By the third week the cat’s nipples will become enlarged and pink. This is referred to as “pinking up. " By the fourth week, the cat will begin to gain weight, making the pregnancy visible. By around the fourth week, your vet should be able to help confirm a pregnancy. An experienced vet can feel around the cat’s stomach and feel the kittens. They could also do an ultrasound to detect heartbeats. There will also be noticeable behavior changes, particularly in the final weeks. They may appear uncomfortable due to their growing abdomen and meow to seek more attention or affection. As their pregnancy moves along, they’ll eat more and spend even more time than usual sleeping.
Introduce a diet designed for kittens to your pregnant cat. These diets are rich in protein and calcium that the cat will need during this time. You should continue to feed them kitten food during their entire pregnancy and after delivery. You will not need any special vitamin or mineral mixes, as long as you are feeding them a high quality diet of kitten food. Buy a common and trusted brand to make sure it’s up standards. Always make sure fresh water is available. This is just as important as any food.
Watch with concern if your pregnant cat loses interest in food. This can be an indication of a bigger problem and also cut off necessary nutrients. In some cases a cat may lose interest in food right before giving birth, but it should not last long. If your cat is acting distressed and licking her vulva area, this may an indication of a problem. This could mean there is an irritation or a problem the cat is sensing. You should have the cat examined by a vet. Look out for any abnormal, bad-smelling vaginal discharge. This can happen during labor or during pregnancy, and in all cases should be followed up by a vet. If you notice blood in your cat’s urine, or they’re squatting with no urine coming out, this can be a sign of uterine infection. This can be painful for your cat and affect the kittens if left untreated. Make sure your cat has a safe, comfortable place to rest. A hidden spot is best, as long as she can easily get in and out of the area. [4] X Expert Source Natalie Punt, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 15 February 2022. This special place should be comfortably warm without being too hot. [5] X Expert Source Natalie Punt, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 15 February 2022.
Your cat is actively looking for secluded areas for nesting. Your cat is less active and losing appetite. A drop in body temperature. Frequent licking of belly and genital area.
Create a nesting area. This can simply be a large cardboard box that is lined with her own bed or sheets, The mom will likely begin to situate herself in a nesting area a day or less before she is ready to give birth. If she chooses her own nesting spot outside of the one you created for her, just accommodate the spot that she chooses by making sure it’s safe rather than trying to move her.
The first stage of labor lasts about 36 hours, and will typically be shorter if the cat has previously had kittens. During this period your cat will visit her nesting spot regularly but also have intermittent contractions with signs of strain. Late in this stage, panting and scratching at the nesting area may increase. The second stage will last anywhere from five to thirty minutes for each kitten. There will be stronger contractions and each kitten will be pushed out by active straining of the mom, usually head first. The mom will break the bag and chew the cord herself for each kitten and will require no additional assistance. The third and final stage will find the mom passing a placenta membranes and mass for each kitten. The mother cat will eat the placentas so as to hide the evidence that she gave birth. The entire process should happen within four to six hours. If it lasts longer than this, you should call a vet for help.
If a kitten is only partly out and the mother seems to be tired and given up on pushing, you can gently help the kitten ease out but you must be very gentle. If the mother does not bite through the cord, you can help by tying off the cord using a clean sewing thread about 3 centimeters from the kitten’s body. If a mother cat does not clean a kitten you can do so by using a clean kitchen towel and gently wiping the kitten. Make sure to clear its mouth and nose of any liquid that might restrict breathing.
If the cat is straining for longer than 30 minutes without producing anything. There could be an obstruction preventing a natural birth, putting the mother and kittens in danger. If there is a period of an hour or more between the first kitten and subsequent births. If the cat suddenly appears weak and unable to continue with labor. The presence of excessive blood during birth without a kitten. Greenish afterbirth is common, but without a kitten can be a signal for a problem. Keep an eye out for kittens who cannot be dislodged using gentle force. A Caesarean Section may be needed in these cases and a vet should be consulted.
If the mother is being inattentive to the kittens, you can provide a heating pad on low to help keep the babies warm. Make sure the kittens and mom remain in a calm place where she will not feel threatened. This can cause a danger to the kittens and the mom.
Look out for atypical behavior, such as ignoring the kittens. She may reject the kittens, or if she feels in enough danger, she may even kill the litter. Keep an eye out for inflamed mammary glands. Infected glands will become enlarged, hot to the touch, and may even appear a different color. Watch for changes in appetite. If your cat is not getting enough nutrients this can endanger both her and the kittens. If an extended period goes by and your cat is unwilling to eat, take her to a vet.
