How to understand that a cat will soon give birth or is already giving birth: signs of the onset and process of childbirth

Recognizing when a cat is about to give birth can help you provide the care and support she needs. Cats often show clear signs that labor is approaching, but these can be easy to miss if you don"t know what to look for.

A cat’s behavior may change in the days preceding birth. She may get more chatty, agitated, or look for a peaceful area to build a nest. Physical indicators like increased grooming or a decrease in appetite are also typical.

A cat that is in labor will exhibit more overt symptoms as the time approaches. She might begin panting, meowing, or pacing incessantly. You can tell when the birth is approaching and when to get ready for the kittens’ arrival by keeping an eye out for these indicators.

How long does a cat"s pregnancy last, how to calculate the probable date of birth?

Cats can give birth to kittens earlier or later than the typical 58–65 day gestation period. What factors influence the birthdate? Cats will be born earlier the more there are in the uterus. On days 55–57, a female carrying five kittens will probably give birth. Infections, trauma, and injuries can also cause early labor.

Certain breeds tend to give birth later than others. It can take up to 72 days for Peterbalds, Canadian and Don Sphynxes, and other hairless cats to give birth to their young.

Cats go through three stages of pregnancy just like people do:

1. The female becomes lethargic, loses her appetite, sleeps a lot. Vomiting may occur 2-3 times a day. When palpating the abdomen, the veterinarian will detect a slight increase in the uterus.
2. By the 6th week, the abdomen noticeably rounds out. The amount of amniotic fluid increases. Kittens begin to move, this can be felt by placing a hand on the abdomen or sides.
3. At 7-9 weeks, the abdomen noticeably protrudes on the sides, movements are clearly visible. The cat"s behavior changes, she becomes fussy, tries to arrange a place for the birth and raising of kittens.

How is the birthdate calculated? There are 55 days to count from the day of mating. From this point on, one can anticipate the birth of a child every minute.

What happens if a cat unintentionally gets pregnant while out for a walk? Fertilization usually happens two to three days after the onset of estrus. You must note the date the cat requested a male, add three days, and begin counting the pregnancy from that point on.

What you need to prepare for childbirth?

Thus, the time of the pet’s birth is drawing near. Before the labor process starts, you should get ready:

• oxytocin – a drug that stimulates labor, in case the labor process slows down or stops;
• sterile latex surgical gloves;
• sharp disinfected scissors and thread for cutting and tying the umbilical cord;
• liquid antiseptic;
• brilliant green, cotton swabs for treating the umbilical cord;
• a rubber bulb or pipette that can be used to suck out amniotic fluid from the kitten"s respiratory tract;
• clean diapers to wipe newborn kittens;
• artificial formula for feeding if the cat does not produce milk or refuses to feed her offspring;
• a container where you can put the used tool.

See also: What determines the number of babies in a litter and how many kittens can a cat give birth to in her lifetime?

The new mother and the babies will be placed in a large cardboard box with low sides, which you must prepare in advance. Place a soft cloth on the bottom, folded into multiple layers. A veterinarian’s phone number and emergency contact information should also be on hand so they can provide remote consultations or come out in case something goes wrong.

How to understand that labor will begin soon?

How can I tell if a cat is about to give birth? The telltale symptoms of impending labor become apparent a few days prior to the actual commencement of the labor process. The following indicators indicate that a woman is pregnant and will soon give birth:

• The cat"s behavior becomes restless. She runs around the apartment and meows loudly, crawls under the bed, behind cabinets in search of a secluded place. So she looks for a suitable corner where she could climb during labor and hide the kittens.
• The pet begins to intensively lick the genitals. Cat owners may notice the discharge of the mucus plug – a lump of pink, yellowish mucus, but, as a rule, the animal manages to lick it off.
• A couple of days before giving birth, the nipples swell and turn red. The skin around them peels. Milk may begin to flow.
• The cat arches its back, hunches over. Such body movements indicate contractions, but so far only training. They are not as painful as real ones, but the pet still experiences discomfort, gets scared.
• Body temperature drops to 37 ° C. The female loses her appetite, refuses to eat, but drinks a lot.
• Cats that have a strong attachment to the owner will follow him around. This is how they seek protection and help from a person, demand affection and attention, especially if they are giving birth for the first time.

A cat may exhibit telltale symptoms, such as restlessness, seeking out a quiet place to be alone, excessive grooming, and a decrease in body temperature, to indicate that it is either in labor or soon to give birth. The cat may adopt a birthing position, vocalize during labor, and have contractions. Knowing these cues will help you be ready to assist your pet during this transition.

Signs of the onset of labor in a cat

Contractions are the primary sign that labor is about to start. The smooth muscles of the uterus contract regularly and uncontrollably during contractions, which are not under the animal’s control. They facilitate the fetus’s passage through the birth canal and help the cervix open. There are long pauses between the initial, brief spasms. The contractions start to get longer, more frequent, and shorter intervals a few hours before they happen.

The animal’s abdomen takes on a different shape a few hours before the contractions. It takes on a pear-like form and descends to the genitalia. The cat is always running to the bathroom because the uterus puts pressure on the bladder and rectum, increasing the frequency of urination. She might not make it to the bathroom during contractions because she’s too tired; don’t chastise her for it.

The amniotic fluid in the cat disappears just before she starts to give birth. You can see that the discharge from the vagina, which is transparent or yellowish and which the female tries to lick off as quickly as possible, is amniotic fluid.

Stages of labor

The onset of labor is characterized by contractions. Usually lasting two to three hours, they progressively increase in frequency and intensity. The cat has its mouth open and breathes heavily and often. You can feel the muscles spasm when you place your hand on its stomach. The first kitten should typically be born three hours after this time begins.

Pushing is the second stage. Intense pushing by the cat forces the kittens through the birth canal. At birth, most babies are oriented with their heads facing the exit, though some may arrive feet first. A kitten usually makes four or five pushing motions to appear.

The amniotic sac, which surrounds the fetus inside the uterus, ruptures beforehand and spills amniotic fluid. Nevertheless, some kittens are born inside the sac, and the sac does not always burst. The kitten licks the kitten after biting it to remove any mucus. Squeaking is a sign that the airways are clear for the babies.

The placenta releases during the last stage of labor. Making sure the placentas emerge in the same number as the kittens is essential. If the placenta stays in the uterus, infectious processes may arise and the organ may need to be removed.

The placenta is bit off by the cat, who then consumes it. Since the placenta contains a variety of nutrients and hormones that promote lactation, there is no need to stop this.

The cat settles down to feed the newborns after they are all born. In order to prevent the mother from leaving the babies, you do not need to touch them at this time.

How a person can help an animal?

Strong, robust cats typically give birth on their own. All that is needed from an individual is process control, attention to detail, and pet care. Not all purebred cats are healthy, and if this is the pet’s first time giving birth, she might require the owner’s assistance.

What human assistance typically entails:

• The kitten is stuck in the birth canal. It happens due to sudden cessation of labor, weak pushing, incorrect positioning of the fetus. It is necessary to lubricate the vagina and vulva with petroleum jelly, which will ensure easier passage. Intramuscularly inject Gamavit into the thigh according to the instructions.
• Opening the amniotic sac. If the pregnancy was multiple, then the female may not have enough strength to open the sac in the last kittens. It is cut with sterilized scissors, the baby is carefully removed, the remains of amniotic fluid and mucus are collected with a pipette, wiped with a towel and placed near the mother"s nipple.

• Cutting the umbilical cord. Primivod pedigree cats often do not immediately develop a maternal instinct. For example, they refuse to bite the umbilical cord. This can be done independently, after tying it with a thread at a distance of 4 cm from the abdomen. The cut area is treated with an antiseptic.
• The kitten shows no signs of life. Perhaps his airways are clogged with mucus, which is sucked out with a pipette. Then his back is rubbed with a towel for about 3-4 minutes, tilting his muzzle down and lifting him by the hind legs.

See also: The benefits and drawbacks of castrating a domestic cat who stays indoors only: a veterinarian’s view

How to understand that a cat has already given birth to all kittens and the birth is over?

Cats often carry one to three babies. It is impossible to estimate the number of fetuses inside the uterus in advance if the owners have not performed an ultrasound. How can I tell if a cat is done having kittens or if the birth process is still ongoing?

When contractions stop for two hours, labor is said to be over. The cat calms down over time, and her behavior shifts to one of increased activity. She feeds the babies and starts to lick them.

The belly gets saggy and gets much smaller. It has no seals and is pliable and soft to the touch. Fear and discomfort when pressing on the abdomen could mean that the placenta is still inside the body or that not all of the babies have arrived yet.

Knowing when a cat is in labor or set to give birth will enable you to give her the support she requires. You can identify the first indications of an imminent birth by keeping an eye on her behavior, physical changes, and nesting instincts.

When labor starts, the kittens will be on their way if you notice symptoms like vocalization, restlessness, and contractions. For your cat and yourself, the process will be simpler if you remain composed and provide a peaceful, secure space.

Though it can be an exciting experience, keep in mind that you should let nature run its course and only get involved if absolutely necessary. Just in case, have your veterinarian’s contact information on hand.

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