During this time, kittens are very susceptible to disease, and it can be stressful to the mom and babies. It can be very difficult to see the signs that a cat is pregnant. Eventually, the cat’s abdomen may look rounder or her nipples may become more prominent. In addition, cats should never be vaccinated during pregnancy. If you are in this situation, have your male cat neutered as soon as you know your female is pregnant, or keep your female cat confined so that another pregnancy is not possible before she can be spayed. You can mix dry kibble with water (and let it soak to make the kibbles softer) or canned kitten food to make it easier for them to eat. Dystocia means difficult birth and can occur for a variety of reasons. Signs That Your Cat Is Going to Give Birth:A pregnant cat is generally pretty self-sufficient and knows what she needs to do to give birth to her kittens.But knowing what to expect as an owner will help you spot any problems before they start and get vets assistance if something does occur that the cat can’t deal with. Click below to jump to a specific section: How to Make Your Cat Comfortable for Giving Birth. If the discharge is overly bloody or looks like pus, the queen should be examined by her veterinarian as soon as possible. Cats usually have 4 pairs of mammary glands. Veterinary Information Network. After your cat has given birth, mum will normally bite through the umbilical cord, but your help might be needed again if she doesn't. Use a heating pad below the nesting box or a heating lamp above it to keep the kittens warm. The discharge will normally appear reddish-black since it consists mostly of old blood. Here’s what you need to know about providing the right food for a pregnant cat. The cat's belly will get big around 30 days after they mate. Many veterinarians recommend deworming at regular intervals, starting at 2 to 4 weeks of age, and vaccinating at 6 weeks of age. At this point, if the queen will allow it, it’s a good idea to get the kittens used to your presence. Tear it with your first two fingers and thumb, but be careful not to pull on the cord, as this may cause damage to the kitten’s organs. The first stage is defined as cervix relaxation and the start of intermittent contractions. A cat's delivery is a moment of joy and excitement, because soon a few playful animals will come to the world and probably become great pets, always considering that labor has been sought, and not because of an accident. There are some signs that she may be close to giving birth (known as “queening”). Pacing, restlessness, and more vocal: All are are common in the immediate hours before birth. This means that she will need to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Cancer and tumors. Depending on the individual queen, kittens are usually born every 30-60 minutes, with the entire litter being delivered in less than six hours. She will also be looking for a spot when she is in labor, so the cat will be sniffing around secure places. Pregnancy in cats usually goes smoothly, but premature contractions and labor do happen from time to time. Newborn kittens should be nursing every one to two hours, so your cat will likely be with them constantly for the first week or two. The first sign of labor for cats giving birth to kittens is restlessness with some growling or rhythmic purring. Kittens are born with a protective fetal membrane that is usually removed by the mother cat shortly after birth. A greenish-black mass of fetal membranes (sometimes called “afterbirth”) is expelled after passage of each kitten. Approximately two months after conceiving, a female cat delivers her litter. ASPCA. It’s recommended that you have a fresh stool sample checked by your veterinarian, as intestinal parasites can be spread to the kittens both in utero  (in the womb), and during nursing. For these reasons, caring for your pregnant cat can sometimes be difficult in terms of pre-partum care. Watch for “poor doers” or the “runts of the litter” (kittens who are much smaller and not growing as quickly as their littermates), as they could have underlying health conditions affecting their ability to grow. Cats can also suffer from false pregnancy, or pseudopregnancy. If you notice that one of your kittens is smaller or has less energy than the others, consult your veterinarian. Just a minute ago your cat may have looked for attention and cuddles – in the next it will suddenly retreat and wants to be left alone. You can then stimulate the kitten to breathe by firmly stroking their body with a towel. … The secret to being a good midwife to your cat is observation and timing. 4. Reducing the risk of cancer. The Time is MEOW! Once the kittens are 3 to 4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning process by giving them access to kitten food. It should be in a quiet but warm spot, out of the way of children and other pets. If you are not so sure how far along your cat is, review the telltale signs that birth is imminent. You can use a timer to keep track of the time between kittens to make sure there isn’t a problem. If she stops eating and appears … If you think that your cat may not be producing milk, or isn’t letting the kittens nurse, contact your veterinarian right away. Brooks Wendy. That adds up to a lot of kittens! Williams Krista. If your queen starts behaving unusually nervous and on edge, it may be a sign that she's ready to go into labor. Waiting until they are closer to 10 weeks old to adopt out or place the kittens in homes will have an even greater behavioral benefit. Loss of appetite: A few hours before she gives birth it’s quite common for her to lose interest in eating. Do NOT use over-the-counter dewormers on your pregnant or nursing cat, as some of these could be dangerous. What are the signs that a cat is about to give birth? When a cat is pregnant, they are typically referred to as a “queen.” Usually a queen’s behavior will not greatly change during pregnancy, but some cats may become either more affectionate or aggressive. She should be provided with food and water at all times, however. 1. To help with the serious problem of overpopulation, talk to your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your cat. Use caution when approaching the kittens, as some mothers may show aggression to humans or other household pets if they perceive a threat. Keep in mind that because of the growing fetuses, there will also be less room in your cat’s stomach. Once a cat is confirmed to be pregnant, there are a few things that a pet parent needs to be aware of and consider. Bella: As labor becomes imminent, your cat will start licking her genitals, and may even make some anxious noises. Here are some tips for caring for your cat’s kittens safely. When you start to wonder if your cat is pregnant, look for the following signs: After about two weeks, your cat's nipples may grow and become more pink. Avoid giving medications and vaccines while your cat is nursing. 3. These changes usually occur one to two months after her heat is over and can last for up to a month. Vaginal bleeding is abnormal during any feline pregnancy and should be a cause for concern. They should still have constant access to the queen, who will continue to nurse them. The gestation period of a cat is 63-65 days. This space encourage your cat to start preparing itself for giving birth, feeling comfortable and protected, essential for the welfare of your cat’s kittens. Usually, a cat that is close to labor will give signs, so you can tell when to be ready. Commercial diets labeled for pregnancy and lactation. While cats tend to be pretty self-sufficient, there are still some important things to consider during your cat’s pregnancy and birth. If the mother cat fails to remove the fetal membrane within the first minute after birth, you will need to break the sac and wipe away any fluid from the kitten’s nose. Flea anemia is one of the most common causes of death in young kittens. Last Updated on October 28, 2020 by Julia Wilson. This guide has everything you need to know about cat pregnancy and birth, including how to tell if a cat is pregnant, how long cats are pregnant for, nutritional needs, stages of cat labor, and how to care for the newborn kittens. Cats should be confined from this time to allow for observation of labour. During the later stages of your cat’s pregnancy, your cat may start becoming more unfriendly and grumpy , especially with other household pets or people. These are all pre-labour signs, but many may occur right up to the actual birth. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/cancer-and-tumors/reducing-the-risk-of-cancer. The cat gestation period can vary from as short as 61 days to as long as 72 days. Keep the nesting area private enough for the pregnant queen to feel comfortable, yet still accessible so you can monitor any possible complications. Often the date of birth of a pet is not known because it has not been with us since birth. Fetal membranes are usually reddish-yellow in color and surround the fetus that’s floating in amniotic fluid. In order to determine pregnancy look for a range of range signs. Queens should be kept on this higher-calorie diet through weaning. Do NOT move or distract your cat during the birthing process because she may stop labor and begin again the next day if she feels stressed. Here is an at a glance guide to your cat’s pregnancy from conception to birth, week by week. The gestation period (the time span between conception and birth) of a cat is generally about sixty-three days long, a little over two months. Giving birth to kittens. A final word to the wise: pregnant cats typically stop eating approximately 24 hours before giving birth, and their temperature drops below 100 F – if you notice these last two pregnant cat symptoms, you’re well on your way to meeting your cat’s fur babies! https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pregnancy-and-parturition-in-cats, Featured Image: iStock.com/Prostock-Studio, Cat Pregnancy and Kittens: The Complete Guide, Health and Safety Considerations for Pregnant Cats, https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/cancer-and-tumors/reducing-the-risk-of-cancer, https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952101, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pregnancy-and-parturition-in-cats. If there is too much commotion around her, she may become stressed and neglect her kittens. Most queens will wean their kittens by 5 to 6 weeks of age. Signs to watch for include: Listlessness or restlessness, looking for a place to hide (show her the nest) You should also contact your veterinarian to ask when the kittens should first be examined. Kittens’ eyes generally open around 7 to 10 days of age. On the other hand, a normally friendly cat may withdraw and spend more time on her own. The most simple signs are that she will be eating and drinking more often, and will be more affectionate. It is very important to know the age of your cat to give your pussy the care it needs. The cat gestation period (cat pregnancy length) is about 63-65 days on average, or about two months. In an ideal situation, a cat would give birth after 63 days of pregnancy. You can use a large cardboard box with low sides, making it easy for your cat to step in and out, or simply put down soft, clean bedding. It should be mentioned that in the final two weeks before delivery, she should be left alone if that is what she wants. If you notice nesting behavior and you hadn’t previously realized your cat was pregnant, take your cat to … She will also clean up after them, so there is no need to add a litter box specifically for the kittens during their early days. Vaginal discharge may last for up to three weeks after the kittens are born. However, factors ranging from stress to bacterial infections can cause a pregnant cat to go into labor too early. The cat’s behaviour alters little until the final week of the pregnancy. It’s believed to be caused by hormonal imbalances that allow non-pregnant queens to show symptoms such as lactation and behavioral changes. However, these signs will sometimes not occur until later in the pregnancy. You can use newspaper or towels as bedding. It is best to watch your cat from a distance, taking care not to disturb her or make her anxious. Shelters are full of cats and kittens across the United States. Place her litter box, food, and water nearby so that she can easily access them while nursing her kittens. The behavior of a cat in heat is changed and she is likely to get pregnant if meeting a male cat. Signs of impending birth include an increase in the size of the mammary glands (breasts), milk production, nesting, drop in body temperature, loss of appetite, genital licking and restlessness. She needs to feel safe in her nesting box. If you notice that you are having a hard time locating your cat, it's probably because she's on her search for the perfect spot. Examining Your Cat Take the cat’s temperature. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952101, 5. Full author bio Contact Julia, (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}), About   Privacy policy   Disclaimer   Linking policy   FAQ   Contact   Sitemap Copyright © Cat-World.com - All Rights Reserved. The most popular answer that has been given is that when your cat will give birth it will start meowing, but not at their regular tone and pitch. What are the signs that a cat is close to giving birth? Your cat will show typical signs during the gestation period that are often comparative to those indicating human pregnancy, such as frequent sickness and mood swings. Around 35 days a pregnant cat’s nipples will often turn bright pink and may express milky fluid. Nesting Activities: As the birth gets closer, your pregnant cat may seek out quiet, private places for the birth to take place.This typically begins up to two days prior to labor, but it may only begin a few hours prior. Most veterinarians prefer to wait until about a month after she is done weaning to spay her, as this allows time for the uterus to shrink down and makes the surgery safer. Genital licking:  This is a sign that delivery is very close. As the kittens get older and more rambunctious, your cat will want more and more time to get away and sleep, groom, or socialize with members of the household. But make sure there are accessible unheated areas, as kittens will need to be able to move away from the heat source if they become too warm. During that final week, the search for the most suitable kittening bed becomes the dominant factor. She may purr, lick you, follow you around the house. Most kittens will naturally scratch in the litter and learn to relieve themselves in the litter box. You may notice some cream colored thick secretions coming out of her nipples. Subsequent kittens should come every 15 to 20 minutes thereafter, until she’s done giving birth. Be separated from their mother if they are 3 to 4 weeks old in mind that because the! First milk that the mother cat fails to expel the placenta during birth from physical to. 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