How to tell if a cat is giving birth: key signs

On average, a cat's pregnancy lasts 65 days (give or take 5 days). This period usually guarantees the birth of healthy kittens. But how do you know when a cat is giving birth? Not everyone knows the signs. Many inexperienced owners begin to worry about the upcoming event as soon as they notice their pet is expecting. Owners of cats expecting their first kittens are especially anxious. And their pets themselves often show signs of anxiety. And for good reason.

But don't worry too much. You'll have plenty of time to familiarize yourself with your cat's behavior during this period and prepare the necessary supplies for the birth at home. But first, let's try to understand the signs. You can guess that the cat is pregnantIt will be easiest to recognize an "interesting situation" and calculate the date of fertilization if the mating was planned, and you know from what point the pregnancy is recorded, which is conventionally divided into three stages, each with its own characteristics.

Stages of gestation

A female cat can become pregnant for the first time after six months of age, which is typically when her first heat cycle occurs. However, most veterinarians believe that only a mature female cat, at least 12 months old, can bear healthy kittens. Pregnancy occurs in three stages:

After mating, the cat's genitals may visibly swell, but this doesn't mean she's fertilized. The first signs will become more obvious around the third week:

• the pet becomes lethargic, eats poorly, moves little, sleeps more;
• she has been vomiting repeatedly for 2-3 days;
• the nipples enlarge and acquire a bright pink color or, conversely, become lighter;
• When palpating the cat's genitals, the veterinarian notices an enlarged uterus.

During the middle period of pregnancy, the cat noticeably gains weight as the fetus actively develops. By the sixth week, the amount of amniotic fluid increases, and the kittens begin to move for the first time. By stroking the cat's belly, you can gently "feel" the kittens.

Between 7 and 9 weeks, the cat's anxiety increases, and she rushes around the apartment in search of a future "nest." The kittens move around actively, which is especially noticeable when the cat is sleeping. The cat restlessly licks its genitals.

Preparing for childbirth

Pets often give birth so quietly and gently that their owners don't even notice any signs of the event. However, if complications arise, your pet may need human assistance, so it's best to learn how to tell if a cat is giving birth and prepare thoroughly for the event.

By the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, a caring owner should stock up on items and medications that may be useful during and immediately after the birth. So, if you're concerned about the health of your pet and her future kittens, you should definitely have the following on hand by the time the kittens arrive:

• Oxytocin is a drug that stimulates labor in case of delay.
• Sterile latex gloves.
• Sterile scissors and thread.
• Antiseptic agents in powder and liquid form intended for animals.
• Brilliant green and cotton balls for treating the umbilical cord.
• A special suction device, bulb syringe, or pipettes to remove fluid from the kitten's respiratory tract if it starts to choke.
• Clean terry towels for wiping kittens.
• Veterinarian phone number for urgent consultation.
• Cat milk replacer (she may not produce it).
• A sturdy cardboard kitten box with low sides (it doesn't matter whether you buy it at a pet store or make it yourself - the main thing is that the cat can freely "travel" in and out of it without disturbing the kittens).

Signs of approaching labor

So, you've already purchased and prepared everything you need; all that's left is to wait for labor to begin. And here the question arises again: how do you know when a cat is giving birth? The signs of pregnancy are obvious, but an inexperienced owner needs additional information to be able to come to their pet's aid at the crucial moment.

Signs of approaching labor in a cat are as follows:

• the animal shows great anxiety, meows loudly, and looks for a comfortable, often hidden place to give birth;
• the mammary glands greatly increase in size, the skin around the nipples becomes dry and flaky;
• 24 hours before lambing, the pet begins lactating;
• body temperature drops to 37 degrees and below;
• on the day of lambing, the pet completely loses interest in food;
• a few hours before giving birth, the cat begins to frequently bend her back;
• the animal licks its genitals, from which a foul odor often emanates (sometimes you can notice the discharge of the birth plug, which is a mucous clot - transparent or with a pinkish, yellowish, or even greenish tint, but usually the animal “cleans up” the plug, which comes out in parts, along with the discharge).

The mucus plug coming out and the belly actively moving indicate that your pet is about to start having contractions or has already started them.

How can a person help a cat giving birth?

If your cat is about to give birth and hides away from you in a far, hidden corner, don't disturb her. Just be prepared to quickly come to your aid if trouble arises. But when your pet is nervous and constantly at your side, she definitely wants immediate help.

In this case, you should definitely reassure and cuddle her. Don't let her squat, as this could harm her babies. Try to position her on her side, petting her and offering warm words of encouragement. You can also stimulate labor yourself by stroking her tummy and spine. When she pushes, allow her to brace her hind legs against your hand. Always keep clean, warm water handy: an exhausted mother will often experience increased thirst.

The birth process

Kittens ready to be born line up in a birthing queue within the animal's bicornuate uterus. The birthing process is divided into three stages:

1. The cat feels uterine contractions and a simultaneous urge to defecate. The cervix begins to open slightly. Often at this stage, the birth plug is expelled along with mucus.
2. In the second phase contractions become more intense When the birth canal is painful and painful, the cervix opens fully, preparing to allow the kittens to pass through. The mother strains, trying with all her might to "push" the kittens through. This is how a healthy kitten is born if the birth proceeds smoothly. If the amniotic sac has not ruptured earlier, the kitten is born within it. Usually, the mother releases the kitten herself by gnawing through the membrane. However, sometimes she leaves the birthing area in fright or gets lost during the first litter, in which case you must come to the rescue by cutting the membrane with sterile scissors to prevent the kitten from suffocating. The next kitten should be born within 15, maximum 40 minutes after the first.
3. During the final stages of labor, the mother's placenta separates. The mother must consume one of the placenta's places—this will help her quickly recognize her motherhood and accelerate lactation. Make sure that each kitten is delivered with an afterbirth. A placenta left in the mother's body can rot, leading to severe inflammation and even death. At this time, the mother may also consume a stillborn or weak kitten, which is best avoided.

Well, the birth is over. Make sure your beloved cat has delivered all her kittens by feeling her belly: it should feel soft and empty. If you have any doubts, or if your cat isn't rushing to feed and cuddle her kittens and continues to show signs of distress, consult a specialist.

You can also ask our website's staff veterinarian a question, who will answer them as quickly as possible in the comments box below.

Read also:

• A cat giving birth
• What to feed a pregnant cat: the best foods
• How many kittens can a cat give birth to?