Changes in Behavior
As your cat nears delivery, you’ll notice some distinct behavior changes. About a week before giving birth, she may seem restless and anxious. She may start hiding or seeking solitude in closets or under beds. According to the Guildcrest Cat Hospital, “Your cat will begin to exhibit behavior changes. She will likely become extremely affectionate and clingy while also seeming anxious.”
You’ll also notice nesting behaviors like scratching, digging, and trying to find a quiet, private space for the birth. She may scrape her paws on the floor and bedding as if trying to make a nest. Per the Daily Paws, “She may seem anxious and her normal routine may change. She may spend more time moving from place to place while also trying to find a nesting spot.” These are natural instincts as she prepares for the pending birth.
Most cats will withdraw from social activities and interactions in the final days before delivery. Don’t be alarmed if your normally playful and energetic cat starts hiding under the bed and ignoring family members. She’s just listening to her instincts to find a safe, solitary place for the birth.
Physical changes
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy in cats is changes to the nipples. According to Blue Cross, the nipples will become enlarged, swollen and pink in color around 3 weeks into the pregnancy as the body prepares to produce milk. You may also notice the areola becoming more prominent around the nipple.
As the kittens grow in the uterus, the pregnant cat will steadily gain weight. According to The Spruce Pets, weight gain may begin as early as 2 weeks into the pregnancy. By 5-6 weeks into the pregnancy, weight gain will become more noticeable especially around the abdomen as the uterus expands.
A clear sign of pregnancy is an enlarged or swollen abdomen starting around 3 weeks into the pregnancy. The size of the abdomen will increase rapidly in the last 2 weeks before delivery as the kittens grow. The pregnant belly may sway slightly when walking near the end of the pregnancy.
Preparing a Birthing Area
When your pregnant cat is close to giving birth, you’ll need to prepare a safe and comfortable birthing area for her. This area should be warm, quiet, secluded, and easy to clean (Chipman Road Animal Clinic, 2022). The ideal location is a spare room, closet, or large box that gives your cat privacy while still allowing you to monitor her progress. Place a soft bed or blankets inside the birthing area and make sure they can be easily removed and laundered after the birth. It’s best to avoid loud noises, other pets, and high traffic areas of the home that may disturb or stress your pregnant cat.
In the week or two before delivery, set up the birthing area with food, water, litter box, and toys to help your cat get accustomed to the space. Make sure the area is warm but offers spots for her to move between warm and cool zones to regulate her temperature. Maintaining a quiet, clean, and comfortable birthing area will help relax your cat and create an ideal environment as she prepares to give birth.
Stage 1 labor signs
The first stage of labor is characterized by early contractions and preparation for active labor. Some signs to look out for in this stage include:
Restlessness: Your cat may seem restless, frequently changing positions and unable to get comfortable. This is a result of mild contractions beginning. You may notice frequent stretching as well.
Frequent urination: The pressure from contractions against the bladder will cause your cat to urinate more frequently. This is a good early sign that labor has begun.
Reduced appetite: As labor approaches, your cat will likely lose interest in food and eat less than usual.
Seek attention/hiding: Some cats will seek more attention from their owners, while others prefer to be alone. Watch your cat’s behavior to see if she is hiding more than usual.
Elevated body temperature: A slightly elevated temperature of 100.4 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit may occur early in labor. Monitor your cat’s temperature for any spikes.
Stage 2 labor signs
The second stage of labor involves the kitten’s delivery. This stage begins when the first kitten starts to move through the birth canal. At this point, the queen’s cervix is fully dilated, contractions become stronger and more frequent, and active pushing will begin.
Visible contractions are a clear sign that stage 2 labor is underway. The abdominal muscles will contract rhythmically every 2-30 minutes as the uterus squeezes to move the kittens down the birth canal. These contractions may be visible as rippling spasms under the skin or by the cat tucking in her abdomen.1
A clear or slightly bloody vaginal discharge is another indicator of second stage labor. This discharge is produced as the cervix dilates and the amniotic sac surrounding the first kitten ruptures. You may see a sac with kitten inside emerge first before active delivery begins.
During delivery
During the active stage of labor when strong contractions begin, the queen’s abdomen will become visibly rippled as muscles contract to move kittens down the birth canal. She may pant, vocalize, or nestle down into a focused state as each kitten starts to emerge. This stage can take up to 30 minutes per kitten as the mother experiences strong abdominal contractions to help push each kitten out.[1]
You may see a kitten start to emerge head first, encapsulated in the amniotic sac. The mother will use her teeth to break open the sac and free the kitten as it is born. It is important not to intervene or break the sac yourself, as the mother’s licking is essential to stimulate breathing and getting the kitten dried off.
Kittens are usually born every 15-60 minutes, though some cats can have longer intervals up to 4 hours between births. Keep track of time between kittens and contact your vet if straining goes on for over 30 minutes without progression.[2] Attending kittens should start nursing within the first 2 hours after birth.
After Birthing
After birthing, mother cats typically eat the placenta and clean the kittens.1 Eating the placenta provides the mother with nutrients and helps stimulate milk production.2 You should allow the mother cat to eat the placentas without interruption.
It’s also normal for the mother cat to nurse and groom her kittens immediately after birth. This grooming helps stimulate circulation and breathing in the newborn kittens. Make sure the mother cat has a quiet, comfortable area to nurse and bond with her kittens.
Monitor that each kitten is nursing and that the mother cat is caring for all of the kittens equally. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the mother cat’s health or behavior after birthing.
Post-natal care
After a cat gives birth, she will need special care and monitoring during the post-natal period. It is important to watch the mother cat’s eating and litter habits closely, as well as keeping a close eye on the newborn kittens.
The mother cat should be fed kitten food after giving birth, as it is higher in calories and nutrients to support milk production. Make sure she has unlimited access to food and fresh water. Monitor her food and water intake to ensure she is eating and drinking normally (Source).
Also watch the mother cat’s litter habits. She should be urinating and defecating normally. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of abnormal elimination, straining, discomfort, or bleeding (Source).
It is essential to monitor the newborn kittens closely as well. Weigh them daily and track their growth. Watch for signs of dehydration or failure to thrive. Make sure the kittens are nursing regularly and the mother cat is caring for them properly. Contact your vet immediately if you have any concerns about the kittens’ health or the mother cat’s behavior.
Potential complications
Labor and delivery can sometimes become complicated for pregnant cats. Some potential issues to watch for include:
Prolonged labor
Labor typically lasts 6-12 hours, with breaks between kittens of up to 4 hours. If your cat is having strong contractions for over 30 minutes with no kitten produced, it could be a sign of prolonged or obstructed labor (https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/my-cat-is-in-labour/). Prolonged labor puts stress on mom and kittens. Call your vet if labor stops progressing.
Stillborn kitten
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for one or more kittens in a litter to be stillborn. There are many possible causes, including birth defects, infections, and placental detachment (https://icatcare.org/advice/difficult-cat-birth/). Contact your vet if a kitten is unresponsive at birth.
Rejected litter
Some mother cats may reject or ignore their newborn kittens, especially first-time mothers. Make sure she has a warm, quiet, and comfortable birthing area. Give her time to adjust before intervening. If she continues rejecting kittens, contact your vet for advice (https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/birth-difficulties).
When to call the vet
You should contact your veterinarian or seek emergency care if your cat experiences failure to progress during labor or exhibits concerning symptoms. Failure to progress refers to prolonged contractions and pushing without producing a kitten. This can indicate uterine inertia, obstruction, or another complication requiring veterinary assistance. According to VCA Hospitals, you should seek immediate veterinary attention if 20 minutes of intense labor does not produce a kitten. Other emergency symptoms warranting a vet visit include excessive vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, signs of illness in the mother cat like lethargy or vomiting, or expelled fetuses that are dead or appear abnormal.