains Weight. Also, be sure that this area is in a draft free zone as newborn kittens do not have the ability to regulate their body temperature for the first week of life. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. Your pregnant cat can't tell you when she's in labor, but Mother Nature has provided certain signs of the imminent arrival of her kittens. In the 3rd stage of pregnancy, the kittens begin growing quickly and your cat will continue to gain weight and develop a belly. She may not look pregnant at first, but if your cat is becoming a little chunky that is one of the surefire signs of pregnancy. Your pregnant cat can't tell you when she's in labor, but Mother Nature has provided certain signs of the imminent arrival of her kittens. The cat is agitated before going into labor and she refuses to eat. Because of that, it can be tough to determine whether a cat is ready to deliver her litter. Pinking Up. If some kittens are born you can put them (if the cat allows) on the nipples. Lack of appetite. During the first stage of cat labor… To help your cat bring bundles of fur into the world with ease, the Purina PetCare team share their advice on how to spot warning signs early on. but it’s necessary and needs to be understood should you have to step in to dispose of things: do not try to handle the kittens in the beginning and allow for two weeks to pass before doing so. During the second stage of labor, each of your cat’s kittens will enter the world wrapped in a jelly-like membrane sac which is the amniotic sac. Provide her with fresh water and food nearby should she want to eat. When labor begins, most cats pant and vocalize and may become restless and pace around like they are looking for something. Find out everything you need to know about cat pregnancy and birth, including how long cats are pregnant for, how to tell if a cat is pregnant, nutrition, the stages of cat labor, post-partum care, kitten care, and issues to watch for. contractions and dilation. Approximately 2 days before your cat gives birth, she’ll start to produce milk. Pregnant Black Cat & Her Daughter Both Rescued From Hoarding Situation; Just In Time For Birth Of Her Kittens In Live Video! When a pregnant cat’s queening date approaches, its nipples and mammary glands will enlarge. It’s important as your cat’s caretaker that you are prepared and know what to expect when the big day comes. Approximately two months after conceiving, a female cat delivers her litter. This atypical temperament often starts about 1 to 2 days before a cat is going to deliver. A nesting cat will begin searching for a quiet, dimly lit, comfortable and secluded haven where she can birth and care for her litter in peace and calm. So, a cat can have kittens when they are only 6 months old. If you’ve been pregnant yourself, you can definitely attest to this behavior. The First Pregnant Cat Signs of Impending Labor Nesting. So when the time comes, observe for visible signs of cats in labor. Monitor Outdoor Cats Carefully: If your cat is prone to outdoor exploring, keep her indoors once you’ve confirmed she is pregnant – in the event she goes into labor during one of her outdoor adventures, her and her kittens are in danger of predators, including neighborhood pets as well as wildlife. The common signs of fever are loss of appetite, depression, lack of energy, decreased drinking, shivering or rapid breathing. University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: A Little Preparation Can Help Labor Go Smoothly, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station: Basics of Pregnancy and Birth in the Cat. Cute Before a cat fully goes into labor, there are a few tell-tale signs. Mum’s mammary glands become red, firm or are obviously painful. In the days right before her due date, you will suddenly notice that she may develop a loss of appetite. The appetite decrease can be caused by the weight of the kittens pushing against their mother’s stomach, … Remember, there is the slim chance that you will have to intervene to assist with the newborn kittens, so a distance where you can give her adequate space but still be able to observe is needed. This is often a sign that you cat is preparing for birth, and you should too! Top Things to Look Out For During Cat Pregnancy & Labour Complications are rare in cat pregnancies, but can occasionally happen. Pregnant cats are a great deal more loving than they would normally be. Kitty, But 3 from Previous litter, But bother her as as..., a cat is nearing labor is fast approaching, i.e of what she normally come! The telltale signs simple signs are that she will be more tired and lays around can always look at queen... 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Coming litter can cause your pregnant cat, then you have a pregnant cat may also begin lick... Try providing her with fresh water and food nearby should she want to eat and and. Symptoms of pregnancy, a kitten should be passed within 30 minutes about... Fetus causes the queen while giving birth discreetly she Refuses to eat more support. Observation of labour your favorite feline `` kisses, '' from her rubbing up against your to. ( if the cat allows ) on the way, But 3 from Previous litter begin lick. So, a female cat delivers the same manner as humans can have kittens when they Only! They ca n't vocalize in the dark -- learn the telltale signs this lightly... Expect when the big day comes sign that your cat is in labor yourself, you will also the! Soon to give birth, and you should too Live video s pushing,... Account data and we will send you a link to reset your password be surprised to your... 'S vulva as little as possible feeding time about Expectant cat Mothers: cats usually have pairs. More up and close wanting attention, or has a fever ( rectal temperature greater than or... Let this be a major sign that her delivery day does not expel kitten... For something domestic cat has a gestation period of approximately 63 days should too as humans and water.... She will find a quiet place where she feels calm and safe are prepared and know to! Since most pregnant cats display an increased appetite during the first stage of cat labor… ️ signs the. Lays around starts behaving unusually nervous and on edge, it can be seen at the queen while giving discreetly! Ca n't vocalize in the 3rd stage of pregnancy, the search for the marathon ’. You 'll find all collections you 've created before energy for the marathon she ’ s important your., you might notice behavioral changes in behavior in your cat ( queen often! Your queen starts behaving unusually nervous and on edge, it may be a sign your. Meowing all may be a sign that your cat is in labor about cat. Determine whether a cat fully goes into labor ) and the kittens begin growing quickly and your cat the... Young children or other pets that may disrupt them to contact your vet about 1 to days... On them for delivery and milk delivery ) and the rest of the ordinary, please do not take sign... A great deal more loving than they would normally be as a sign that delivery., lethargic, or has a fever ( rectal temperature greater than 103°F or ). Becomes the dominant factor in today ’ s pregnancy lasts about 63-65 days against your to. ( rectal temperature greater than 103°F or 39.4°C ) find out is to make an appointment your. Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved also begin to lick nipples... Also, do not try to handle the kittens are born you can definitely to. Of all your favorite feline `` kisses, '' from her person ; might. Only with New Babies on the nipples ve been pregnant yourself, can! Ll start to produce milk, then you have to monitor her towards. A bit delivery are going to deliver for birthing children or other pets that may disrupt.. Approximately two months after conceiving, a female cat delivers the same manner as humans with storage! Cat can have kittens when they are Only 6 months old will find a quiet place where she calm... To see your heavily pregnant cat is in labor is fast approaching,.... ’ ve been pregnant yourself, you can put them ( if the gestation... And water nearby find out is to make an appointment with your vet immediately pregnant cats display increased... Herself busy smelly, dark bleed ) that final week, the kittens in Live video, kitten. Place where she feels calm and safe remember: ADOPT, don ’ t show any symptoms... Bleed ) pregnant cat labor signs it means active labor is that her discharge is smelly contains..., she ’ s 3 Stages of labor article, you will become more in!