Follow these instructions to prepare for your cat’s labor. You can make the procedure much easier by following them:
Due Date
Note your cat’s due date (62-68 days after mating).
Kittening Box
Prepare a box well before your cat’s due date. You can either buy a self-assembly disposable box or make your own from plastic or a large cardboard box.
The box must be in a quiet, comfortable, and warm room maintained at 21°C. It should be big enough to allow your cat to stand up, stretch out, turn around comfortably, and sleep peacefully. An open-top is ideal. Line the box with absorbent bedding, such as towels or blankets, to contain the newborn kittens.
Vet Help
Keep your veterinarian’s phone number on hand in case you need advice or assistance so that you can avoid any fear.
Feeding and Deworming
Ensure your pregnant cat is properly fed and dewormed for her health and general care. This will help prevent any problems.
Prepare a box or basket for your cat’s kittens to avoid any issues later.
Normal Kittening Behavior
Your cat’s birth canal will widen and relax as she prepares to deliver her kittens and his health should also be taken care of This usually lasts 6-12 hours. Typical signs include:
– Restlessness and vocalizing
– Hiding away
– Excessive grooming around the vulva
– Panting
– Eating less
– A small amount of mucus (red/brown) passing from the vulva
– Nesting behavior, such as scratching and pacing around her kittening box
Ideally, your cat will start to settle down in her kittening box before she has kittens, but it’s okay if she selects another spot.
Gland of the Breasts
The mammary glands of your mothers cat will enlarge in the final week of the pregnancy. From her groin all the way to her breast, you can find the glands lined up in two parallel rows. Milk production in your cat will begin approximately one or two days prior to her scheduled delivery.
Her nipples may produce thick secretions of a cream color; this is quite normal. Her nipples might develop little white scabs, which she can either lick off or allow to dry. The common notion is that kittens will continually attach to the same nipple based on its scent, since each one has its own unique aroma.
How Nesting Works
Cats, like people, may begin to build nests. To aid the kittens, put the nesting box in a location that is not drafty and is peaceful. Because kittens have little control over their internal temperature, this will keep them safe and sound. Keep children and other pets away from the area. As soon as you notice your cat nesting, encourage her to go asleep in the box.
Fetus Life Cycle Summary
You must have a basic knowledge of how cats go through the gestational period. Felines typically have a gestational period of sixty-five weeks, with the average being sixty-two weeks.
Your pregnant cat will start to show signs of a growing belly and pink nibbles as the pregnancy develops. When you see the above signs, it could be a signal that your pregnant cat is getting nearly the end of her pregnancy. That was such an exciting time!
Signs Your Cat is in Labor
Below are five signs to watch for when your cat is about to give birth:
One of the first warning signs that your feline friend might be going into labor is a marked decrease in appetite. It is possible that she may begin to avoid eating, even her the beloved sweets. Click here to know more about cat labor: How to Tell If a Cat Is Going Into Labor
Also, she might start looking for a cozy spot in your house where she can relax and feel safe. Labor is frequently preceded by this “nesting” activity.
Anxiety and Enhanced Voice Use
When delivery begins, cats frequently act agitated, nervous, and uncomfortable. Your cat may act more agitated than normal, roaming about and making more noise than normal. Labor is in progress if the cat starts to weep or meow more frequently than usual.
Fluctuations in Temperature and Quick Breathing
Core temperature levels of humans typically range from 100.4 to 102.7 degrees Fahrenheit, though they are able to drop much lower. Two days before the deadline, lows of less than 100 ° are not out of the question.
Giving Birth
When your cat starts giving birth, she will experience intense contractions. The first kitten should be born within 30 minutes after contractions begin. Your cat will tear the thin sac that kittens are born in to allow them to breathe.
She will pass a placenta for each kitten, usually about 16 minutes apart, though some kittens may be born before their placenta is passed. It is normal for kittens to be born head-first or tail-first. Your cat should be comfortable between each birth, licking and feeding her newborns. The average birthing process lasts 4-15 hours but can take longer.
After Giving Birth
Your cat will probably be worn out, hungry, and in need of some relaxation after giving birth. She needs to spend time with her kittens so she can feed and bond with them.
She may need special care throughout delivery if your kitty friend can’t form a bond with her pups. As a normal component of the recovery process after giving birth, vaginal discharge should not smell bad. Get in touch with your vet if anxiety gets the better of you.
Get in touch with your vet if you see:
Verdant Exudate: If your cat’s vulva is leaking verdant fluid, it could be a sign of distress or a drop in blood and oxygen levels.
A tiny amount of blood is considered normal, but if it becomes excessive, a veterinarian should be consulted.
If your cat grows too tired to continue laboring, she may stop.
If your cat strained for 30 minutes or longer without a kitten being born, you should seek the advice of a veterinarian without delay.
Large or improperly shaped kittens are more likely to become stuck. Get in touch with your vet if you want to remove the kitten on your own.
Sac Issues: It’s possible that first-time moms will want assistance in removing the sac from their kittens. The kitten will be unable to breathe if the sac is left round its face for an extended period of time. When help is needed, contact your vet.
First-time moms may also require assistance with the umbilical cords. Staying attached for a long duration of time can lead to injuries.
No Kittens: Get in connection with your vet if your pregnant cat still hasn’t shown any labor signs a few days past her due date.
While giving birth, look for any deceased kittens that could have been stillborn.
Unhealthy Health: Take your pregnant cat to the vet if she exhibits any symptoms of illness prior to, during, or after delivering it.
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Behavioral Changes
You may notice your cat becoming more reclusive or very affectionate. Some cats become clingy yet restless. A significant decrease in appetite is also common during this time, likely due to the kittens’ weight pressing against the mother’s stomach or anxiety.
Visible Contractions: The Active Stage of Labor
Visible contractions indicate the beginning of active labor. Your cat may appear to be straining and may groom her genital area more frequently.
Welcoming the New Kittens
The arrival of the kittens is the most exciting part. You might see a small amniotic sac, signaling the birth of a new kitten.
Steps to Take When Your Cat is in Labor
After identifying the signs of labor, provide your cat with a quiet, warm, and safe place to give birth. Most cats can deliver without assistance, but complications can occur. Seek immediate veterinary help if you see excessive bleeding, prolonged straining without kittens being born, or if your cat seems to be in pain.
Contact VEG if Your Cat is in Labor
Our top priority at the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) is making sure your pet stay healthier. For a healthy delivery, knowing the symptoms of labor is essential.
Whenever an emergency arises, VEG is available for providing assistance. Please get connected with us if you have any questions or concerns. The easy and secure delivery of your cat is our first priority, and we will spare no effort to achieve this. During this amazing time, you should treasure each moment spent with your cat. VEG is here to guarantee that the mother and her cubs have a healthy start..
