How to understand when a cat will give birth

Before a cat gives birth, its abdomen lowers. As a rule, it happens in 7 days, with the abdomen taking a pear-shaped shape. This is due to the fact that the kittens are already preparing for birth, taking the necessary position for this.

The birth of a cat: how to know if it's coming and how to help

Today, no country in the world has official statistics concerning how many cats live in apartments and houses of people. However, it is obvious that this cute mustached creature is one of those animals that very often become pets. Of course, a kitty needs not only affection and care, but also close attention and care, especially when your pet is about to calve.

If we are talking about a cat for which a special mating has been arranged with a cat, it is quite easy to calculate the approximate date of kittens. However, it depends on the size of the animal, small kittens nurture their young for about 60 days, the larger – about 75 days.

How to prepare for kittens?

By the time when the time of birth of kittens comes, the owners need to create a soft, warm and cozy "nest" for their pets. It should be done a couple of weeks beforehand, so that the mother-cat gets used to it. Hatching in comfortable conditions will be easier and less chaotic.

Nevertheless, the owners need to be ready for any surprise. Therefore, soft tissues, warm water, scissors, rubber gloves, and a small rubber "pear" and so on should be at hand. A veterinarian can be contacted if necessary.

At what age and under what conditions can a cat become pregnant

The main condition. Preparedness to breed is determined by the presence of heat. In most cats, it begins at 7-9 months of age and lasts until 7 years of age. However, in some cases, it may come earlier or, on the contrary, be delayed. For example, short-haired cats develop a little faster and may show the first signs of sexual behavior as 5-month-old kittens. While some long-haired congeners mature only at 1.5 years.

Time of year. The sex drive period lasts from January-February to October-November, peaking in the spring and summer months. However, this restriction applies to cats that can go to the bathroom and walk outside. Domestic animals are able to participate in mating year-round.

Signs of sexual behavior. During the sexual cycle, the cat becomes more affectionate, begins rolling around on the floor, assuming strenuous postures and making urgent cries. This usually lasts from 5 to 8 days and repeats at intervals of 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months. The interval between cycles depends on the characteristics of the animal's body. For example, in the case of an unleashed cat, heat will occur more often; in the case of a cat that has already given birth, it will occur less often.

Pregnancy after delivery. The sexual cycle resumes 2 weeks after lactation ends. However, some cats may become pregnant again while still nursing a litter.

How to tell if a cat is pregnant

Observe the cat. The first signs of pregnancy in cats are associated with changes in behavior and appearance and appear as early as 2-3 weeks from the date of the intended mating.

Increased sleepiness. The animal sleeps a lot, is reluctant to play moving games and walks slowly.

Change of behavior. An affectionate and sociable cat may become wary and even aggressive, and independent and aloof, on the contrary, constantly ask to hold hands and demand attention. Changes in her behavior are due to a change in her hormones. After the birth of kittens and the completion of lactation, the character of the pet becomes the same.

Delayed sexual cycle. If the heat was regular, and stopped immediately after mating, the possibility of pregnancy is very high.

Nausea. Usually a pregnant cat only vomits in the morning. If vomiting recurs more often and lasts more than 2-3 days, see your veterinarian.

Change in appetite. In the first half of the pregnancy of domestic cats, the appetite of the pet may decrease, and in the second half, on the contrary, become atypically good. The pet may refuse the usual food and show interest in something new. During this period, the cat needs high-energy food that can make up for the deficiencies that occur.

Changes in the color and size of the nipples. Pregnant cats' nipples swell and become bright pink or coral red in color, and the hair around them thins.

Rounded belly. The changes will be noticeable both when viewed from above and in profile. But most likely only with a multiple pregnancy (more than 5 kittens). The main thing is not to try to palpate the fetus with your fingers yourself. This can traumatize both the fetus and the mother cat.

What do I need to prepare for labor?

So, the birth is getting closer, and the cat is about to calve. By the beginning of the birthing process you should prepare:

• Oxytocin, a drug that stimulates labor, in case the labor process slows or stops;
• sterile latex surgical gloves;
• sharp, disinfected scissors and thread for cutting and tying the umbilical cord;
• liquid antiseptic;
• green, cotton swabs for treating the umbilical cord;
• A rubber bulb or pipette to suck the amniotic fluid out of the kitten's airway
• clean diapers to wipe newborn kittens with;
• An artificial feeding mixture in case the cat's milk doesn't come out or she refuses to feed her offspring;
• A container to put the used tools in.

Read also: How to determine at home if a cat is pregnant: the first signs of pregnancy in the early stages

In advance, you need to prepare a large cardboard box with low rims, where the new mother will be together with the babies. On the bottom put rolled up in several layers of soft cloth. Also, you should have the phone number of a veterinarian and emergency vet on hand, who can advise remotely or come if something goes wrong.

How do I know if labor is coming?

How do you know if a cat is about to give birth? A few days before labor begins, you may notice distinctive signs of impending labor. You can tell that a pregnant female cat is about to give birth by the following signs:

• The cat's behavior becomes restless. She runs around the apartment and meows loudly, crawls under the bed, behind cabinets in search of a hiding place. So she is looking for a suitable corner where she could climb for the time of delivery and hide the kittens.
• The cat starts to lick her genitals intensively. Cat owners may notice the mucus plug – a clump of pink or yellowish mucus, but as a rule, the cat manages to lick it off.
• A couple of days before delivery, the nipples swell and become red. The skin around them peels. Milk may begin to be secreted.
• The cat archs its back, humping. These body movements indicate contractions, but so far only a training contractions. They are not as painful as real contractions, but the pet is still uncomfortable, frightened.
• 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 their owner will follow them on their heels. So they seek protection and help from humans, demand affection and attention, especially if they give birth for the first time.

Pregnancy in a cat

Pregnancy in a cat lasts 65-70 days (9-10 weeks, or 2.5 months). If you cannot find out by yourself whether the cat is pregnant or not and how many months to carry kittens, you should consult a specialist.

In the last week before the birth, the cat begins to choose a place for itself, to put its "things" there. Owners are advised to think about creating favorable conditions for the animal from the beginning of pregnancy: pick up a spacious box, put diapers or cloths on the bottom. The expectant mother must get used to the nest that you have built her.

Duration of pregnancy in cats may vary depending on the number of kittens, the age of the animal and the conditions in which the pet is in the last month of the term. For example, if the cat is stressed, the delivery may be delayed, and if the pregnancy is multiple, the birth may start early, so it is extremely important to know how to know if the cat is going into labor.

In the event that the due date is a week early or a week late, you should not panic, as this is quite natural.

Problems can arise if the birth begins earlier than 60 days (the kitten will be born weak and unable to live) or later than 80 days (there is a chance that the offspring will develop abnormalities).

Signs of the beginning of labor in a cat can be determined 24 hours, or 1-2 hours before the beginning of the process.

Stages of pregnancy

• Stage 1 – the first three weeks of pregnancy. Mammary glands and genitals are swollen, cats begin to sleep more, there is no appetite as such, activity is zero. The animal demands attention, sleeps with the owner cuddled up to him, the animal may have a gag reflex for food intake, an increase in the size of the uterus when palpating.
• Stage 2 – from the fourth to sixth week. Kittens begin to be active, moving. The mother-to-be has a good appetite and rests a lot. The cat may refuse her favorite foods, preferring dairy products. If the cat vomits, it is better to take her to the vet.
• Stage 3 – six to nine weeks. Kittens are actively moving, this is best seen when the animal is sleeping. The abdomen is large, the mammary glands are enlarged, and there may be a discharge of colostrum. The cat's abdominal hair is falling out, and internal organs are displaced due to the large size of the kittens. The cat moves carefully, tries not to jump unnecessarily, and sleeps on its side. To prevent the pet from gaining excess weight, it is transferred to a fractional diet (4-5 times a day).

How do you know when a cat is giving birth?

It is impossible to predict when a cat will give birth because each cat's pregnancy proceeds according to its individual characteristics.

However, there are a number of signs that can be used to determine when kittens are about to be born:

About a week or a few days before delivery, the cat's behavior changes, becoming more nervous and even aggressive. It may avoid contact with people or, on the contrary, it will attract attention and call its owner.

During the same period, the cat is looking for a secluded corner, it may climb into closets, hide under the bed. The owner should arrange a suitable place in advance and show it to the pet, so that it gets used to it.

The cat may purposely pull the hair around the nipples to facilitate access to milk for future kittens.

One to two days before the birth, the cat's mammary glands swell up and produce some colostrum (the first milk, rich in antibodies that strengthen kittens' immunity).

The cat has a decreased appetite, up to complete refusal of food, it also drinks less.

Activity decreases. The cat lies down more, may look apathetic and indifferent.

The day before labor the cat begins to actively lick itself – this is due to the fact that before the birth of the genitals the protective mucous plug comes out of the genitals.

A few hours before labor (about 5 hours) the cat has a characteristic curve of its back, this is due to the occurrence of short contractions of the uterus.

Cat labor often occurs at night. For the birth to be under the control of the owner, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the pet not only during the day, but also at night.

How to know that the cat will give birth soon

About 5 days before the expected delivery, you should start measuring the temperature of the expectant mother in the morning and evening. With the beginning of the first phase of labor the rectal measurement shows a decrease in temperature to 36.7 C (the normal temperature is 38.3 C – 38.9 C).

From this point on, the previously calm cat loses her appetite and looks for a nest. She often licks herself here and her genitals. She may start vomiting.

If you have not managed to accustom the cat to a certain place before the birth, it may try to get into a closet or bed. Move the cat to a box prepared for it and stay with it until it gets used to it and feels at ease in this "birthing chamber".

During the first phase of labor the cat digs in its box, making a nest, sometimes even covering it with its fur. During this time, breathing usually increases, shuddering may occur, and the pulse rate increases. The cat rushes, often changes position, from nipples may begin to release milk. At the same time, the uterine muscles begin to contract, with the kittens moving from the horns of the uterus to the body and cervix. This phase can last from 12 to 24 hours. It is longest in first-born cats. If this phase lasts more than 24-25 hours or if the contractions are accompanied by severe agony for the cat, be sure to call the doctor.

During the 2nd phase of labor, strong pushing begins, which simultaneously sets the abdominal muscles and diaphragm in motion. At the beginning of this phase you may notice a small amount of pale or greenish fluid coming out of your vagina. The amniotic fluid escapes when the fetal bladder (the protective membrane that covers the fetus) ruptures as the fetus passes through the birth canal, namely when it enters the vaginal canal. At this time, the cat is lying on its stomach or on its side, less often standing or squatting on its hind legs.

Part of the fetal bladder covering the kitten is showing at the exit of the vagina. Sometimes the amniotic bladder is already ruptured before the kitten comes out.

🐱 How to know if a cat is about to give birth

Experienced breeders when breeding pedigree cats usually know the exact date of mating, the gestational age of the cat. Therefore, it is not difficult for them to accurately determine that the cat is about to give birth.

But what if the owner did not plan the mating, or does not know when it happened?

This often happens when domestic non-sterilized cats are taken to the country house, or given free range on the street.

There are a few basic signs you can tell when a cat's due date is approaching.

Normally, a domestic cat's pregnancy lasts about sixty-five days. That said, a cat can become pregnant as early as five months of age, but it certainly depends on its individual characteristics.

The first heat in cats usually begins at five to nine months of age. During the heat, the cat becomes more affectionate, actively meows, pats and rolls around on the floor. If mating occurs during the heat, the cat is likely to become pregnant.

A cat's appearance may not change during pregnancy. Some owners mistakenly believe that she should immediately grow a big belly.

But in practice this is not entirely true, and pregnancy can be outwardly unnoticeable almost until the birth.

It depends on the breed, age and build of the cat. If the owner believes that the cat may not have become pregnant as planned, it is better to take her to a veterinarian for a checkup.

But it is worth bearing in mind that the doctor will only be able to determine the presence of a pregnancy from the third week onward.

The most accurate signs of an impending birth in a cat are changes in her behavior.

Some owners may notice that the cat's food preferences have changed, or that its appetite has increased or decreased.

Nausea and rapid fatigue may occur. Some cats may have increased frequency of urination.

The cat may begin to hide in hiding places and choose a place to give birth.

The owner should be alarmed by swollen cat's mammary glands or changes in their temperature, and they may become hot by the time the delivery approaches.

Behavioral signs of a cat in labor

Watch for changes in the cat's behavior. As labor time approaches, the cat may become restless and wander around the apartment frequently. You may also notice that her usual behavior has changed. For example, if your cat is usually indifferent to human company, she may become more affectionate (or vice versa) as the birth approaches. [4] X Source of Information

Note if the cat doesn't eat. Usually pregnant cats eat more. That said, they may lose their appetite or even stop eating altogether when labor approaches. [5] X Reliable source Cat Fancier's Association Go to Source

Pay attention if the cat has started actively licking under the tail. When labor begins, certain physiological changes are triggered, which the cat will begin to feel. In particular, you may notice that she has begun to lick the genital area. This may be accompanied by mucous discharge, which is a sign of impending labor. [6] X Reliable Source Cat Fancier's Association Go to Source

How to examine a cat

Keep an eye on your cat's physical condition. When a pregnant cat's delivery date approaches, her nipples and mammary glands will enlarge. The cat may also begin to lick her nipples. Other physical signs of impending labor include a lowered abdomen and an enlarged and soft vulva. All of these signs are easy to spot with a visual inspection. [9] X Source of Information

Pay attention to the way the cat breathes. If you suspect labor is approaching and the cat lets you get close to her, listen carefully to her breathing. The cat's breathing may become rapid, it may even become short of breath. The cat may also begin to purr rhythmically and prolongedly. [10] X Source of information

See if the abdomen feels tense to the touch. When labor is imminent, the cat will begin to go into labor. You can tell by gently feeling her belly. Tension in the abdominal area is most likely a sign that labor is starting. You may even see your cat's abdomen tensing and relaxing. At this time, the cat may be lying on her side and it will be easier for you to examine her. [11] X Reliable Source Cat Fancier's Association Go to Source [12] X Source of Information [13] X Source of Information

How to tell if your cat is pregnant

This article is co-authored by Natalie Punt, DVM, our regular contributor. WikiHow's regular contributors work closely with our editors to ensure that the articles are as accurate and complete as possible.

Number of sources used in this article: 7. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

Typically, a cat's gestation period lasts about nine weeks, with changes in the cat's physical condition and behavior showing up shortly after gestation begins. [1] X Source of Information Knowing how to identify these changes will help you know if your cat is pregnant. However, the best and most surefire way is, without a doubt, a visit to the veterinarian. It is advisable to have the cat spayed unless you breed cats professionally, since due to the large number of stray animals, many of them are euthanized.

Signs of fertility readiness

• As a rule, the sexual activity of domestic cats increases with an increase in the length of daylight hours and warming, that is, in spring and summer.
• Periods of heat (readiness for fertilization) can begin in a cat when it reaches about 80% of its weight at maturity, and begin usually with warming. This means that in some, rather rare cases, a cat may start her heat as early as four months of age.

• Before the onset of heat, the cat begins to show signs of anxiety, becomes more affectionate, it makes low noises and exhibits an increased appetite. [3] X Source of Information
• With the onset of heat, the cat begins to "howl," that is, purr and meow frequently and persistently; the animal often loses its appetite in the process.
• During the heat period the cat becomes much more affectionate towards people; it rolls on the floor and also mounts its back up, stomping on it with its hind legs and hanging its tail to its side. [4] X Source of information [5] X Source of information

• If you notice that your cat has recently been in heat, it is possible that she has become pregnant.
• After the heat period, the cat has a "quiet phase" that lasts about 8-10 days, during which the animal calms down. However, this phase is followed by a heat phase again, and this can continue from April until September. [6] X Source of Information
• To prevent periods of heat and unwanted pregnancy, the cat should be spayed by choosing the right time for the operation.