Vomiting. A Drop in Temperature. It is best to watch your cat from a distance, taking care not to disturb her or make her anxious. You should check on her regularly throughout labour, but don’t feel the need to stay with her at all times. In an ideal situation, a cat would give birth after 63 days of pregnancy. Encourage your cat to sleep inside this box as soon as you notice any nesting behavior going on. Fetal membranes are usually reddish-yellow in color and surround the fetus that’s floating in amniotic fluid. The amount can be increased each week until birth and continued until the kittens are weaned. Restlessness: About 24 to 48 hours before labor, the pregnant queen may seem restless or anxious.She may go in and out of her nesting area, almost as if pacing. Restlessness: About 24 to 48 hours before labor, the pregnant queen may seem restless or anxious.She may go in and out of her nesting area, almost as if pacing. You may even wake one morning to discover that your cat has given birth during the night and is comfortably nursing her kittens. Commercial diets labeled for pregnancy and lactation. The secret to being a good midwife to your cat is observation and timing. Pregnant cat. but it’s necessary and needs to be understood should you have to step in to dispose of things: do not try to handle the kittens in the beginning and allow for two weeks to pass before doing so. The nervous/anxious energy combined with the excitement of her coming litter can cause your pregnant cat to want to keep herself busy. The weight also plays a significant role. Allow her to eat more to support the tiny beings growing inside of her belly. It’s believed to be caused by hormonal imbalances that allow non-pregnant queens to show symptoms such as lactation and behavioral changes. And while your cat might decide for herself where she wants to give birth, it’s a good idea to set up a nesting box or area in a quiet part of the house. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/cancer-and-tumors/reducing-the-risk-of-cancer. Often, cats that were once solitary and aloof are suddenly purring and rubbing themselves against their owner’s legs. Pregnant cat behavior When your cat is nearing the day when her kittens will be born, her behavior will change. You must use treatments that are safe to use during pregnancy. Pregnant cats are very independent and will usually find their own quiet area to nest before giving birth. Place her litter box, food, and water nearby so that she can easily access them while nursing her kittens. Socializing them at an early age can help ensure that they fit well into a household. Before you can welcome bundles of fur into your home, you need to know how to tell if your cat is pregnant, and what you can do to ensure her pregnancy is as happy as possible. 2014. How to help your cat during birth. You must use treatments that are safe to use during pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding is abnormal during any feline pregnancy and should be a cause for concern. This, as we mentioned before, will depend on the age, breed, size and health status of your cat. The majority of the time, their mother will began to lick her newborn kitten in a way that is persistent enough to break the sac and allow the kitten to take their first breath. Your cat’s normal temperature falls between 37.7º to 39.1ºC (100º to 102.5ºF) – One to two days before giving birth, her temperature will drop to 37.2ºC (99ºF). 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. Eventually, the cat’s abdomen may look rounder or her nipples may become more prominent. Queens should be kept on this higher-calorie diet through weaning. In cats, milk fever (also called eclampsia or lactation tetany) may occur three to five weeks after the birth of kittens and is due to a sudden drop in the amount of calcium circulating in the bloodstream, associated with the heavy demands of milk production. The ads on this site allow us to raise the necessary funds to continue helping cats in need. They should still have constant access to the queen, who will continue to nurse them. When your cat is pregnant their behaviour will change in some subtle ways and some not so subtle ways, a few things to watch out for are mentioned below. Labor can begin as early as 61 days and as late as 70 days after conception. Before Pregnancy Puberty Blues. Mama cat puts her scent on her kittens, and prefers to keep things this way initially. If you want to give her added protein, you can mix some kitten food in with her food during this time for an extra boost. Let your pregnant cat visit it often, before the birth, so they get used to the area and feel comfortable. Here is an at a glance guide to your cat’s pregnancy from conception to birth, week by week. Hi, About 24 hrs. Use a soft towel to stimulate breathing for the kitten once the sac is broken, but be careful to practice precaution as the newborn kitten is extremely delicate. In addition, cats should never be vaccinated during pregnancy. Labor can begin as early as 61 days and as late as 70 days after conception. They should never be separated from their mother if they are younger than 8 weeks old. The discharge will normally appear reddish-black since it consists mostly of old blood. Restlessness and pacing. Dystocia means difficult birth and can occur for a variety of reasons. If the bleeding is noted during the early or middle stages of gestation, it’s likely that the queen has had a miscarriage or aborted the babies. You also do not want to risk mama cat from rejecting her kittens because your dissatisfying scent is on them. At the very beginning of your cat’s pregnancy, mating and fertilisation occur, although you will not be able to tell definitively that your cat is pregnant for a couple of weeks. Here's what to expect during the birthing part of cats giving birth to kittens: Labor Stages of Feline Pregnancy. Her heat cycle will have stopped at this point and she almost certainly won’t care to spend much time outside if any. Vomiting in pregnant cats is not uncommon. Also. A cat’s normal body temperature is higher than that of us humans. If anything seems off or out of the ordinary, please do not hesitate to contact your vet immediately. Then, feel free to take away the placentas and dispose of them in the event that your cat doesn’t instinctually do this herself. The most definitive ways to confirm pregnancy include a blood test, ultrasound, x-rays or abdominal palpation. She’s feeling more affectionate toward her humans now than ever before. Your cat's appearance and behavior will change, recognize the signal of a pregnant cat. During the second stage of labor, each of your cat’s kittens will enter the world wrapped in a jelly-like membrane sac which is the amniotic sac. A queen may also stroke her rounded side against your leg while purring. It is also important to know that there are 5 stages within a cat’s pregnancy, these include; early stage of cat pregnancy, middle stage of cat pregnancy, pre-labor and labor/delivery. VCA Hospitals. Around delivery, her nipples will grow larger and pinker, while beginning a milky discharge. If your cat’s pushing hard, a kitten should be passed within 30 minutes. 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. Remember, there is the slim chance that you will have to intervene to assist with the newborn kittens, so a distance where you can give her adequate space but still be able to observe is needed. Pregnant Cat Behaviour. There are essentially three stages of the birthing process: labor, delivery, and ; afterbirth. Prepare Yourself For Your Cat’s 3 Stages of Labor. Elsevier. The ideal location is away from foot traffic and especially young children or other pets that may disrupt them. The pre-labor stage starts about a week before your cat gives birth. Let this be a major sign that her delivery is quickly approaching. These changes usually occur one to two months after her heat is over and can last for up to a month. What is often a very exciting but tense time for all involved, it is important to be aware of pregnant cat signs of impending labor. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. Fun Fact About Expectant Cat Mothers: Cats usually have 4 pairs of mammary glands. 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. Retained placenta is a condition that can occur if the mother cat fails to expel the placenta during birth. It is imperative that the kittens receive an adequate amount of colostrum because it contains vital nutrients and immunoglobulins that are necessary for proper immune system maturation. Pregnant Black Cat & Her Daughter Both Rescued From Hoarding Situation; Just In Time For Birth Of Her Kittens In Live Video! As the queen's pregnancy comes to a close, her hunger will increase as the kittens grow. Hopefully your queen will retreat to the safe place you offered her, a box with blankets in the quiet designated area is perfect, but if she does not than you cannot force the issue. You may find that your cat becomes more affectionate at 4 or 5 weeks, even to the point of demanding attention from you. 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. About three weeks prior to her approximate delivery date, begin supplementing her diet with premium kitten food. When your cat is pregnant, you'll probably find yourself counting the days in anticipation of when the kittens will arrive. Over the next few weeks, they will rely more and more on kitten food rather than nursing. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952101, 5. The licking stimulates the kittens circulation and respiration. Before giving birth, your cat's behaviour will become maternal and she may begin to purr a lot. This means that she will need to eat smaller, more frequent meals. 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. For more information on feline pregnancy and delivery, please see: If your cat is already pregnant, ask your vet for advice on caring for your cat, including feeding, worming and flea treatments. Pregnant cats can have four to six kittens in a litter. Cats are loved pets to a very large number of people, and they are also mammals that carry and give birth, and during pregnancy some signs of pregnancy appear in cats, whether at the beginning of pregnancy or during pregnancy, which helps the owner in identifying the occurrence of pregnancy and the approaching date of birth Also . You may even wake one morning to discover that your cat has given birth during the night and is comfortably nursing her kittens. The average number of days a cat (known as a queen) is pregnant is 63 (or 9 weeks), but birth can occur anywhere between the 60th and 70th day. Give your cat space to get away from the kittens, but make sure that she is returning often to check on them. A cat’s belly will not start showing much until a few weeks before birth, but a veterinarian might be able to feel kittens in the abdomen after at least three weeks. Like humans and other animals, pregnant cats will exhibit nesting behavior when they are close to giving birth to their kittens. However, these signs will sometimes not occur until later in the pregnancy. Here are some tips for caring for your cat’s kittens safely. It’s important to remember when planning to have kittens that your cat and her litter will have demands that you will need to be prepared to handle. Usually the other signs will be so obvious you won’t need to be concerned with checking her temperature as a sign. Vomiting in pregnant cats is not uncommon. 5th edition. Temperature will fall. One of the most common behavioral changes that pregnant cats will go through is becoming more attention-seeking with their masters. Some owners don’t see any nesting behavior at all, only to have the cat climb into their lap for the actual birth. 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. Merck Veterinary Manual. While cats can go through a pregnancy and give birth without the help of a doctor, that doesn't mean she shouldn't get the medical attention she deserves. Frequent genital licking. She is also seeking out places away from the hustle and bustle of your household so that, when she delivers, she knows where she can go. If the queen has a retained placenta, you will need to seek veterinary care for her as soon as possible. For the first 24-48 hours following your cat’s delivery, she should remain in a resting period which serves to restore her energy and allow her to have time to bond with her newborns. Before we start talking about how to care for a pregnant cat, let me say first that I am not encouraging you to breed your cat unless you are a responsible breeder with a … The weight also plays a significant role. During this stage, you can expect your cat to: Her body temperature will also decrease to 99°F or less when she is 12-36 hours from the start of full contractions. Your cat will gradually gain between one and two kilograms, depending on the number of kittens. Around delivery, her nipples will grow larger and pinker, while beginning a milky discharge. Here's what to expect during the birthing part of cats giving birth to kittens: Labor Stages of Feline Pregnancy. As they often try to sneak away to give birth in private, you’ll need to keep a close eye on them in the last few weeks just in case! Nelson RW, Couto CG. Pregnant cat behavior. During pregnancy, it’s even more important to keep your cat on a safe, vet-approved flea preventative. It’s important to note that you should carefully watch for any or all of the signs below for the weeks leading up to your cat’s due date. Any queen that is being used for breeding should be current on her vaccinations and preventatives prior to pregnancy. For these reasons, caring for your pregnant cat can sometimes be difficult in terms of pre-partum care. Now, if the characteristics of cats before giving birth will also show different behaviors, you know. Your pregnant feline slinks up to you and rubs her rounded side against your leg, purring all the while. You should only need to interfere and contact your vet if: There are no kittens 3-4 hours after the start of labour. 3. It is significant to stay your cat feeling at ease and safe during this time. Before a pregnant cat delivers, there will be changes to her nipple area in the days and weeks leading up to the arrival of her kittens. About 24 to 48 hours before labor, a queen can lose her appetite or appear anxious or sleepy. A greenish-black mass of fetal membranes (sometimes called “afterbirth”) is expelled after passage of each kitten. When a pregnant queen cat is on the verge of giving birth, she won't be celebrating at baby showers or buying cozy blankets for the upcoming nursery. She may appear to be "pacing," or, in other words, acting restless. Provide her with fresh water and food nearby should she want to eat. According to the ASPCA, a cat can have an average of four to six kittens per litter, and can have one to two litters per year. Consuming more food also helps for her to store energy for the marathon she’s about to take part in. See Labour and Giving birth. If they want to give birth in a laundry basket, behind the garbage can, or in the back of your closet, they will. At this point, if the queen will allow it, it’s a good idea to get the kittens used to your presence. Sometimes it’s so hard to tell that a cat is pregnant that you don’t know until you’ve got a litter of kittens. You shouldn’t need to worry - pregnant cats are usually more than capable of taking care of themselves, although they will still need close care and attention from you during labour. A “randy” behaviour of the cat indicates that it is ready to mate. Vaginal discharge may last for up to three weeks after the kittens are born. Pregnant cats are an enormous or great deal more loving than they would normally be. Your cat should be kept on a higher calorie (pregnancy or kitten) diet for as long as she is lactating (nursing her kittens). You may want to provide a large box with dry paper, towels or blankets in the location she seems to prefer. Most queens will wean their kittens by 5 to 6 weeks of age. Also, do not try to handle the kittens in the beginning and allow for two weeks to pass before doing so. Keep the nesting area private enough for the pregnant queen to feel comfortable, yet still accessible so you can monitor any possible complications. If the bleeding is noted at the end of the pregnancy, the mother may be going into labor early, and immediate veterinary intervention is necessary. Keep in mind that you can guide your cat as much as possible and set up the ultimate birthing spot, but they are going to do what they are going to do. Once a cat is confirmed to be pregnant, there are a few things that a pet parent needs to be aware of and consider. Aim to break the cord about an inch away from the kitten’s body. But most importantly, your cat is most likely going to start searching for a place in your home where she will deliver her litter safely. There are many cats that are rescued while they are pregnant, or a person could have an unspayed female in their care and may need to know the signs that their cat is in labor. 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. It can be very difficult to see the signs that a cat is pregnant. You can use newspaper or towels as bedding. Pregnant cats are very independent and will usually find their own quiet area to nest before giving birth. There are some signs that she may be close to giving birth (known as “queening”). 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. Once your cat has given birth, the real work begins. How Many Weeks Is A Cat Pregnant Before Giving Birth. Pregnancy in cats usually goes smoothly, but premature contractions and labor do happen from time to time. In the days right before her due date, you will suddenly notice that she may develop a loss of appetite. A cat’s pregnancy length usually lasts between 58 and 67 days. Most kittens will naturally scratch in the litter and learn to relieve themselves in the litter box. They may have even thought that their cat was just getting a little round from extra snacks. Animal behavior specialists say yes, cats can tell even before you take a test to confirm your pregnancy. The third—and final—stage of labor is the passage of the placenta. If for any reason in the rare event that mama cat doesn’t choose to break the sac and care for her kitten, you must intervene for the kitten’s sake. Before your cat becomes pregnant, make sure she is up to date with: Deworming; Parasite control ; Vaccination; Remember, this isn’t just about protecting her — it’s also about protecting the unborn kittens. Vaccines can put a cat at significant risk of birth defects for the developing babies. The mother and her kittens should be kept in a quiet, low-traffic area of the house. During the first few weeks after birth, the mother cat will stimulate her kittens to eliminate by cleaning their genital areas. 2. With tips for during pregnancy. They may want to see them right away to evaluate for cleft palates, umbilical hernias, and other health concerns, or they may advise you to wait until they are a bit older. If there is too much commotion around her, she may become stressed and neglect her kittens. Pregnant cat behavior is noticeably different than normal cat behavior. The first stage is defined as cervix relaxation and the start of intermittent contractions. Also, be sure that this area is in a draft free zone as newborn kittens do not have the ability to regulate their body temperature for the first week of life. Cats can – according to breed – be receptive as of the fourth or fifth month: Abyssinian, Sacred Birman and Siam cats can get pregnant at this age, while Persians need to reach seven to eight months to be able to become mother cats. However, factors ranging from stress to bacterial infections can cause a pregnant cat to go into labor too early. This can lead to fever, infection, lack of appetite, and failure to care for the kittens. If the umbilical cord has not broken during delivery or the mother cat has not torn it, you will need to sever the connection. https://canna-pet.com/cat-pregnancy-stages-a-week-by-week-guide During the second stage of labor, each of your cat’s kittens will enter the world wrapped in a jelly-like membrane sac which is the amniotic sac. Here’s what you need to know about postpartum care, nutrition, and lactation. 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. She may even become more vocal as she tries to get your attention. The second stage of labor in cats begins with stronger, more frequent uterine contractions that eventually lead to the birth of a kitten. These behavioral changes are considered part of prelabor, the period right before labor and delivery. Approximately 2 days before your cat gives birth, she’ll start to produce milk. Provide her with fresh water and food nearby should she want to eat. A day or two before birth, her temperature drops to 99°F (37.2°C). Pregnant cats should be transitioned to a higher-calorie diet at four weeks of gestation. contractions and dilation. Animal behavior specialists say yes, cats can tell even before you take a test to confirm your pregnancy. During this time, kittens are very susceptible to disease, and it can be stressful to the mom and babies. The licking stimulates the kittens circulation and respiration. Step 6 - Watch for Signs of Nesting Behavior. Her nipples will be very visible at this point, and you may even see milk drops on them. Shelters are full of cats and kittens across the United States. 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. Veterinary Information Network. When labor begins for your cat, she will most likely pant, vocalize and may become restless and pace around like she is searching for something. Pet statistics. Pregnant cats will usually find a dark and quiet location to give birth to their kittens. Nesting is an incredibly common instinct that many people experience during pregnancy. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. 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. Approximately 2 days before your cat gives birth, she’ll start to produce milk. Give her the attention she craves, but try not to pick her up very often. If your cat is already pregnant, ask your vet for advice on caring for your cat, including feeding, worming and flea treatments. 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. That adds up to a lot of kittens! The more time that she wants to spend with you, the more apparent her pregnancy should be. Loss of appetite. So for the first four weeks of their lives, you should provide a warm, clean box or bedding for the mother and kittens to share. 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. This will ensure you have all the tools you need to provide a comfortable and safe labor for your beloved cat. Pregnancy and parturition in cats. Encourage your cat to sleep inside this box as soon as you notice any nesting behavior going on. Pregnant Cat Behaviour. For help preparing for the kitten birth, see Cat Pregnancy and Birth. The third stage may not be something you’re thrilled about, but it’s necessary and needs to be understood should you have to step in to dispose of things: The third stage labor involves the expulsion of the placenta. Your pet is pregnant and during all these weeks you have given it all the attention and care it deserves, and as the delivery approaches you want to stay close in case things become complicated. Another physical sign that your cat is in labor is that her temperature will drop two days before her delivery day. Then open the mouth with the head facing down and clear any remaining membranes or fluid. As with human pregnancies cats also suffer from morning sickness, this will typically be most prevalent around the fourth or fifth week of the pregnancy. If for any reason in the rare event that mama cat doesn’t choose to break the sac and care for her kitten, you must intervene for the kitten’s sake. Full term pregnancy in cats is usually between 63 and 65 days during which time energy requirements increase to 1.5 times normal. She is likely to refuse food, will act unsettled and might start to look for a suitable quiet place in which to give birth. VERY Pregnant Cat Rescued From Streets ~ Not Only With New Babies On The Way, But 3 From Previous Litter! The best way to prevent this serious and expensive medical condition is to spay your cat. It is also important to know that there are 5 stages within a cat’s pregnancy, these include; early stage of cat pregnancy, middle stage of cat pregnancy, pre-labor and labor/delivery. Before your cat gives birth, talk to your vet to ask if your cat needs any specific support or treatments during pregnancy and birth. When your cat is pregnant their behaviour will change in some subtle ways and some not so subtle ways, a few things to watch out for are mentioned below. Now, if the characteristics of cats before giving birth will also show different behaviors, you know. Avoid giving medications and vaccines while your cat is nursing. 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. The majority of the time, their mother will began to lick her newborn kitten in a way that is persistent enough to break the sac and allow the kitten to take their first breath. For help preparing for the kitten birth, see Cat Pregnancy and Birth. A domestic cat has a gestation period of approximately 63 days. You should also contact your veterinarian to ask when the kittens should first be examined. Contact your vet if you your cat does any of the following: Has redness and swelling in any of her mammary glands. Kittens should NOT be taken away from their mother and go to their new homes too quickly, as they learn very important social rules and behavior from their mother and siblings. As soon as she reaches sexual maturity (also known as puberty) your cat is able to get pregnant. Many veterinarians recommend deworming at regular intervals, starting at 2 to 4 weeks of age, and vaccinating at 6 weeks of age. The third stage may not be something you’re thrilled about. During the first stages … For the first 24-48 hours following your cat’s delivery, she should remain in a resting period which serves to restore her energy and allow her to have time to bond with her newborns. For those of you who have a high level of curiosity will definitely pay attention to this because cats who are pregnant also exhibit different behaviors. If you don’t know the exact date of conception, however, you may not have a clear idea of when your cat is ready to go into labor (known as queening). Change in behaviour – During the last week or so, your queen may become either reclusive (possibly seeking out a secluded place), or more affectionate, especially if she is particularly close to one caregiver. You’ll see her pacing around your house, scouting out comfortable and hidden areas where she can rest in privacy. 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. If the discharge is overly bloody or looks like pus, the queen should be examined by her veterinarian as soon as possible. Always check with your veterinarian to ensure that a specific flea preventative is safe for use in pregnant cats. Once a cat mates and the egg is fertilized, they enter the 2nd stage of their feline pregnancy. 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. Kittens are unable to regulate their own body temperature until they are 3 to 4 weeks old. And while your cat might decide for herself where she wants to give birth, it’s a good idea to set up a nesting box or area in a quiet part of the house. They become a great deal quieter, less interested in other cats-especially male ones. 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.