Cat behavior before the first and subsequent births, suspicious symptoms

When a cat is ready to give birth for the first time, there may be noticeable behavioral changes. In order to get ready for her kittens, she might get more affectionate, restless, or seek out calm, comfortable areas. Cat owners can recognize when the big day is almost here by being aware of these indicators.

It’s also critical to identify any warning indicators that might point to problems. While some changes in behavior are normal, odd symptoms like persistent discomfort, excessive panting, or low energy may indicate an issue.

After several births, seasoned cat moms may exhibit slightly different behaviors, but it’s always important to watch out for any unusual symptoms. The mother’s and her kittens’ health and safety can be guaranteed by being aware of what to expect.

Behavior Before First Birth	Behavior Before Subsequent Births
Nesting: The cat seeks out quiet, hidden places to give birth.	Similar nesting behavior but more familiar with the process.
Restlessness: Pacing and looking uncomfortable as labor approaches.	Less anxious, more prepared for what"s coming.
Excessive grooming, especially around the genital area.	May still groom, but less obsessively.
Loud meowing or yowling as contractions start.	Can be quieter, having experienced it before.
Uncertainty: The cat may seem confused or scared.	More confident and calm during labor.

What happens to the cat during pregnancy?

In a healthy animal, bruth cubs typically progress smoothly and last for eight to nine weeks. There are three distinct phases of pregnancy in cats:

1. From 1 to 3 weeks. After fertilization, the female may have a slight swelling in the genital area. The cat behaves less actively, sleeps more, eats little, can become more demanding of affection and attention from the owner. However, until the fourth week it is difficult to understand that the pet is expecting offspring.
2. Period 4-6 weeks. Rapid growth of embryos, increase in abdominal volume. By the end of the second stage of pregnancy, you can feel the kittens moving if you put your palm to her belly. The expectant mother"s appetite increases. Sleep takes up most of the time.
3. The last stage from 7 to 9 weeks. The movement of kittens in the womb becomes noticeable even without palpation, especially when the cat is sleeping.

Preparing a cat for childbirth, "nesting" syndrome

The cat exhibits typical "nesting" symptoms 7–14 days before giving birth, starting to look for a warm, quiet spot for her future cubs. The woman has the option of selecting a discreet spot behind the couch or a handy shelf in the closet. The expectant mother must stay inside the house during this time to avoid finding a "nest" on the streets.

At this point, the owner can handle setting up the kittens’ space on his own. For this, a box with somewhat high sides works well. To create room for the mother’s entrance, one side of the side is reduced. Place some soft bedding made of materials that won’t snag the kittens’ claws inside the box. Typically, this is done with baby diapers. They are easily changed and have good moisture absorption.

To give the mother and kids a sense of security, the upper portion of the shelter should be closed. If multiple "nests" are prepared, the mother will select the most appropriate and secure place for her babies to live prior to delivery.

A cat’s behavior can change drastically before her first delivery; she may become more affectionate, restless, or even seek out secret, quiet places to get ready for giving birth. These behaviors often recur in subsequent pregnancies, but owners should also be alert for warning indicators of potential complications, such as excessive pacing, heavy panting, or extreme discomfort. It is possible to protect the mother’s and her kittens’ health and safety by identifying these common and concerning symptoms.

Signs of the first and subsequent births in a cat

Before giving birth, a cat’s behavior noticeably changes, and indications that the kittens will be born in the next two days start to appear. The following occurrences are the primary indicators that birth is imminent:

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• The expectant mother"s mammary glands increase significantly, the nipples swell. When lightly pressed, colostrum may be released from them.
• The cat leaves its place less often, spends a lot of time in a calm state, resting or sleeping.
• 12 hours before the onset of contractions, the female loses her appetite. She refuses even a tasty treat.
• In the pre-labor state, the animal often behaves unusually, may begin to rush around the house, show anxiety, meow.
• Intensive licking of the perineum is also a sign of an approaching event.

There are several other physiological signs that you can see just prior to the contractions starting. The following indicators will indicate to a vigilant owner that his cat is ready to give birth:

• change in the shape of the abdomen – it becomes pear-shaped;
• frequent visits to the toilet, the urge to urinate due to the pressure of the uterus on the bladder;
• excretion of mucus, passage of cork and amniotic fluid;
• increased breathing.

How does a cat behave during labor?

In a healthy pregnancy, a cat’s labor is easy and starts on schedule. Human intervention is not necessary in this situation. Nonetheless, if this is the pet’s first offspring, the owner should be close by and exert control over the situation in order to assist his animal companion if needed.

There are five sequential steps involved in giving birth to kittens:

• Contractions and pushing. After the plug comes off, the tone of the uterus increases, it begins to contract, pushing the baby along the birth canal. To push the baby out, the mother actively pushes, the muscles of the abdomen and thighs tense.

• The exit of the kitten. It can appear in the bubble or without it, if the film bursts while moving along the birth canal. Normally, the head appears first, then the rest of the body is born.

• Cleansing the fetus. Mother defeats the amniotic fluid, frees the kitten and actively licks it, removing the mucus from the mouth and nose. When the cub starts to squeak, the breathing process starts.

• Nibbling off the umbilical cord and the exit of the placenta. After the mother has completely licked the baby, she begins to bite off the umbilical cord. It is important that the placenta comes out after the kitten. The cat usually eats it. If the placenta remains in the womb, an inflammatory process may begin.
• Feeding the offspring. Immediately after birth, the kittens suckle on the mother"s breast. In this case, labor can continue until all the babies come out.

A number of factors affect how long labor takes. A cat can give birth in as little as six hours on average. It could take a little longer, though, if there are many fetuses and the pushing is prolonged.

Symptoms that should alert you

Alarming symptoms can often leave a cat owner without veterinary training unsure of what to do. That’s why you should obtain the veterinarian’s number prior to giving birth so that, in an emergency, you can speak with him right away and take appropriate action.

In the following situations, seeking the advice of an expert may be necessary:

• Labor has started too early. The reason for the early onset of labor is usually a frozen pregnancy, trauma, pathologies in the development of embryos, placental abruption. Labor occurs quickly, and, as a rule, the cubs are born dead. Sometimes only one embryo is born prematurely, and the rest of the offspring are born on time. The causes of miscarriage can only be determined with the help of a specialist.
• Post-term pregnancy. When labor does not start in an animal even on the 70th day, this may indicate a frozen pregnancy. A veterinarian with a high degree of probability can assume that the kittens died in utero. To save the mother from intoxication and infection, it is necessary to urgently perform an operation and extract them.

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• Termination of labor. During labor, the female may rest periodically. If she does not leave her place, refuses to drink, and cares for the newborns without much interest, then labor has not yet ended. When 3-4 hours have passed since the birth of the last baby, and there are no contractions, you need to feel the cat"s belly. High muscle tone indicates the presence of unborn kittens in the womb. In such a situation, you need to consult a doctor or invite him home.

• Atypical discharge. When during pregnancy the pet has discharge of an unusual color that has an unpleasant odor, the owner should immediately show her to the veterinarian. Such a condition can threaten the life of the mother and her offspring. Only a specialist can help the mother in labor. It is important not to waste time and act quickly.

Helping your pet if complications arise

The first birth is typically when the most challenges occur. If it is not possible to invite an experienced veterinarian, you must make arrangements in advance for this process because the owner bears full responsibility for the cat and her cubs. The following medications and equipment will be necessary for the cat owner in the event of complications:

• cloth napkins;
• sterile rubber gloves and scissors with curved ends;
• syringe;
• antiseptic;
• oxytocin;
• petroleum jelly;
• medical thread.

These products ought to be reserved for dire situations involving difficult labor. The table enumerates all potential issues along with solutions:

• weak labor;
• the fetus is stuck and does not move.

• moisten the pipette in Levomekol ointment and insert it into the vulva, making circular movements;
• examine the birth canal to understand how close the fetus is;
• give an injection of Travmatin or Gamavit in the amount of 1 ml in the withers;
• stroking the mother"s belly from top to bottom.

• weak pushing;
• stop pushing after the baby"s head appears.

• treat the cat"s genitals and birth canal, as well as the baby"s head, with Vaseline.
• give an injection of Gamavit in the thigh.

• cat"s refusal to bite the bladder within one minute after the baby is born;
• mother is busy with another baby and does not have time to remove the bladder in a timely manner.

• cut the bladder tissue with sterile scissors;
• remove the newborn;
• remove mucus from the nose and mouth with a pipette or bulb syringe;
• wipe the baby with a towel and place it on the mother"s stomach.

• lack of interest in the newborn;
• preoccupation with other kittens;
• inability to physically bite through the umbilical cord.

• step back 4 cm from the stomach and tie the umbilical cord with medical thread;
• cut it slightly above the thread and treat it with an antiseptic.

• clear the respiratory tract of mucus.
• rub the baby"s back and chest for 3-4 minutes through a towel.
• pulling the kitten"s hind legs to the chest, bending it like this several times.

• convulsions;
• rapid breathing that does not recover for a long time;
• no pushing;
• signs of eclampsia

• warm the medicine to body temperature, having previously drawn 1 ml into a syringe.
• inject the drug into the muscle.
• if there are signs of eclampsia, calcium gluconate is administered 2 times a day for 3 days after birth.

• decreased uterine tone;
• no contractions;
• the presence of dead fetuses or placentas in the uterine cavity

• Between contractions, give an injection of oxytocin into the withers in a volume of 0.2 ml. If a second injection is required, it is given no earlier than 40-60 minutes after the first.
• Oxytocin can be administered after the end of labor, within 3 hours, if they passed without complications. This will help the animal get rid of the placenta.

• mechanical blockage due to incorrect positioning of the embryo during birth;
• large size of the fetus;
• prolonged fruitless pushing;
• too young or old mother

• bleeding in the mother;
• a sharp increase in body temperature;
• disorientation;
• loss of consciousness

It’s important to comprehend a cat’s behavior both before and after birth to make sure she remains calm and healthy. Numerous symptoms, such as restlessness, nesting, and changes in appetite, are typical and aid in getting her ready for the kittens’ arrival.

But, it’s critical to remain vigilant for any concerning signs or symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, protracted labor, or strange behavior that could indicate a problem. Please do not hesitate to seek advice from a veterinarian if you notice anything worrying.

You can contribute to a more seamless and secure birthing experience for your cat by being aware of both typical and unusual signs.

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