Sunday, August 2, 2009

Are there any for sure signs that my cat is in labor?

I have delivered kittens before from my other female but I am not to sure on the exact day she got pregnant so I am wondering if there are any for sure signs she is going into labor.
Thanks
Answers:
In her last week of pregnancy, the mother-to-be will likely start losing some weight as the kittens need so much nutrition she can't keep up anymore (there is less space for her stomach to expand too). So If she seems thinner instead of fatter, that could be a sign that delivery is near.
All cats are different in their behavior right before going into labor, but she likely will be anxiously looking for a good spot to deliver and start making that in order. Normally they'll be pretty restless.
Physically, you can notice the kittens moving lower and more to the back in the queen's belly, leaving indentations in the flanks above them 1 to 2 days before delivery.
The queen might walk a little differently because the kittens are positioned in between her hind legs now.
If you've felt up her belly before, you can now notice there's less movement with the kittens.
There might be some milkflow already (not always the case).
But you're only sure as soon as her water breaks I'm afraid.
Best of luck, I hope mom is going to be fine through the whole process and that she'll deliver some healthy kittens!
(If you need any reminders on how to best help with delivery, check out my "best answers" list, I gave a girl with a cat in labor some extensive advice earlier this week)
The only signs I ever noticed with my females was the way they walked, a little shift in their bellies, then going off somewhere to be themselves.
If she is going into labor, she will be breathing more shallow and frequently. She will also be searching out the "perfect spot" to deliver the kids. She may also be overly affectionate. To ensure all the kitties safety, this is the time to keep her INSIDE, and do NOT allow her to go outside at all. Prepare a couple of separate boxes with towels or blankets on the bottom in a couple of SECLUDED places in your home, and just wait. This is about all you can do since you don't know when she got pregnant. A normal cat pregnancy takes approximately 60 days from conception to delivery--give or take a few days. Try to keep her somewhat cool and as comfortable as possible. Also, if possible, if she will lay on your lap and allow you to hold her, gently squeeze one or two of her nipples. If the milk starts dripping out, then YES, she is ready to give birth. Hope this gives you a little help and comfort, but she should be fine.

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