how a cat behaves before giving birth

The approaching birth of a cat causes anxiety for both the animal and the owner. After seven weeks, the veterinarian indicates the exact date of birth, which allows you to properly prepare for it. Possession of information about the stages of labor, calmness and support for the animal contribute to a favorable outcome and well-being of the mother and kittens.

Cat before birth

So, as we have already said, the first signs of impending birth are observed 7-10 days in advance.
From this period, the owner should pay special attention to his cat. If she goes for a walk outside the house, take her from the street and try not to leave her alone for a long time

You can tell that a cat is ready to give birth by the following signs:

often lie down in a prepared box on your back;
in the stomach you can visually notice the active movement of kittens;
the cat begins to actively wash itself, lick the genitals, even to the point of licking off all the fur under the tail;
a day before giving birth, she is constantly in the birth box, from where she comes out to drink water or milk;
does not eat anything on the last day before giving birth;
The animal's genitals become noticeably swollen, and redness of the nipples and skin under the tail is also observed.

Have you noticed these signs in your cat? Then you no longer have to wonder how long it will take for her to give birth. Here everything is already extremely clear - childbirth can take place at any minute within the next 24 hours! Be prepared for this process and purchase everything you need in advance in case complications arise during labor.

How can you tell if your cat has started giving birth? Before giving birth, a mucus plug comes out of the cat’s genitals, then the birth process begins, during which the cat can meow loudly and pitifully. At this moment, the owner should be nearby and calm his pet with gentle stroking and kind words of support.

To make it easier for you to navigate this difficult matter, consult in advance with a veterinarian who will answer all your questions in detail. Childbirth can happen differently for each animal.

For example, ordinary cats that do not have pedigree roots often give birth on their own. The owner may not even notice this process and see already born kittens affectionately eating their mother's milk.

It is impossible to predict how the birth will go. This depends on the individuality of the animal’s body and whether the cat has given birth before. Young individuals bearing offspring for the first time take longer than usual to give birth and often scream loudly. Due to lack of experience, such cats often try to run out of the box, which is not at all recommended.

It is also not advisable to allow rollovers and squats. In such positions, a cat can seriously harm her kittens. To eliminate such risks, the owner needs to control the birth process and prevent such positions of the animal’s body. It is better to carefully turn her on her side and gently stroke her stomach and back. This will calm the frightened mother cat a little.

Even an inexperienced owner will notice that the cat has begun to give birth. The first kitten will emerge from the genitals of the expectant mother. At this moment, the woman in labor will strain and push very hard, thereby trying to quickly push the baby to the light.

The first kitten may be in the amniotic sac, which occurs if it does not burst during birth. The cat will be able to free the baby from the bubble by carefully gnawing the shell.

If this does not happen, take the initiative and free the newborn from the bladder using sterile scissors. When cutting the shell, be extremely careful and attentive so as not to harm the kitten.

How can you tell if your cat is no longer giving birth? The frequency of birth of each kitten is 15-40 minutes. This means that you won’t have to expect a quick birth. After the kitten is born, the placenta emerges from the genitals, which she must eat. This will allow the woman in labor to quickly realize motherhood and speed up the lactation process.

As a rule, the owner does not have to persuade the cat; it eats the placenta by force of natural instinct.

After the placenta is delivered, you can understand that she gave birth to all the kittens and has already finished giving birth. It is very good if the birth was successful for both the mother cat and her offspring. But sometimes complications occur, which we will now talk about!

Complications during childbirth in cats

The saying “only cats give birth quickly” is usually true. But even in cats, the course of labor can be difficult for various reasons:

Some cats, due to poor health or a violation of the parental instinct, completely ignore the newborn and in this case, removal of the membranes, cleansing the oral cavity of amniotic fluid, cutting and tying the umbilical cord must be carried out by the owners.
Prolonged labor. If the expulsion phase is prolonged (the cat pushes fruitlessly for half an hour or more), a mechanical problem is most likely. This may be large fetuses, congenital narrowness of the pelvic opening in the mother, abnormal position of the fetus (for example, the fetal head thrown back, bending of the limb, transverse presentation, etc.).
Generic weakness. Primary birth weakness can be congenital, secondary weakness is more often caused by external causes: exhaustion, systemic disease of the mother, calcium or glucose deficiency in the cat’s body. In this case, stimulation infusions can lead to successful spontaneous labor.
Weakness of uterine contractions. The cat does not show signs of labor 60 or even 70 days after mating, or labor begins and stops completely after a short time. In case of postmaturity, it is important to monitor the viability of the fetuses, since over time the placenta, through which the kittens receive nutrients, wears out and begins to function worse, leading to intrauterine death and decomposition of the fetuses.

First signs of labor

How a cat behaves before giving birth can be understood from its behavior. The very first signs are the removal of the animal’s plug. It is called a traffic jam in a figurative sense. It is a natural beige-pinkish lubricant that comes out of the genital opening. In this way, the body clears the path for the animal’s fetuses to exit.

The surest sign is that your water is breaking. Therefore, the animal must be in a place prepared for lambing so as not to stain the sterile areas of the apartments. To prevent the cat or litter from being in danger, the area designated for cat birth should be fenced off. For example, you can take a spacious box and put disposable sheets inside.

Newborn kittens

Labor can be considered to have begun when the genital opening opens and the kittens are gradually born. The last kittens (1-2) may be born slowly. That is, there is no need to rush if it seems that lambing is already over.

Can there be false births?

Can a cat have false contractions? Can and should be present for facilitated real childbirth. False contractions begin several hours before real labor. Contractions are spasms of the uterine walls that cause the kittens to turn over in preparation for lambing. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon that prepares not only the animal, but also the owner. After false contractions, it is necessary to monitor the cat’s behavior; you should not allow activity, although the animal is unlikely to get out of its bed.

Possible complications are milk fever or eclampsia. It may not occur during the first birth, but during the second and subsequent births it may appear. But if it happened the first time, then you should expect it to happen again next time. Does a cat always have false contractions? No, but in most cases they happen. The absence of false labor can aggravate the situation. During false contractions and real lambing, the owner can consult a veterinarian by telephone. And in order to relieve himself of the difficult responsibility of delivering a baby, he can give the animal to the clinic so that professionals can deliver the baby. False contractions last on average 1.5 hours, and real labor lasts up to 4-5 hours.

Harbingers of imminent birth

On the day the cat gives birth, you can observe signs of labor in the cat:

No appetite. The cat is limited to water or milk, and prefers liquid dishes (broth, for example) from food. This is the very first sign that the body is preparing for lambing.
The female spends all her time in the place she has chosen for childbirth. She doesn't go out for walks at all.
The cat will constantly lick the genital opening, where birth will take place. They do this to remove the discharge so that there is no discharge during childbirth. The presence of discharge can cause infection.
During sleep and rest, the kittens will constantly move in the stomach. Before giving birth, they take positions that are convenient for lambing. The larger the kittens and the more of them, the more pronounced the movements will be.
The plug comes off. Cork is a thick pinkish mixture that is released literally an hour and a half before lambing.
The nipples swell and colostrum is released. This can be checked by gently pressing on the nipple. It will come out with a white mixture.
About 5 hours before the real birth, false contractions appear, the cat becomes hunched over, as if preparing a comfortable position before lambing. This is one way to understand contractions in a cat. False contractions are needed to prepare kittens for birth. At the same time, the uterus does not open, the cat behaves restlessly.
The waters break about an hour before lambing; in primiparous cats, they may break with the birth of the first kitten.

False contractions

All of the above symptoms will help to accurately determine imminent labor. Childbirth must be monitored. It is better to prepare the place and sterile unnecessary rags in advance. For example, you can buy several disposable diapers at the pharmacy.

How is childbirth different for pets?

Childbirth in cats

Cats usually give birth faster than dogs.

The harbingers of labor take only a few hours for them; the birth itself and the intervals between babies pass faster. However, if there are complications or abnormal births, they are more likely to end in caesarean section in cats than in dogs.

An important point to know!

Remember that even normal childbirth is extremely stressful for the body. But it is your pet who is giving birth, not you, so you should not increase stress by infecting your pet with your nervousness. No matter how much what is happening scares you, control yourself, talk to the animal in a calm and confident voice, know that it is from you that it expects support. Prepare for childbirth in advance: read the literature, enlist the help of a doctor, find out the number of a 24-hour clinic to be fully prepared.

Do not panic! Animals sense your condition and may become frightened, which can lead to them hiding from you. Create the most calm and comfortable environment for the animal. You shouldn’t grab it and rush to the clinic to give birth if there is no reason for this. Traveling is an additional stress, which, especially in cats, can lead to the cessation of labor. If you are very worried and unsure of your abilities, it is better to invite a doctor to your home. You can call the clinic and get doctor's advice.

We will tell you how a normal, uncomplicated birth proceeds.

How do you know when an animal is due to give birth?

There are even special online calendars on the Internet that are very convenient. Enter the mating date and get the estimated due date. If you are not sure or do not know the exact date, you can do an ultrasound to determine the date. A good diagnostician uses ultrasound to determine the period with an accuracy of up to a week.

However, even the best doctor can make a mistake with the number of fetuses. The fact is that the uterus in animals is two-horned, shaped like the letter V, so during research you can easily make a mistake by counting the same fetus twice. The exact number of babies can only be determined by x-rays, but this method is not recommended for pregnant women. If the owner insists, then he takes the risks for the consequences.

Possible problems during childbirth

In medicine, difficult births are called pathological.

The first pathology is a violation of the position of kittens before birth. Presentation can provoke birth injuries and pathologies in the future. This is preceded by a lack of calcium, as the cause of asynchronous contractions of the uterine muscles.

This pathology can occur during contractions (first stage), then when the body begins to push out the fetus (second stage), and when the kitten emerges from the genital opening (third and final stage). The animal may hiss and scream loudly.

Note! In purebred cats (Bengal, Fold, British, Scottish, and so on), problems and pathologies are more common than in outbred cats. Therefore, veterinarians strongly recommend seeking regular diagnostics.

And during pregnancy, a specialist will tell you whether pathology should be expected and what kind. Obstetrics may be required.

The second pathology is more related to the cat itself. If the postpartum membranes do not come out during childbirth, they will cause apathy and a bad mood for the cat. The consequence of this will be refusal to care for children, bad mood, lack of appetite and brown discharge. True, for Thai and Sphynx cats, discharge and licking are not always a symptom, because the nature of the animal differs from simpler cats (British or Scottish, for example).

Obesity

These are just 2 of the most common pathologies; they can be caused by poor health, obesity, large fetuses and dozens of other reasons. As a rule, most pathologies can be detected by ultrasound.

Video

Main stages of labor

A three-stage classification of childbirth has been adopted (in other words, the birth process is divided into three stages). As a rule, the first stage is the most painful for owners, as it lasts a long time, in some cases stretching for a day or even more. We repeat once again - do not worry the cat again, do not try to watch it every minute. A preventive examination once an hour is sufficient. If everything goes well, your pet will quickly calm down and be able to give birth just as quickly. Look under her tail: if the plug comes off (sticky, mucous discharge), the process is about to begin.

There is no need to worry: in approximately 98% of cases, feline labor occurs without the need for outside intervention. If you are very worried, either invite a veterinarian, or consult with him by phone. Be sure to warn all members of your family that loudly stomping and walking every minute near the basket or box with a giving birth cat is a very bad idea.

First stage of the birth process

Please note that visually the first stage (especially in cats that have already given birth) may be completely invisible visually, since at this time the cervix relaxes and other processes occur that you will not notice with the naked eye in any case.

Here are the main signs of impending labor:

Experienced breeders or veterinarians may notice slight, initial contractions of the abdominal muscles. Don't worry: the active stage of labor in this case is still far away.
Most likely, the pet will become extremely restless, constantly nervous and fussing. It is possible that the cat will start screaming loudly all the time.
Some animals may go to the toilet several times during the first stage of labor, which is completely normal. This is how the body reacts to the onset of labor contractions of the smooth and striated muscles of the internal organs.
Even if the cat, as it seems to you, is going to give birth in a place other than where you originally expected, you should not forcibly drag it to a more suitable place. It’s better to let the animal give birth where he wants, and only then move the kittens to a more suitable and convenient place for you.
Signs of imminent labor include discharge from the external genitalia.

Second stage of the birth process

The second stage is characterized by an active birth process, during which kittens are born. Remember that the actual birth in cats can last from two hours to a day (you shouldn’t hope that a primiparous pet will give birth instantly). Double-check the list of those necessary items that we have already discussed above and, if necessary, correct the shortage of any missing items from the list.
Contrary to popular belief, the birth of kittens tail first is absolutely normal. This happens in about 40% of cases. This phenomenon is called “breech presentation”. It does not pose any danger.
In normal cases, kittens are born every 30-45 minutes, but it is not pathological (again, especially in first-time mothers) for a situation where up to one hour passes between the births of babies.
With that said, be sure to keep a watch handy so you can know exactly how long it takes for each kitten to be born. If you see anything unusual, such as excessive bleeding or the cat's reluctance to care for the kittens, contact your veterinarian immediately. So always keep the phone numbers of the 24-hour clinic at hand, as you may need help at any time.

The third stage of the birth process

Many veterinarians believe that there is no need to separately distinguish the third stage of labor in cats, since it consists solely of the expulsion of the placenta (and normally this occurs after the birth of each kitten, unless the baby, of course, was born “in a shirt”). However, all this is poetry.

Here are the main points regarding the third stage of the birth process:

Always (!) count the number of afterbirths (placentas). One kitten - one last. Remember that retention of a child's place in cats is an extremely severe, serious pathology that leads to severe endometritis. The latter tends to promote the development of septic processes and death.
However, there is also no need to panic in advance, since the mother usually eats the placenta immediately after the birth of the kittens. But if you constantly monitored your pet, but did not see one (or several) placenta, be sure to contact a specialist.
Especially for inexperienced breeders, eating the placenta by the mother cat is a completely normal, physiological phenomenon. In nature, it is aimed at not leaving any traces or unnecessary odors near the animal’s den. Of course, this process does not look very appetizing.

Postpartum problems

Childbirth is behind us, but the owner must remain vigilant - the cat may develop new problems. The table shows the most common ones and ways to solve them.

Problem What to do

The cat refuses to eat

Immediately after giving birth, the cat may not ask for food for up to 6 or more hours due to the afterbirth eaten. If you fast for more than a day, you can give her low-fat broth; it contains extractive substances that stimulate the digestive activity of enzymes and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. If you have an intestinal disorder (may occur due to a large amount of afterbirth eaten), you need to give the pussy sorbents. When the mother's condition stabilizes, she will have an appetite.

It is important that she drinks water while refusing food.

The animal does not visit the litter box

In the first four days after giving birth, the cat may not want to go to the toilet. This is a normal phenomenon associated with the formation of milk and the restoration of internal organs, which requires a lot of fluid.

There is a discharge mixed with blood

If the volume is small, the cat’s discharge within two days after birth is considered normal and goes away on its own

You need to sound the alarm if the discharge has a pronounced scarlet color, lasts more than two days, or intensifies. This may be a sign of internal uterine bleeding or the presence of serious tissue ruptures. The cat should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

A woman in labor has no milk

There can be many reasons for this phenomenon - from the cat’s stressful state to internal endocrine disorders. It is important to provide the new mother with complete peace: care should not be excessive. There is no need to move the box with the family to a new place or pick up the kittens. It is necessary to ensure that they are not disturbed by other pets or children. If bowls of food and drink, as well as a tray, are located far from the place where the cat and kittens are located, the pet may worry about the cubs, leaving when necessary. In addition, for a cat to have a sufficient amount of milk, its diet must include dairy and fermented milk products and water.

All that's left is the belly

First of all, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of the presence of a kitten in the uterus, while a dead fetus poses a great danger. You can independently determine its presence by palpation, but it is better to go to the clinic and do an ultrasound. In the absence of a fetus, the cause of the abdomen may be intestinal disorders, helminths, or difficulty with defecation.

An empty bubble came out

The amniotic sac may rupture as the kitten passes through the birth canal, or the cub may be born in it. In some cases, the membranes are expelled before the kitten is born. You can't let the cat tear it apart before the baby arrives. An emerging bladder without a fetus after delivery is not considered a pathology and does not pose a danger to the animal - it is a physiological feature.

Signs of eclampsia appeared

Eclampsia is a phenomenon based on calcium deficiency in the cat’s body. Symptoms: increased salivation, poor coordination of movements, anxiety, increased body temperature, convulsive muscle contractions. This condition leads to the death of the animal, so at the slightest sign you need to urgently take the cat to the clinic. A preventive measure is to take calcium-containing products during the period of gestation and feeding of kittens.

Complications and how to help?

The cat's behavior after giving birth indicates its general well-being.

If the female is engaged in licking the emerging offspring, then there is no need to rush to the doctor.
If the pet has lambed, feeds and licks the kittens, then she can be taken to the veterinarian within 2-3 days. Otherwise, you should immediately consult a doctor. The veterinarian will give advice and prescribe treatment for the cat. Ignoring the fact that a cat breathes quickly and intermittently, eats poorly and strains has a serious impact on its health. Veterinarians name cases when a woman in labor died due to the irresponsibility of the owner.

During childbirth

Obstetrics of first-time cats requires careful monitoring by a doctor. Multiparous women have experience and the animal tolerates contractions more easily. During a home birth, you should prepare for possible difficulties:

A common occurrence is that the afterbirth does not come out. To prevent it, it is necessary to control their intake.
You should intervene when two kittens climb at once. It is recommended to carefully adjust the amniotic sacs and push them towards the exit of the baby. At the same time, the second one “rolls” along the fallopian tubes and gradually comes out.
If the babies died during labor, and the bladder is sticking out from the cat, you should immediately remove it. All movements become soft, guaranteeing maximum care.
The amniotic space without kittens inside does not pose a health hazard. If she wants, the woman in labor can eat the contents between contractions. Vitamins will help the animal prepare for the birth of the baby, and their smell will provoke acceptance of children.
If contractions started, but stopped after some time. In this case, induce labor in the cat using medication. Your veterinarian will tell you what the medications are called.
The attempts last for more than 26 hours, and not a single kitten appears - a dangerous symptom. The likely cause is false contractions, the large size of the babies, or incorrect position of the amniotic sac.

After childbirth

Sometimes it happens that a pet does not perceive her babies, which is why they may not survive.
Severe complications plague the animal during delivery and after the birth of kittens. Possible problems with the body may include:

Difficulty breathing caused by the release of hormones.
After giving birth, a cat does not eat for the first 1-2 days. Lack of appetite in the immediate hours after delivery is not dangerous. If the cat has lost a lot of weight after giving birth, constantly meows and refuses to eat, you should show your pet to a veterinarian. The reason may be pain and health problems.
Aggression towards cubs is more common in first-time mothers. This is a purely psychological problem (especially typical for British mothers), which leads to the death of kittens due to the lack of maternal warmth and milk. The owner helps with treatment and a special regime. The veterinarian determines how to treat.
The cat limps after giving birth due to pain. It should be treated by a doctor with painkillers.

How does the feline birth process work?

Cats bear offspring for about 64 days, in rare cases - up to 70 days. On average, there are 3-5 kittens in a litter, but cases of the birth of eight cat cubs have been recorded. The duration of labor is influenced by several factors: age, number of fetuses, number of previous lambings, breed, diet during pregnancy. On average, the process of childbirth in cats takes from several hours to a day and a half, and includes periods of contractions, pushing and expulsion of the fetus.

The cat's first contractions may be invisible to others because they are still weak. At this time, your pet can be busy arranging the nest. As the contractions intensify, the cat may moan, meow, and its body periodically tenses in efforts. Then the cervix opens, the mucous birth plug emerges through the birth canal, followed by the first kitten.

Kittens are born “in order”, usually with a break of half an hour to 12 hours. Their birth may alternate with the expulsion of the placenta, which the cat sometimes eats. Kittens are born in the embryonic membrane (amniotic sac), the cat chews it, licks the cub, then bites the umbilical cord. The mother can begin feeding already born kittens in between contractions.

If your pet ignores the newborn kitten, the owner present at the birth will have to open the amniotic sac himself, carefully wipe the kitten and place it next to the mother. During the birthing process, your cat may need several hours of rest.

It is difficult for an inexperienced cat owner to understand whether all the kittens have already come out, or whether this is a break in childbirth. Even an ultrasound scan performed during pregnancy does not always reliably determine the exact number of fetuses. You can focus on the signs of the end of the birth process

During the birthing process, your cat may need several hours of rest. It is difficult for an inexperienced cat owner to understand whether all the kittens have already come out, or whether this is a break in childbirth. Even an ultrasound scan performed during pregnancy does not always reliably determine the exact number of fetuses. You can focus on the signs of the end of the birth process.

Estimated due date, how to determine?

The gestation period for kittens in domestic cats is 61-67 days; normally, pregnancy lasts 63 days. To fully monitor the course of pregnancy and establish the exact date of birth, the owner must know the date of conception.

Note! It is believed that slight post-term birth in cats is safer than premature birth.

For planned matings, future parents must be registered with the breed club. After assessing the breed value, the animals receive permission to participate in breeding work. Before a cat goes into heat, both animals must undergo medical examinations, complete a revaccination course and receive parasite prevention. Matings are registered with the club and pregnancies are usually monitored by an authorized veterinarian.

Note! Some cat breeds are allowed for breeding only after specific DNA tests have been carried out.

To be on the safe side, immediately after determining the pregnancy and its duration, the cat is registered for a planned cesarean section with a gestation period of 63 days. Naturally, if a caesarean section is not needed, it is not performed deliberately. A pregnant cat should be examined by a veterinarian at least four times.

About a week before the expected date of birth, the cat undergoes an ultrasound examination or x-ray. After the examination, the veterinarian determines the exact number of kittens in the litter. This procedure is necessary; by determining the size of the litter, the owner and veterinarian can be sure that the birth is over after the complete expulsion of the kittens and placenta.

Advice: during childbirth, record on paper the order of birth of the kittens, their gender, weight and placenta release.

If the date of conception is unknown, to establish the gestational age and expected date of birth, the owner and veterinarian must rely on data on fetal formation, behavioral and physiological changes in the cat.

Normal pregnancy process, stages and timing

In a healthy animal, the process of pregnancy and childbirth occurs without the need for intervention or assistance. In purebred, small, problem cats, childbirth may occur with complications. In more developed countries, there is a special profession - zooobstetrician, a specialist responsible for the favorable course of childbirth, preserving the life and health of the mother and offspring. In “our realities,” all responsibility falls on the shoulders of the owners and general veterinarians.

On average, a normal cat pregnancy lasts 60–65 days, but the period can vary by 7–10 days depending on the breed and body composition of the expectant mother. Conventionally, pregnancy is divided into 3 stages:

Mating – 3 weeks: after mating, the cat experiences swelling of the mucous membranes of the genital tract, but this does not guarantee pregnancy. Clear signs are observed from the third week: Drowsiness, decreased appetite and activity.
Requires affection and attention.
Vomiting (no more than 3 times a day, no longer than 2-3 days).
Distinct pigmentation of the mammary glands - from light to bright pink.
An enlarged uterus, which can be detected by a veterinarian by palpation.

4-6 weeks: Rapid growth of the “babies” and “rounding” of the cat. By week 6, the amount of fluid in the uterus increases, and the kittens begin to make their first movements.
Kittens can be “felt” when gently palpated.
The cat eats and sleeps more, otherwise behaves as usual.

7–9 weeks: Kittens are actively moving. The movements are clearly visible to the naked eye, especially if the cat is sleeping.
Swelling of the mammary glands, release of colostrum.
Some cats have a whitish vaginal discharge, which is normal.
Increased anxiety and making a “den”.

Signs and symptoms of impending labor

When a cat's pregnancy begins to reach 2 months, tension increases in the house. The owners are worried: when will it be? You should take a close look at the pet. Only careful observation of the expectant mother will help determine that labor is about to begin. The signs of this are as follows:

The cat begins to lose its appetite, its movements become sluggish and limited. This is the clearest sign that labor will begin soon.
The furry mommy is looking for a secluded place, looking around the entire apartment, sniffing corners, even opening cabinets with her paw. Some owners prepare a box in advance for the woman in labor with a piece of a warm blanket inside, but the animal may not approve of it and continue searching.
A couple of hours before the birth process begins, the cat’s mucous plug comes out and vaginal discharge appears.
If you closely examine the belly of the expectant mother, you will notice how the nipples are swollen, as well as the colostrum that appears from them.

It is easier for women to put themselves in the place of a cat giving birth and imagine how she feels and how she is going through. But male owners usually have no idea what will happen and how. It is advisable for them to read special literature in advance, become familiar with the physiology of the cat, and then errors during obstetric care will be reduced to a minimum.

A cat in labor - what should the owner do?

In each of the 3 stages, the cat needs the owner in different ways.
If at the beginning the person is a direct support and participant, then stages 2 and 3 require only observation. You can understand which stage has begun by the behavior of the animal. The onset of labor is characterized by prolapse of the abdomen and discharge from the animal’s vagina. Vomiting or diarrhea may occur. But this rarely happens, because the body of the expectant mother will tell the pet in time to go on a hunger strike. But drinking in the form of clean, fresh water should be available around the clock.

The first stage ends with an increase in uterine contractions. The owner's help is to calm the animal. You need to talk and pet the animal.

You can tell that a cat is giving birth to her first kitten by the tension in her body. Contractions give way to pushing. In between, the cat will clean the newborn baby from the film. This period does not require the help of the owner - the woman in labor can handle it herself. If the woman in labor is indifferent (no more than 1 minute), it is necessary to help the kitten get out of her.

There can be anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes between kittens being born. You can help the cat give birth and calm down by performing a little obstetric assistance - patting the belly. This will ease the pet's suffering.

The final stage of labor will be the delivery of the placenta. The owner needs to monitor the very fact of the exit of the place. Do not be alarmed if a cat eats the placenta - this is what nature forces it to do - to remove all traces of unprotected babies.

It is impossible to calculate the duration of labor and how many kittens for the first time - it is the sum of many factors. Simple representatives of cats bring up to 8 fluffy balls in their litter. Pedigree up to 3-4 cats. It is also impossible to know in advance at what time of day labor will begin. But the pet will definitely notify its owner.

Giving birth to a cat is not as difficult as it seems. The main thing is not to overdo it. Nature itself will tell the cat what and when to do. But it cannot be ignored either. It is necessary to help a cat during childbirth. Especially if it is the first birth. All subsequent ones are much easier and faster. The pet knows what is happening to it, and the owner is already familiar with everything.

The exception is difficult childbirth. If one of the periods is prolonged, it is better to contact a veterinarian. Symptoms – the animal takes a long time, breathes frequently, and during breaks lies down exhausted. Kittens do not appear even with attempts. The baby's head is visible, but he is not born. It is highly not recommended to carry out independent manipulations without the consent of a veterinarian. This can provoke the death of the offspring and the mother in labor.

If you are completely confident that contractions are “sluggish”, a slow process, you can inject 0.2 ml of oxytocin into the thigh muscle before the doctor arrives. The doctor will determine whether labor needs to be further stimulated after a thorough examination.

What to prepare?

The first signs of labor in a cat do not come as a surprise. The responsible owner will begin preparations at least a day before labor. There are two options for delivery: at home or in a clinic under the supervision of a veterinarian. The chosen place for birth in a hospital does not require special preparation. Symptoms of contractions or the pushing themselves provoke an immediate trip to the doctor. When a cat has given birth, it is enough to ensure maximum peace and favorable conditions for the nursing pet.

Giving birth to a cat at home involves a thorough preparatory process. To know more about the course and stages, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. The doctor makes a list of medications that may be useful and assesses the general condition of the animal. Possible medications include injections that can stimulate and speed up labor or pain-relieving injections. In addition to the medication component, it is recommended to prepare a place for childbirth at home, which will have sheets and a warm corner for the babies. Gloves are appropriate and sterilized cord threads should be prepared in advance.

Mating cats

Having noticed the cat, the cat begins expressive play. The cat's actions are focused on luring the cat, she seems to persuade him, yielding to him, but then runs away. Thus, the cat flirts with the cat. Then the cat grabs the cat by the scruff of the neck, jumps up and climbs into it.

The cat lets out a piercing scream and breaks away. She throws herself on the floor and starts rolling on the floor again. For some period of time the cat will not let the cat near her, but after a couple of minutes she will flirt with the cat again. Mating is repeated again. During the mating period, eggs are released from the ovaries of a cat.

The cat's sperm enters the cat's uterus, where it remains viable for about 4 days. The ability of the egg to fertilize is stored for up to 1.5 days.

If not all babies are born, what should I do?

If your cat’s labor suddenly takes too long, you don’t need to immediately think about the bad. But it’s also not worth waiting until everything resolves itself. The first birth can be very long. If there are many kittens in the womb, the process may also take longer. But how can you tell if all the babies have come out? What if 1 or 2 are left inside, and the animal is not going to continue labor? So, when an owner should be wary:

The cat has strange behavior.
If you palpate the abdomen, you will notice a lump in it approximately the size of a kitten.
The cat's tummy does not "deflate".
The temperature increased to 39 degrees.
Greenish discharge appeared from the vagina.

It also happens that a mother simply decides to “rest” a little, having already produced 4-5 babies. And during the break, the cat calmly goes about her maternal business: licking the kittens, feeding them, eliminating the remains of the placenta. If the cat looks calm and content, everything is fine; after some time, the remaining kittens will definitely be born.

But if one or more of the above symptoms are present, then having kittens in the womb can lead to big problems. The owner who notices something is wrong should urgently call a specialist. Every minute is worth it. Not only unborn kittens are at risk, but also the cat herself.

Medicines, instruments and consumables

Preparing for childbirth includes providing your pet with everything necessary for childbirth:

sterile gauze wipes, cotton wool and bandages;

absorbent diapers, not scented;

a lot of rags, ironed and put in a bag (you can cut an old sheet, cutting off the protruding threads);

sterile surgical gloves, two to three pairs;

a waffle towel or a piece of fabric with similar properties (if you suddenly need to give the kitten a massage);

catgut or surgical thread for tying the umbilical cords, pieces 10-15 cm long (as soon as the first signs of labor appear, the threads should be placed in a glass of alcohol for disinfection);

small scissors with rounded tips;

children's syringe for suctioning liquid from the nose and mouth;

scales, watch, pen and notepad. A meticulously filled birth log makes the veterinarian’s work easier (it is impossible to remember all the information, even experienced breeders write down);

hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green, potassium permanganate, sterile Vaseline or boiled Vaseline oil at room temperature;

oxytocin, glucose, sulfocamphocaine, calcium gluconate, vitamin B12. All in injection ampoules, use strictly after consultation with a veterinarian;

disposable insulin and regular syringes;

ammonia, cognac (to revive a weak kitten or an impressionable owner);

bags for used materials.

“Only cats are born easily,” says a well-known proverb. And indeed: in most cases, the natural process of giving birth to kittens is relatively easy and without outside intervention. However, this does not mean at all that you need to leave things to chance - during childbirth, your pet will greatly benefit from the help of an attentive owner, who should also know what to do in case of complications. So, how to deliver a cat?

Pregnancy in cats lasts on average 2 months (63 days). The normal duration of this period is considered to be 59-70 days.

In order for the birth to take place calmly and safely, the owner of the furry mother needs to take some measures in advance:

Arrange with your veterinarian to make a home visit if necessary. Be sure to check with him whether it is possible to receive consultations by phone.
If the animal has health problems, consult a specialist: it may be better for her to give birth in a veterinary clinic.
Before giving birth, arrange a place for your pet and prepare everything you need (more on this below).
In late pregnancy, do not allow your cat to jump on high objects - with a large belly, she becomes clumsy and can easily fall.

Tips and tricks

As the veterinary practice of specialists from all over the world shows, cats usually give birth without any special difficulties. Despite this, the owner of a pet undergoing demolition is strongly recommended to obtain in advance the number of a 24-hour veterinary hospital, whose specialists can come to the rescue at any time if unforeseen difficulties arise.

In addition, in severe cases, when sometimes minutes count, it makes sense to immediately worry about the availability of transport in order to be able to quickly deliver your pet to the veterinarian at any time of the day or night.

Finally, you should always have care items on hand, including:

Hot water bottle. It is extremely useful when the mother and cubs are exhausted from difficult childbirth. If they lie in a warm place, the animals’ normal condition will be restored much faster.
Don't skimp on clean towels and cotton rags. They will come in handy in any case.
Be sure to stock up on silk threads (dental floss used for oral care is also suitable).
Be sure to buy at least one pair of sterile disposable surgical gloves (or better yet, several).
Finally, you should have a sufficiently sized carrier bag . It will come in handy if you need to urgently take your cat to the clinic.

It is very important to have all this on hand, since you may need any item from the above list at any time! A heating pad is especially useful: if you need to move the kittens somewhere, it will help prevent them from becoming hypothermic. Please note that the usual water type should not be used: such a heating pad can leak at any time and severely burn your pets.

How to prepare for childbirth?

About two to three weeks before giving birth, once again inform all members of your family that you need to handle your pregnant pet carefully and try not to disturb her again. If there are small children in the house who, due to their age, find it difficult to explain this, be sure to isolate the cat from them! Active games at such a time will probably not end too well.

Talk to your pet more often, calm and pet your cat. She will feel your care and participation, and therefore she herself will be much calmer. Your most important task is to be sure to accustom the animal to the basket or box in which, in your opinion, she should give birth.

Remember that the more time you spend training your cat to use the birthing basket, the less likely she is to choose to give birth on your bed. However, this possibility cannot be completely ruled out: always be on guard, unless, of course, you want to pull kittens out from under the bed or bathtub (or from even more exotic places that your cat likes).

General information

You don't have to worry too much - pregnant cats are quite capable of taking care of themselves on their own. Of course, this does not change the fact that during childbirth they need special attention and care. Please note that approximately two weeks before the expected due date, you need to closely monitor your pet. It is at this time that the cat begins to select the most suitable place for birth!

If something worries you or bothers you, or you notice some oddities in your pet, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately, without waiting for more severe manifestations of a possible pathology. However, in cats during the prenatal period, strange behavior occurs that is in no way related to pathological processes.

Please note that all the recommendations given in this article are purely advisory in nature: you should not take everything stated below as a direct guide to activities.

Let us emphasize once again: if something seriously worries you about your pet’s behavior, do not hesitate, but immediately contact a veterinarian! Attempts to cope with serious problems on your own usually end very sadly.

Additional Tips

Please note that immediately after giving birth, the cat should not and will not rush into food with fervor: she first needs to worry about the kittens, feed them, and rest herself. All this takes at least five hours. In some cases, the cat keeps a forced “fast” for 24 hours!

If she does not eat for a longer period of time, be sure to contact a specialist. The same should be done if the cat has been pushing hard for an hour or more, but cannot give birth to any kittens. Please note that on average these animals give birth to four to six babies. If your pet has only given birth to three, but is still actively pushing for a couple of hours, she probably has kittens left in her.

Advice: Despite all of the above, always try to have the kittens “prepared” by the cat herself. This is beneficial for both the mother and her offspring. In addition, babies need to be handled very carefully and gently!

Be sure to apply the babies to the mother's nipples if she is too weak and cannot push them on her own. In these cases, make sure that several kittens do not interfere with each other in attempts to cling to the same nipple.