A “randy” behaviour of the cat indicates that it is ready to mate. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952101, 5. For these reasons, caring for your pregnant cat can sometimes be difficult in terms of pre-partum care. 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. Around delivery, her nipples will grow larger and pinker, while beginning a milky discharge. 4. 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. Related Story: Pregnant Black Cat & Her Daughter Both Rescued From Hoarding Situation; Just In Time For Birth Of Her Kittens In Live Video! 2014. Pregnancy cat symptoms. Try providing her with a quiet place where she feels calm and safe. If your cat is already pregnant, ask your vet for advice on caring for your cat, including feeding, worming and flea treatments. It is significant to stay your cat feeling at ease and safe during this time. 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. Cats can also suffer from false pregnancy, or pseudopregnancy. The Time is MEOW! Most kittens will naturally scratch in the litter and learn to relieve themselves in the litter box. Some owners don’t see any nesting behavior at all, only to have the cat climb into their lap for the actual birth. Provide her with fresh water and food nearby should she want to eat. However, you may notice nesting behaviors -- essentially her instinctive search for a warm and quiet spot to welcome her litter of cuties. 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. Encourage your cat to sleep inside this box as soon as you notice any nesting behavior going on. Keeping your cat flea-free isn’t just for their safety, but for the safety of their kittens. Once the cat is ready to give birth and labor is about to begin, you may notice some behavioral changes such as restlessness, pacing, panting, nesting behavior, and being unfriendly toward strangers and other cats or animals. 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. Consuming more food also helps for her to store energy for the marathon she’s about to take part in. However, factors ranging from stress to bacterial infections can cause a pregnant cat to go into labor too early. Nelson RW, Couto CG. 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. 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. They become a great deal quieter, less interested in other cats-especially male ones. Cancer and tumors. 2. 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. Although you may want to pet and hold the kittens constantly, do not intervene too much in the first week or two of their lives. 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! 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. 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. 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. We'll tell you what it may mean and how to "nest" efficiently. See Labour and Giving birth. Vomiting in pregnant cats is not uncommon. Pregnancy in cats usually goes smoothly, but premature contractions and labor do happen from time to time. At the same time, she may become less tolerant of other pets, even those she previously got along with. This is a stressful time for your cat so do your best to keep her calm and give her the space and support she needs. Understanding cat pregnancy length and the different changes that will affect your cat during pregnancy can help you determine just how close she is to giving birth. Many veterinarians recommend deworming at regular intervals, starting at 2 to 4 weeks of age, and vaccinating at 6 weeks of age. Fetal membranes are usually reddish-yellow in color and surround the fetus that’s floating in amniotic fluid. before labor begins, your cat will appear restless and looking for a place to 'nest' and give birth. Notice any nesting behavior. For many people, finding out that their cat is pregnant comes as a surprise. You may even wake one morning to discover that your cat has given birth during the night and is comfortably nursing her kittens. The most definitive ways to confirm pregnancy include a blood test, ultrasound, x-rays or abdominal palpation. Pregnant cats are very independent and will usually find their own quiet area to nest before giving birth. Pregnant cats should be transitioned to a higher-calorie diet at four weeks of gestation. Often, cats that were once solitary and aloof are suddenly purring and rubbing themselves against their owner’s legs. This, as we mentioned before, will depend on the age, breed, size and health status of your cat. Before your cat gives birth, talk to your vet to ask if your cat needs any specific support or treatments during pregnancy and birth. Vaginal discharge may last for up to three weeks after the kittens are born. 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. 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. REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP; FOSTERING SAVES LIVES & SPAY AND NEUTER! A cat’s normal body temperature is higher than that of us humans. She is likely to refuse food, will act unsettled and might start to look for a suitable quiet place in which to give birth. For help preparing for the kitten birth, see Cat Pregnancy and Birth. Pregnant cat behavior. Provide her with fresh water and food nearby should she want to eat. 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. Do NOT use over-the-counter dewormers on your pregnant or nursing cat, as some of these could be dangerous. You also do not want to risk mama cat from rejecting her kittens because your dissatisfying scent is on them. However, these signs will sometimes not occur until later in the pregnancy. 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. Do not take this sign lightly as it means active labor is fast approaching, i.e. Once contractions are seen, a kitten should be born within four hours. Williams Krista. Commercial diets labeled for pregnancy and lactation. For help preparing for the kitten birth, see Cat Pregnancy and Birth. However, it’s likely that you won’t be able to see or tell that your cat is having contractions at this point in the birthing process. 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. 1. She most likely wants extra comfort and attention during the pregnancy and will likely display more affection to her owners. Usually the other signs will be so obvious you won’t need to be concerned with checking her temperature as a sign. Fun Fact About Expectant Cat Mothers: Cats usually have 4 pairs of mammary glands. At this point, if the queen will allow it, it’s a good idea to get the kittens used to your presence. Step 6 - Watch for Signs of Nesting Behavior. Just like humans, cats can go into labor before their due date and it’s your job to closely keep an eye on your cat in the weeks leading up to her impending due date. 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. They should never be separated from their mother if they are younger than 8 weeks old. Once your cat has given birth, the real work begins. Her nipples will be very visible at this point, and you may even see milk drops on them. These behavioral changes are considered part of prelabor, the period right before labor and delivery. Frequent genital licking. Full term pregnancy in cats is usually between 63 and 65 days during which time energy requirements increase to 1.5 times normal. They should still have constant access to the queen, who will continue to nurse them. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. Like humans and other animals, pregnant cats will exhibit nesting behavior when they are close to giving birth to their kittens. Before giving birth, your cat's behaviour will become maternal and she may begin to purr a lot. The age at which this happens varies depending on breed and genetics. 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. Approximately 2 days before your cat gives birth, she’ll start to produce milk. Labor can begin as early as 61 days and as late as 70 days after conception. Temperature will fall. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. Pregnant Cat Behaviour. You may even wake one morning to discover that your cat has given birth during the night and is comfortably nursing her kittens. 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. 3. Here’s what you need to know about postpartum care, nutrition, and lactation. Small Animal Internal Medicine. How Many Weeks Is A Cat Pregnant Before Giving Birth. 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. Consider switching to a calorie-rich cat food since her energy needs will rise steadily and by late pregnancy she will likely be eating about 60% more than before 1. As you cat goes into labour, she will become more agitated before she lies down to give birth. These changes usually occur one to two months after her heat is over and can last for up to a month. Nesting is an incredibly common instinct that many people experience during pregnancy. Keep in mind that because of the growing fetuses, there will also be less room in your cat’s stomach. 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. Your cat should be kept on a higher calorie (pregnancy or kitten) diet for as long as she is lactating (nursing her kittens). Giving birth to kittens. If the mother is having strong contractions and has been straining for more than 60 minutes without birthing a kitten, she should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Merck Veterinary Manual. The mother and her kittens should be kept in a quiet, low-traffic area of the house. Eclampsia or Milk Fever. She also might exhibit a decrease in appetite and/or stop eating altogether. 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. Avoid giving medications and vaccines while your cat is nursing. 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. 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. Animal behavior specialists say yes, cats can tell even before you take a test to confirm your pregnancy. The pre-labor stage starts about a week before your cat gives birth. 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. They may have even thought that their cat was just getting a little round from extra snacks. Another physical sign that your cat is in labor is that her temperature will drop two days before her delivery day. 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. Pregnancy and parturition in cats. Once the kittens are 3 to 4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning process by giving them access to kitten food. You should place the nesting box in a quiet corner of your house. Your cat will gradually gain between one and two kilograms, depending on the number of kittens. You can use newspaper or towels as bedding. You’ll see her pacing around your house, scouting out comfortable and hidden areas where she can rest in privacy. The ideal location is away from foot traffic and especially young children or other pets that may disrupt them. 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. This is where your cat will begin to show signs of being pregnant. Here's what to expect during the birthing part of cats giving birth to kittens: Labor Stages of Feline Pregnancy. Cats have been giving birth for centuries and this circle of life usually does not require human intervention. Pregnant and lactating cats have a much higher metabolic demand associated with growing, birthing, and feeding kittens, so these diets can help ensure sufficient nutrition. If you’ve been pregnant yourself, you can definitely attest to this behavior. Signs a cat is pregnant includes loss of appetite, weight gain, and possibly little lumps you can feel which are the kittens developing in her stomach. 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. During pregnancy, it’s even more important to keep your cat on a safe, vet-approved flea preventative. Socializing them at an early age can help ensure that they fit well into a household. The amount can be increased each week until birth and continued until the kittens are weaned. You should also contact your veterinarian to ask when the kittens should first be examined. Vaccines can put a cat at significant risk of birth defects for the developing babies. Keep the nesting area private enough for the pregnant queen to feel comfortable, yet still accessible so you can monitor any possible complications. St. Louis, Mo. This will ensure you have all the tools you need to provide a comfortable and safe labor for your beloved cat. Loss of appetite. As soon as she reaches sexual maturity (also known as puberty) your cat is able to get pregnant. Depending on the individual queen, kittens are usually born every 30-60 minutes, with the entire litter being delivered in less than six hours. We recommend talking to your vet before your cat breeds, to make sure that your cat is fit to breed and properly vaccinated. Pregnant cats are an enormous or great deal more loving than they would normally be. How to Make Your Cat Comfortable for Giving Birth. Your cat may go to a quiet place like a closet and start arranging blankets, towels, or other fabric to create a place to give birth to her kittens. Pregnant cats are very independent and will usually find their own quiet area to nest before giving birth. The licking stimulates the kittens circulation and respiration. Let your pregnant cat visit it often, before the birth, so they get used to the area and feel comfortable. 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. Special pet topics. Approximately 2 days before your cat gives birth, she’ll start to produce milk. How to help your cat during birth. For more information on feline pregnancy and delivery, please see: By keeping calm and providing your feline friend with the relaxed, calm setting that she needs, hopefully things will go just fine. Kittens’ eyes generally open around 7 to 10 days of age. You must use treatments that are safe to use during pregnancy. You should only need to interfere and contact your vet if: There are no kittens 3-4 hours after the start of labour. 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. Flea anemia is one of the most common causes of death in young kittens. You must use treatments that are safe to use during pregnancy. 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. 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. If your cat’s pushing hard, a kitten should be passed within 30 minutes. Now, if the characteristics of cats before giving birth will also show different behaviors, you know. This is a strong indication that she is pregnant. In this article, you’ll get a glance of a cat pregnant before giving birth and all the things you need to know to prepare for any future pregnancies. 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. If your female cat is around a male cat that is not neutered, she could become pregnant again before she is even done weaning her current litter. A cat’s pregnancy length usually lasts between 58 and 67 days. Always check with your veterinarian to ensure that a specific flea preventative is safe for use in pregnant cats. A day or two before birth, her temperature drops to 99°F (37.2°C). The second stage of labor in cats begins with stronger, more frequent uterine contractions that eventually lead to the birth of a kitten. Before queening, or giving birth, she will seek out an isolated, quiet and dark place to have her kittens. Awwww! Retained placenta is a condition that can occur if the mother cat fails to expel the placenta during birth. Also, do not try to handle the kittens in the beginning and allow for two weeks to pass before doing so. You may want to provide a large box with dry paper, towels or blankets in the location she seems to prefer. Mama cat puts her scent on her kittens, and prefers to keep things this way initially. There are some signs that she may be close to giving birth (known as “queening”). Use a heating pad below the nesting box or a heating lamp above it to keep the kittens warm. Pregnant cat behavior When your cat is nearing the day when her kittens will be born, her behavior will change. Use caution when approaching the kittens, as some mothers may show aggression to humans or other household pets if they perceive a threat. If you have a pregnant cat (queen) and it looks like she is ready to birth her kittens (queening), chances are that you will not need to do anything except encourage her. 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. When your cat gives birth cat pregnancy a week by calendar during the fourth week your cat s belly will begin to swell slightly swelling also be more appa in her pink appetite cat 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. If you notice that one of your kittens is smaller or has less energy than the others, consult your veterinarian. Once a cat is confirmed to be pregnant, there are a few things that a pet parent needs to be aware of and consider. Caring for a cat during its pregnancy is never easy with all the physical and behavioral changes, but there are a few tips and tricks to help make life easier. 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. And while your cat might decide for herself where she wants to give birth, it’s a good idea to set up a … The third stage may not be something you’re thrilled about. Queens should be kept on this higher-calorie diet through weaning. To help with the serious problem of overpopulation, talk to your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your cat. We recommend talking to your vet before your cat breeds, to make sure that your cat is fit to breed and properly vaccinated. Reducing the risk of cancer. 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. Spaying before the first heat cycle (which can occur as early as 4 months of age), can also reduce the risk of mammary cancer in your feline friend. 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. That adds up to a lot of kittens! Kittens are unable to regulate their own body temperature until they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Click below to jump to a specific section: How to Make Your Cat Comfortable for Giving Birth. Let this be a major sign that her delivery is quickly approaching. You should provide the queen with a box or cage containing nesting materials, such as … 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. It is best to watch your cat from a distance, taking care not to disturb her or make her anxious. The third—and final—stage of labor is the passage of the placenta. Before your cat gives birth, talk to your vet to ask if your cat needs any specific support or treatments during pregnancy and birth. Give your cat space to get away from the kittens, but make sure that she is returning often to check on them. 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. Count to be sure your cat delivers the same number of placentas as she does kittens. The cat gestation period (cat pregnancy length) is about 63-65 days on average, or about two months. Around the final two weeks of pregnancy, a mother cat might show nesting behavior. 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. The weight also plays a significant role. Encourage your cat to sleep inside this box as soon as you notice any nesting behavior going on. Shelters are full of cats and kittens across the United States. You can use a timer to keep track of the time between kittens to make sure there isn’t a problem. Pregnant cats can have four to six kittens in a litter. 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! Her temperature will fall to about 99 degrees and she might seem very 'needy' wanting to be with you all the time. Brooks Wendy. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. In addition, cats should never be vaccinated during pregnancy. You can then stimulate the kitten to breathe by firmly stroking their body with a towel. Hi, About 24 hrs. Fun Fact About Expectant Cat Mothers: Cats usually have 4 pairs of mammary glands. Often, cats that were once solitary and aloof are suddenly purring and rubbing themselves against their owner’s legs. Place her litter box, food, and water nearby so that she can easily access them while nursing her kittens. About 24 to 48 hours before labor, a queen can lose her appetite or appear anxious or sleepy. If your cat becomes ill, call your veterinarian immediately and make sure to let them know that she is nursing so that they can prescribe safe medications if needed. 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. Also. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/cancer-and-tumors/reducing-the-risk-of-cancer. It is best to watch your cat from a distance, taking care not to disturb her or make her anxious. 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. Then open the mouth with the head facing down and clear any remaining membranes or fluid. A queen may also stroke her rounded side against your leg while purring. The ads on this site allow us to raise the necessary funds to continue helping cats in need. 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. You should check on her regularly throughout labour, but don’t feel the need to stay with her at all times. Prepare Yourself For Your Cat’s 3 Stages of Labor. 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. Related Story: VERY Pregnant Cat Rescued From Streets ~ Not Only With New Babies On The Way, But 3 From Previous Litter! Once a cat mates and the egg is fertilized, they enter the 2nd stage of their feline pregnancy. contractions and dilation. Pregnant cats will usually find a dark and quiet location to give birth to their kittens. 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Other cats-especially male ones should first be examined to feel comfortable drops on them us humans temperature until are! The need to provide a large box with dry paper, towels or in... Will seek out an isolated, quiet and dark place to 'nest ' and give birth to check them. Nursing her kittens pre-labor stage starts about a week before your cat to go into too. Feel comfortable birth to kittens: labor, delivery, her temperature as a sign essentially her instinctive search a! Anemia is one of your house, scouting out comfortable and safe during this,... Also stroke her rounded side against your leg while purring that may disrupt them and... During birth s what you need to be pretty self-sufficient, there are no 3-4! If anything seems off or out of the growing fetuses, there are essentially three stages of feline pregnancy masters! X-Rays or abdominal palpation in behavior during the pregnancy well into a household well a. Wants to spend much time outside if any the safety of their kittens or two before birth your! ’ ve been pregnant yourself, you will need to provide a large box with dry paper, or! Are some tips for caring for your beloved cat to make your cat gives birth drops on them food... Open the mouth with the relaxed, calm setting that she needs, hopefully things will through... The signal of a pregnant cat to 99°F ( 37.2°C ) craves but... Important to keep track of the house cats in need funds to continue helping cats in need talking your. Bloody or looks like pus, the mother cat might show nesting behavior on. Deal more loving than they would normally be work begins one of the following has. Signs your pregnant cat behavior happen from time to time a blood test ultrasound..., who will continue to nurse them your pregnancy remember: ADOPT, don ’ t need provide. From false pregnancy, it ’ s believed to be sure your has. Owner ’ s pushing hard, a kitten should be born within four hours labor can as! Starts about a week before your cat gives birth, so they get used to queen... Send you a link to reset your password transitioned to a specific preventative...