Pet parents have certain responsibilities when their pet’s labor begins. Especially if a pet is a cat, then it becomes even more important to take necessary actions to care for her. For this, cat parents must know pre labor signs in cats to give the best possible care to their cats and all the kittens.
To help every cat parent on this subject, I have given exhaustive information about cat pre labor signs. Apart from expectant cat behavior, readers will also know about the stages of cat labor.
So, without further ado, let’s throw light on this topic to help you know when your cat is in labor. However, if you have a male cat, you need not worry about labor pain because male cats don’t have heat.
Various Pre Labor Signs in Cats
During the cat gestation period, every cat goes through different stages of cat labor. Hence, it becomes immensely important for a cat parent to notice these labor signs and behavior in his/her cat. Only then can he/she provides the required care to a cat.
After reading this post, every parent will get an idea to know about a cat giving birth signs in detail. As a result, a cat parent can pay special attention to providing a healthy diet to his cat.
Besides, he can take other steps including providing veterinary care to keep a mother cat as well as her first kitten healthy & safe.
Enlargement of Mammary Glands – One of the Common Pre Labor Signs in Cats
When a cat reaches the final stage of her pregnancy period, she becomes fat due to an increase in the size of mammary glands. It is one of the easily noticeable cat pre labor signs. Every female cat has 4 pairs of mammary glands arranged in 2 parallel rows.
So, if you notice enlargement of glands and the production of milk, then it means your cat is about to give birth in a couple of days. At this stage, you will notice cream-colored thick secretions from her nipples. And her nipple will smell unique.
Sudden Drop in Body Temperature
Usually, every cat’s body temperature lies in the range of 37.7º to 39.1ºC (100º to 102.5ºF). About one or two days before the delivery day, a cat’s normal temperature falls. And it could land around 37.2ºC (99ºF).
If your cat doesn’t allow you to measure her body temperature, you can focus on other pre labor signs in cats.
Nesting Behavior
Nesting conduct is another sign to notice for a cat parent. A cat generally shows nesting behavior about two days before giving birth. What you can do is prepare a nesting box for your pet cat.
And you must place the nesting cardboard box in a safe, warm, and quiet place that is away from other pets. It is a common pregnant cat behavior to know your cat is in labor.
Decrease in Appetite is Counted Amongst the Pre Labor Signs in Cats
If your cat shows a decrease in appetite, then it is a big hint that her labor day is near. Some weeks before labor day, cats experience an increase in appetite.
However, it decreases when they reach close to their labor day. Well, it happens because of labor pain as the weight of the kittens pushes against a cat’s belly.
Cats Show Behavioural Changes
During her pregnancy period, every cat shows some behavioral changes. Hiding in a secluded place and showing affectionate behavior towards her caretaker are a couple of examples of it.
When you notice these signs, you must understand your cat’s labor day is about to common soon. More importantly, you must spend some time with your cat to give her the necessary care during this time.
Noticeable Movement of Kittens
Do you notice kittens pushing in your cat’s stomach? If so, then it is one of the easily noticeable pre labor signs in cats for you to pay attention to. And this is time you must prepare some plans to provide the necessary care to your cat.
Restlessness and Uneasiness
In case you notice random and uneasy movements of your cat then understand she has entered her active labor period. Feelings of restlessness and anxiety are common in the final week of the labor period.
Other Pre-Labor Signs to Notice
Besides the above-mentioned signs, every cat parent must notice some other signs to prepare for a cat’s labor day. These signs are:
- Cat licking her genitalia following the discharge of a cat’s vulva.
- Pacing, restlessness, meowing, howling, and chirping.
Stages of Cat Labor and Associated Pre Labor Signs in Cats
The pregnancy period of a cat goes through different stages with certain associated symptoms. For each stage of cat labor, a cat parent must take the necessary steps to treat his cat well.
- Fertilization – Usually cats reach their fertilization time in 6 months. In some cats, it stands at 12 months. At this time, cats become ready for pregnancy.
- Early Stage – After fertilization, cats undergo a four-week early-stage pregnancy. During this time, they show certain body changes and behavioral changes. These changes include weight loss, lack of appetite, nausea, morning sickness, etc.
- Middle Stage – During the middle stage of pregnancy, cat parents can notice an increase in the cat’s weight. On taking an abdominal X-ray, one can easily notice the presence of kittens in a cat’s stomach.
- Pre-Labor – This stage starts one week before the labor day. I have already shared the cat pre labor signs in the above content.
- Labor – Labor is the final and the third stage labor for a pregnant cat. Under this stage, cats show signs such as licking of abdomen & genitals for stimulating the birth of kittens.
Steps for Caring During the Pre Labor Stage
Just noticing the pre labor signs in cats is not sufficient. It is the sole duty of a cat parent to take the necessary steps to care for her cat during her pregnancy. What steps to take on this subject? Well, you will get to know about it after reading the content below.
- Prepare a Birthing Area – On noticing the cat pre-labor signs, the first step a cat parent can take is to prepare for a birthing area of a cat. Under this, he/she can use a laundry basket lined with blankets and clothes.
- Supply Necessary Items for Cats – Providing certain supplies can offer many benefits to a cat during her pre-labor stage. These items are absorbent pads, a nesting box, towels, dental floss, a pair of sanitized scissors, and a waste box.
- Maintain the Hygiene of a Cat – During the pre-labor stage, a cat parent must groom his cat properly on a daily basis. It includes trimming her body hairs near her nipples. It is necessary to ensure a safe birthing process.
- Spend Time with a Cat – Spending time with a cat, playing with her, and caring for her can help her feel comfortable during her pre-labor stage.
- Opt for a Special Nutritional Program – When you notice any of the pre labor signs in cats, you must opt for a special nutritional program for her. Feeding her with a nutritional diet can help her supply necessary nutrition to kittens.
- Seek Medical Help if Necessary – In case of any medical emergency, a cat parent must seek medical help for his cat.
- Get a Regular Vetereniary Check-Up – Schedule regular veterinary check-ups for your cat to ensure a healthy pregnancy. A proper body checkup for a pregnant cat is necessary for a safe birthing process.
Frequently Asked Questions on Pre Labor Signs in Cats
Cat parents often ask certain questions on this subject. It is necessary for me to answer these questions to spread awareness about the pre-labor period in cats. Here are the questions and their respective answers for you to know:
Do Pregnant Cats Bleed Before Giving Birth?
Yes, it is possible to notice some bleeding in cats in the second stage of labor. It happens because contractions become stronger and clearly visible. Hence, a cat parent can notice clear, tan, or blood-tinged vaginal discharge.
How to Stimulate Cat Labor?
Providing cats with a warm and quiet room can help her deliver her kittens comfortably. There is nothing better you can do than give a relaxed and stress-free environment for a cat & her kittens.
What is the Cat Labor Timeline?
For cats, the birth process completes within six hours after the beginning of the second stage. And it could last up to 12 hours.
What problems does a cat face during her labor period?
Some of the problems that a cat face during her labor period are extended contraction without birth and kitten lodged in the birth canal. Besides, they could encounter issues like postpartum hemorrhaging and retained placenta.
How Long Are Cats Pregnant?
Generally, a cat’s pregnancy period lasts between 64 to 67 days which approximately equals 9 weeks. However, some cats give birth even before 58 days or after 70 days of mating.
How many Kittens can a Cat have in the first litter?
For a single time, most cats usually give birth to about four kittens in the first litter. However, this number could reach up to 12. You need to acknowledge that intervals between kitten births can vary from 10 mins to 1 hour.
How long does a Kitten Stay Attach to the Umbilical Cord?
Kittens remain attached to the umbilical cord for 1-5 days. On the 4th or 5th day, the kitten automatically detaches itself from it.
Conclusion
So, I assume you have gained sufficient education about pre labor signs in cats and their behaviors. Besides, you also come to know about the stages of a cat’s pregnancy and analyze the birthing process closely.
And it also tells the steps to care for a mother cat during her impending labor period. Eventually, it will help a cat to give birth to perfectly normal kittens.
This information is sufficient for a cat parent to take proper care of her cat during her pregnancy. And it will help every pet parent to care adequately for her pet cat’s newborn kittens.
