How to understand that a cat is going into labor: first signs and assistance

05/09/2019 Drozd Nikolaevich Animals As a rule, most cats are able to give birth without human help, so the owner’s role is usually to monitor the birth process and in both cases you need to know how to understand that a cat is going into labor in order to help your pet in the event that if something goes wrong.

At what age do cats give birth?

From 7 months, the cat begins to be interested in the opposite sex and becomes sexually mature. If you want to get healthy offspring, veterinarians advise breeding the animal during its second heat.

Cats can give birth until old age, but pet owners should stop their pet’s sex life in time so that the quality of the offspring and the health of the cat are not affected. After all, when abusing a cat’s ability to give birth, people often think only about their own wallet. Thus, to avoid problems, veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering an animal at the age of 6-7 years.

Signs that a cat is starting to give birth

You can understand that a cat has begun to give birth by such a main sign as the appearance of contractions. They begin several hours before the event and gradually intensify so that they can be seen without palpation. When contractions begin, the woman in labor should be taken to a place prepared in advance and calmed down.

Further, the following signs indicate that labor has begun:

lowering of the abdomen;
increased urination;
mucus secretion;
breaking of water;
rapid breathing.

Happy mother
Okot completed successfully if:

the temperature is normal, the cat’s breathing is even;
she is with kittens;
the animal actively eats and drinks fluids;
sleeps peacefully;
the stomach is soft.

Cats can give birth until old age, but pet owners should stop their pet’s sex life in time so that the quality of the offspring and the health of the cat are not affected. After all, when abusing a cat’s ability to give birth, people often think only about their own wallet. Thus, to avoid problems, veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering an animal at the age of 6-7 years.

You can determine that a cat is pregnant by the following signs:

the cat’s appetite has changed: it happens that favorite treats remain untouched, and any food consumption ends in vomiting and severe weakness;
changes in behavior: the cat sleeps more than before and moves less (if the cat was previously wild and could bite, now it should be affectionate and calm);
swelling of the mammary glands and redness of the nipples;
rounding of the abdomen.

A cat preparing for the birth of offspring should be fed high-calorie food enriched with vitamins and minerals.

In the first two weeks of pregnancy, the cat's appetite will increase, so the amount of food should be increased by 10%. The animal must be fed 4 times a day in small portions.

From the 3rd week of pregnancy, the cat's appetite is maximum. It is necessary to increase the volume of food by 50%, but in no case should she be allowed to overeat; she should be fed 5-6 times a day in fractional portions.

A cat's diet should include:

meat (chicken, beef, turkey);
egg yolk;
vegetables (carrots, cabbage);
dairy products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream);
cereals and cereals (buckwheat, rice, wheat);
a small amount of fish.

If you feed your pet dry food, then choose food for pregnant cats, and then for nursing mothers.

To increase your cat's lactation, give her fresh nettle, but first pour boiling water over the herb so as not to burn the cat's internal organs and mouth.

Throughout pregnancy, the cat behaves in the same way as all animals of its species: it eats excellently and sleeps a lot.

Usually, the question “how to understand that a cat is going into labor” does not arise for owners, since everything becomes obvious from the changing behavior of the animal. When the day of birth arrives, the cat shows the first signs that signal the animal’s readiness to give birth - a symptom of the first contractions: the cat screams unnaturally, refuses to eat, walks from corner to corner, looks into the owner’s eyes. The cat looks tired, constantly licks its genitals, and “points” to its stomach, as if it wants to say that it needs help.

How to tell if your cat is pregnant

Signs of pregnancy in a cat can be observed 3 weeks after conception. Some people who let their cats go outside can track this period on a calendar (as a rule, the cat does not spend the night at home and does not appear in front of its owners for 3-4 days). Those owners who specifically breed a cat with a cat can also calculate whether the cat is pregnant. We will tell you further how many months you will have to wait for a replenishment. The most difficult thing to predict pregnancy is for those owners whose cat walks outside on its own.

You can determine that a cat is pregnant by the following signs:

the cat’s appetite has changed: it happens that favorite treats remain untouched, and any food consumption ends in vomiting and severe weakness;
changes in behavior: the cat sleeps more than before and moves less (if the cat was previously wild and could bite, now it should be affectionate and calm);
swelling of the mammary glands and redness of the nipples;
rounding of the abdomen.

Symptoms and signs

After mating, it is possible to determine if a cat is pregnant only after 3-4 weeks. Previously, it did not appear in any way. Some symptoms:

The cat's behavior changes, it becomes cautious and less active.
Sometimes nausea is observed, and temporary refusal of food is observed.
Later, on the contrary, appetite increases. The animal eats a little, but often.
If the cat is pregnant for the first time, changes in the nipples can be seen in the second month. They increase in size and swell. Now they can be easily felt.
The belly gradually rounds and grows.

The animal becomes less active.
Not all cats will necessarily have the same signs. No two animals are the same, and their symptoms of pregnancy are different. Slender cats often give birth on time, while well-fed cats carry them to term. Also, the period depends on the number of fruits. If there are many of them, birth occurs later.

At a later stage, you can place your palm on the cat’s stomach and feel the kittens move. But you don’t need to put too much pressure on the stomach so as not to harm the offspring.

Cat pregnancy

Pregnancy in a cat lasts 65-70 days (9-10 weeks, or 2.5 months). If you are unable to independently determine whether pregnancy has occurred and how many months the cat will still bear kittens, seek advice from a specialist.

In the last week before giving birth, the cat begins to choose a place for itself and put its “stuff” there. Owners are advised to think about creating favorable conditions for the animal from the very beginning of pregnancy: choose a spacious box, put diapers or cloth rags on the bottom. The expectant mother should get used to the nest that you built for her.

The duration of pregnancy in cats may vary depending on the number of kittens, the age of the animal and the conditions in which the pet is in the last month of pregnancy. So, if the cat is stressed, then the gestation period may be delayed, and if the pregnancy is multiple, then labor may begin prematurely, in this regard, it is extremely important to know how to understand that a cat is beginning to give birth.

If the due date is postponed a week earlier or a week later, you should not panic, as this is quite natural.

Problems may arise if labor begins earlier than 60 days (the kitten will be born weak and unable to live) or later than 80 days (there is a possibility that the offspring will develop pathologies).

Signs of the beginning of labor in a cat can be determined a day before, or even 1-2 hours before the start of the process.

Pregnancy starting point

To calculate when the time of birth comes, you need to know exactly the mating date. It is usually planned in advance if you know when the cat is in heat. Pregnancy in a Scottish Fold cat can occur during the first heat. But mating during this period is not recommended.

Puberty in cats begins at around 8 months of age. The body has not yet fully formed, pregnancy can only cause harm. Mating is carried out when the cat is over a year old or on her third heat.

It is better to plan mating for the 3rd heat

Before this important event, the pet needs to be prepared. She must be vaccinated and treated against fleas and helminths. You also need to inquire about the health of your future partner.

An important rule is that fold-eared Scots are bred only with straight-eared dogs. Otherwise, the offspring may be weak or not survive at all. It depends on genetic characteristics.

Stages of pregnancy

Cat pregnancy is usually divided into several stages:

Stage 1 – the first three weeks of pregnancy. The mammary glands and genitals become swollen, cats begin to sleep more, there is no appetite as such, and activity is zero. The animal requires attention, sleeps with the owner, clinging to him, the animal may have a gag reflex when eating, or an increase in the size of the uterus upon palpation.
Stage 2 – from the fourth to the sixth week. The kittens begin to become active and move. The expectant mother has a good appetite and gets plenty of rest. A cat may refuse its favorite food and prefer dairy products. If your cat is vomiting, it is best to take it to the vet.
Stage 3 – six to nine weeks. Kittens move actively, this is best noticeable when the animal is sleeping. The abdomen is large, the mammary glands are enlarged, colostrum may be released. Hair falls out on the cat's belly, internal organs are displaced due to the large size of the kittens. The cat moves carefully, tries not to jump too much, and sleeps on its side. To prevent the pet from gaining excess weight, it is transferred to fractional meals (4-5 times a day).

Stages of gestation of kittens

A cat can become pregnant for the first time at the age of six months, when the first heat usually appears. But most veterinarians believe that only a strong female who is at least 12 months old can bear healthy kittens. Pregnancy occurs in 3 stages:

After mating, the cat's genital swelling is visible, but this does not mean that she is fertilized. The first signs will clearly appear from the 3rd week:

the pet becomes lethargic, eats poorly, moves little, sleeps more;
within 2-3 days she vomits repeatedly;
nipples enlarge and acquire a bright pink color or, conversely, become lighter;
When palpating the cat's genitals, the veterinarian notices an enlarged uterus.

During the middle period of pregnancy, the animal noticeably gains weight as the fetus actively develops. By the 6th week, the amount of amniotic fluid increases and the kittens begin to move for the first time. By stroking your pet's belly, you can carefully “feel” the future children.

At 7-9 weeks, the cat’s excitement intensifies, she fussily rushes around the apartment in search of a future “nest”. Kittens move actively, which is especially noticeable in a sleeping cat. The animal restlessly licks its genitals.

How does the stomach change during pregnancy?

20 days after conception, the nipples change color. If you have already given birth before, your nipples may change slightly. The belly grows as the kittens grow and develop. But if 1-2 kittens develop and grow in the mother’s belly, then the belly may be small until the last weeks.

Before giving birth, a cat's stomach drops. As a rule, this happens within 7 days, and the stomach takes a pear shape. This is due to the fact that the kittens are already preparing for birth, taking the necessary position for this.

It should also be noted that the expectant mother’s stomach is not soft, but hard, which means that the body is ready for labor and childbirth.

Premature birth

Normally, a cat gives birth without complications, and she is able to prepare the site herself and give birth to kittens. However, in some cases, hormonal imbalances occur, which lead to miscarriage and premature birth.

Symptoms of miscarriage:

increased body temperature;
restless behavior;
frequent contractions;
blood and mucus are released from the genitals;
yellow or clear water appears.

Veterinarians identify several main causes of premature birth:

death of kittens in the womb. This symptom is difficult to diagnose in advance. However, cats instinctively sense non-viable offspring, which must be removed from themselves. The veterinarian can try to stop the contractions, then the cat will give birth later, but the kittens will still die;
an infectious disease that a cat picked up while mating or walking outside. In this case, the birth is not stopped, as there is a risk of harming the cat. She miscarries prematurely, resulting in dead kittens. If the body managed to survive, then the cat will be able to carry the rest of the babies until a certain period;
Placental abruption at less than 56 days of gestation ensures death for kittens. In this case, you should not waste time, as this often causes internal bleeding.

Important! If premature birth begins, it is first of all important to help the cat. It is necessary to take her to the veterinarian for examination.

When it is not possible to go to a doctor, it is necessary to conduct a consultation by telephone. All this time, the owner must be with the cat, calm it down and stroke it. The animal can independently delay or stop labor if necessary. To relieve early contractions, it is recommended to use no-shpa, but you should not do this without a doctor’s permission.

Kittens can survive for more than 51 days; if miscarriage occurs earlier, then there is no point in saving them.

If it was not possible to determine the cause of premature birth, then there is no need to interfere with the process. If babies are born alive, they have every chance of a full life. If the offspring turns out to be dead, they are immediately removed from the mother.

When a cat has successfully given birth early, it is still necessary to take her to the veterinarian. It is best if the doctor comes to your home, since going to hospitals during the postpartum period will become stressful for the cat.

Most often, premature birth occurs due to a frozen pregnancy, pet non-viability, placental abruption or injury, resulting in the birth of dead kittens. If your cat gives birth prematurely, have her examined by a specialist to understand the condition of the animal.

What to prepare before giving birth to a cat

For comfortable bearing of kittens and their comfortable maintenance in the first weeks after birth, the cat should create all the conditions and prepare a cozy nest. It is best to place this place in silence, away from a noisy room and children, otherwise the cat will look for another place for itself and the kittens.

It is also necessary to organize a spacious maternity area in which the mother and kittens will stay for about two months.

How to care for a cat after giving birth

Childbirth and the postpartum period are not an easy process, both for the new mother herself and for her owner. With the arrival of kittens in the house, additional worries arise in caring for the babies and the parent herself.

How to properly care for a cat after giving birth:

Upon completion of labor, give the cat water, she urgently needs to restore the water balance in the body. A nursing mother cat should always have free access to water.
Give her a complete and balanced diet. A cat needs good nutrition, which will determine the quality and volume of milk produced. Place a bowl of food and water close to the box with the offspring.
You also need to place a tray nearby so that the young mother can safely go to the toilet without leaving her babies for a long time. Keep the tray clean and hygienic, change the filler promptly and clean the toilet from any dirt.
In the first weeks after giving birth, it is better not to let the mother cat go outside, where there are always many dangerous infections that pose a potential threat to the lives of newborn kittens.
Within 1-2 weeks after birth, heavy discharge is observed from the cat’s genitals. As a rule, she licks them off on her own and monitors the hygiene of her genitals. However, some cats who have undergone difficult births and have weakened immune systems cannot cope with such care. The owner can wipe the animal's reproductive organs using a clean, damp towel or napkin.
In the box where the cat and her offspring are kept, it is recommended to change the diaper daily to maintain hygiene.

Watch the mother cat and her offspring. If pathological signs are detected, call your veterinarian! A good doctor will make a home visit and examine the mother and kittens, after which she will give useful recommendations and all the necessary appointments.

We hope that your pet’s birth will go as quickly and without complications as possible, and that the newborn kittens will have strong immunity and excellent health!

What is not recommended to do before labor begins

To ensure a smooth birth, pay attention to the list of things you should not do:

irritate the woman in labor with loud screams, numerous guests, parties;
actively feel the stomach, as you may accidentally injure the cat or kittens;
Give your cat medications on your own without consulting a specialist;
ignore vomiting, discharge and changes in the behavior of the pregnant woman;
allow your cat to come into contact with animals whose health status you do not know;
allowing you to sleep in a dirty place, handling the animal with dirty hands, frequently changing the linen in the cat’s sleeping area;
use chemicals to clean the house.

Signs of approaching labor

The owner can easily determine that the cat’s birth is approaching and she is about to lamb.

Physiological:

Relaxation and lengthening of the pelvic ligaments - the animal has a slightly wobbling gait, it has difficulty jumping onto furniture, is inactive, the stomach sags greatly and seems to move towards the hind legs.
Recession of the sacrum - the lower spine, the area of the back next to the tail.
Enlargement and swelling of the genital fissure, sometimes redness is observed.
The passage of a mucus plug is a clear clot of mucus. Repeatedly giving birth cats often lick themselves before giving birth, so the passage of the plug is not noticeable. For a pet giving birth for the first time, the owner will see a little mucus under the tail.
Enlargement of the mammary glands, secretion of colostrum - a yellowish thick liquid (not always).
Discharge from the genital slit is colorless and odorless liquid - amniotic fluid.
Decreased body temperature - the ears and tips of the paws become cold about a day before the onset of contractions.

Behavioral:

Behavior change. An active animal becomes calm, and a calm animal, on the contrary, becomes nervous. The cat begins to look for a place where she can give birth. She rushes around the house, sometimes screaming and hissing. The place she finds is not always a nest prepared by a person. She is able to hide behind a closet, under a sofa, go outside, or hide in an outbuilding. This is extremely undesirable, because in this case it will be difficult to help her if necessary. Therefore, having noticed signs of a developing pregnancy, the owner needs to accustom the cat to a place that will become its nest during and after birth.
Refusal to eat and drink. Occurs about a day before the animal is about to give birth.

In most cases, there is no difference between the births of other cats and purebred representatives. British breed cats are more attached to their owner, so before giving birth, the pet begins to follow its owner, trying to find support, fearing to be left alone.

It is very important to prepare for the birth of a Scottish cat in advance, and it is best if the pet gives birth for the first time, so that it is under the supervision of a veterinarian or a professional breeder. As a rule, the kittens of this cat breed are large and complications may arise during the birth process.

To understand that a cat is about to give birth, you need to carefully observe how she behaves and monitor the signs of an approaching event.

About 2 weeks before giving birth, the pet begins to look for a secluded place for itself and its future offspring. It is better for the owner to prepare and show the expectant mother a cozy nest in which she will feel safe.

Important! The owner needs to be prepared for the fact that the individual may begin to give birth where it overtakes it. This is especially true for first-time mothers.

Pregnant cat
A few days before giving birth:

the cat changes its behavior: it becomes restless, meows loudly, can be aggressive or, on the contrary, very affectionate;
Her body temperature drops to 37 degrees.
she actively licks her stomach and genitals;
colostrum begins to be released from the breast, the nipples swell and turn red;
the pet refuses to eat, only drinks and becomes inactive;
There is movement of the babies in the womb.

The first signs of impending birth:

decreased appetite. The cat begins to drink a lot, in addition to water, prefers milk and broth;
the cat is lethargic and almost constantly lies in the box;
Before the onset of contractions, you may notice active movement in the abdomen. Thus, the kittens try to take the most comfortable position for birth. This sign is often noticeable already 1-2 days before birth in representatives of large breeds (for example, Maine Coon);
active licking of the genitals. In this way, the cat cleanses the organ to prevent the development of infections in kittens;
About an hour before giving birth, the cat's birth plug comes off. Usually it is not difficult to notice, since it resembles a white-pink clump;
before starting the process, the temperature is reduced to 37 °C. Experts recommend monitoring this indicator to prevent bleeding during and after childbirth;
by the time of childbirth, the nipples swell as much as possible, and if pressure is applied to them, colostrum will appear;
5-6 hours before birth, false contractions may appear. In this case, the cat behaves restlessly, often hunching over, and meowing. The process helps the kittens to finally prepare for birth, and the vascular system of the uterus to contract in a timely manner;
the main and main sign of the onset of labor is the breaking of water. They can leave either a few hours before or at the birth of the first kitten.

After the first signs begin to appear, it is necessary to monitor the behavior and condition of the cat. In this case, the owner will not miss the process itself and, if necessary, will come to the rescue.

Important! It is necessary to ensure that the cat does not go to give birth in an unsuitable place where access to her will be limited.

It is also necessary to organize a spacious maternity area in which the mother and kittens will stay for about two months.

irritate the woman in labor with loud screams, numerous guests, parties;
actively feel the stomach, as you may accidentally injure the cat or kittens;
Give your cat medications on your own without consulting a specialist;
ignore vomiting, discharge and changes in the behavior of the pregnant woman;
allow your cat to come into contact with animals whose health status you do not know;
allowing you to sleep in a dirty place, handling the animal with dirty hands, frequently changing the linen in the cat’s sleeping area;
use chemicals to clean the house.

The animal loses its appetite: the cat refuses solid food and eats small amounts of liquid foods (broth, milk, cream, etc.).
Weakness: The cat spends almost all of her time in the place where she plans to give birth.
Kittens in the stomach begin to become active: this happens 2 days before birth, as they try to take the correct position for birth. The more kittens there are, the larger they are, the earlier they begin to move and behave more actively.
The cat often licks its genitals.
The animal's body temperature decreases, which helps prevent severe bleeding during and after childbirth.
The nipples swell and milk comes out.
When labor begins, the cat meows and tries to hide.
False contractions begin 4-6 hours before birth.
The waters are receding. This is the main sign of the beginning of labor in a cat. Don't go far, your pet may need your help.
The cat's plug came out. When will labor begin? A day before giving birth, a white plug comes out as a discharge. The cat may lick it, so watch the animal carefully so as not to miss this moment.
The cat goes to the toilet often.
The pet begins to walk with shortness of breath and breathes heavily in its sleep.

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What to feed a pregnant cat

A cat preparing for the birth of offspring should be fed high-calorie food enriched with vitamins and minerals.

In the first two weeks of pregnancy, the cat's appetite will increase, so the amount of food should be increased by 10%. The animal must be fed 4 times a day in small portions.

A cat's diet should include:

meat (chicken, beef, turkey);
egg yolk;
vegetables (carrots, cabbage);
dairy products (kefir, cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream);
cereals and cereals (buckwheat, rice, wheat);
a small amount of fish.

If you feed your pet dry food, then choose food for pregnant cats, and then for nursing mothers.

To increase your cat's lactation, give her fresh nettle, but first pour boiling water over the herb so as not to burn the cat's internal organs and mouth.

Recommendations for caring for a pregnant cat

Cats are very clean animals, so they are often able to take care of themselves on their own. Your task is to give your pet privacy if he needs it, and make sure that the kitty does not jump from high objects or climb on them. In the last days of pregnancy, it may be problematic for a cat to keep some areas clean; it is advisable to wipe them with a soft cloth previously moistened in warm water.

Prepare in advance everything you need for childbirth: a comfortable box, clean diapers; during childbirth, the owners or veterinarian should be near the animal in case something goes wrong.

Before giving birth, the cat begins to worry, its body temperature drops, and the animal refuses to eat. Before the process, gray-red waters recede, after which contractions begin. In total, childbirth lasts up to a day; if within 4-6 hours after contractions begin, the cat cannot give birth to the first baby, medical attention is needed. The time between the birth of kittens varies from several minutes to several hours. The kittens are connected by an umbilical cord, the mother cat chews it and licks the kitten.

Sometimes babies are born right in the fetal bladder: the cat breaks the membrane, if this does not happen, do it yourself, otherwise the baby will suffocate. To prevent liquid from getting into your kitten's lungs, wipe his nose thoroughly after the bladder bursts.

If there is still a drop of water in the lungs, the kitten is carefully taken, pointed down with its nose, holding the head, and gently shaken. Breathing should be without wheezing, even, the tongue should be pink, if blue appears, it means that the baby does not have enough oxygen. The kitten is wrapped in soft cloth and lowered upside down until it inhales and makes the first squeak (it is barely audible).

If the cat cannot gnaw the umbilical cord, it is carefully pulled with a thread 1-2 cm from the kitten’s belly and cut with scissors, which are pre-lubricated with alcohol. It is also better to lubricate the separation site with iodine. Before the end of the birth process, the kittens are taken from the mother, wiped dry with a diaper and placed in a warm nest (you can put a warm heating pad or bottles of water).

After the birth is over, the cat is given rest; food and a potty are placed nearby so that the mother does not have to leave the kittens. It is better not to let strangers near the cat, so that she does not start hiding the kittens in what she considers a safe place.

The animal is fed 4-5 times a day in small portions; be sure to clean the nest once a day. There should be fresh drinking water nearby; nursing cats may experience seizures - this is due to a lack of calcium. If you notice your pet having seizures, contact your veterinarian.

Characteristic signs before childbirth

It is extremely important to know what signs to look out for before your cat gives birth:

The animal loses its appetite: the cat refuses solid food and eats small amounts of liquid foods (broth, milk, cream, etc.).
Weakness: The cat spends almost all of her time in the place where she plans to give birth.
Kittens in the stomach begin to become active: this happens 2 days before birth, as they try to take the correct position for birth. The more kittens there are, the larger they are, the earlier they begin to move and behave more actively.
The cat often licks its genitals.
The animal's body temperature decreases, which helps prevent severe bleeding during and after childbirth.
The nipples swell and milk comes out.
When labor begins, the cat meows and tries to hide.
False contractions begin 4-6 hours before birth.
The waters are receding. This is the main sign of the beginning of labor in a cat. Don't go far, your pet may need your help.
The cat's plug came out. When will labor begin? A day before giving birth, a white plug comes out as a discharge. The cat may lick it, so watch the animal carefully so as not to miss this moment.
The cat goes to the toilet often.
The pet begins to walk with shortness of breath and breathes heavily in its sleep.

Stages of labor

The birth of kittens can be divided into the onset of labor and the delivery itself. Knowing how they go, what the problems may be, how important aftercare is, will keep the mother and offspring healthy. Labor can last up to 8 hours, with short breaks. Duration beyond the specified time is fraught with negative consequences. It is noteworthy that the first birth may slightly increase the timing of one of the stages.

Start of labor

At the initial stage of the process, the animal’s breathing is rapid, and the body position is on its side.
Contractions in a cat make it clear that the pet is about to give birth. At this time, the uterus expands and provokes the removal of the mucus plug. When you lightly press the nipples, a clear liquid should be released - colostrum. The cat meows and lies on its side. The large belly drops and the pet breathes frequently. Childbirth in an animal may be accompanied by vomiting and complete refusal of fluids. You can do a light massage along the spine.

The animal looks tired and slightly discouraged. This behavior of a cat before giving birth is explained by pain. Delivery of a firstborn is facilitated with the help of Oxytocin. It can also cause contractions. The injection is given at the withers according to the recommended dosage. For better dilation of the uterus, you can use a drug called “No-Shpa”. Training contractions are clear harbingers of the start of labor.

Labor activity

The cat gives birth in a specially designated area. During childbirth, the pet becomes aggressive, yells and may bite. You need to behave calmly with the animal and not raise your tone. At the same time, attempts and discharge appear. They may contain small amounts of blood. At this moment, it is important not to miss the beginning bleeding. The appearance of approaching kittens is accompanied by contractions. At the same time, the stomach “waves” and the body bends. Weak labor is a common symptom. It can be determined by the fact that the cubs take a long time to walk and the lambing time increases.

Each baby is born in a special bubble.

The normal course and duration flow into labor itself. An amniotic sac emerges from the uterus, containing one kitten. A common occurrence is when a pet comes out without breathing. The owner immediately breaks the bubble and removes all the liquid from the mouth. You have to be quick with time, otherwise the kittens will die. The break and interval between kittens is used to dry the babies. At this point the mother can regain her strength. Place the babies in a box with dry diapers and a heating pad at the bottom. After the kitten comes out the placenta. If it remains inside, problems are likely. When the cat begins to push again, all attention should be given to her and the rest of the babies should be accepted. When labor has stopped, the kittens are applied to the nipples. We should not take our pet to the veterinarian.

How to tell if your cat is going into labor

Throughout pregnancy, the cat behaves in the same way as all animals of its species: it eats excellently and sleeps a lot.

Puberty in cats

In a Scottish pet that comes into the family at the age of 3 months, sexual maturation can begin early, at 4.5 months. Physiologically, a Scots kitten will gain strength only after 9 months or later. The reproductive period, the gestation period comes after 10 months, lasts on average until 7-8 years of age. Premature pregnancy is harmful to the kitten’s fragile body.

The cat is in heat

Scots are a breed with average sexuality, so during the period of heat, many do not arrange unbearable concerts. The period of the first and all subsequent heats is difficult not to notice; within 3-4 days, the imperturbable Scottish woman’s behavior changes dramatically. She becomes either too affectionate or restless, runs after family members, and constantly makes sharp “meowing” sounds. Begins to mark the surrounding space around. These cat days are called estrus, rut, or hunting.

According to the nature of its passage, estrus can be divided into periods:

The first one goes quite calmly. The cat develops small transparent discharge from its intimate parts, signaling the onset of estrus;
In the second period, the character changes dramatically, the cat constantly screams heartbreakingly, emitting different sounds, calling out the cats. She may not eat, constantly raising and lowering her tail, periodically rolling on the floor or raising her butt.
After a few days, she calms down and gradually returns to normal.

Childbirth

How does labor begin in a cat?

The cat lies on its side.
Begins to arch his back.
Push (strain your stomach). If you put your palm on your stomach, you can feel it.
Meows loudly as the strength of the contractions increases.
Passage through the genital tract: the cat strains, the muscles of the abdomen and thighs contract. After 4-5 attempts, the kitten appears.
The kitten comes out in the amniotic sac or without a sac.
Stimulation of breathing: the cat bursts the bladder, licks the kitten, and clears the airways of fluid.
Rupture of the umbilical cord. The cat chews the umbilical cord and eats the afterbirth. Be sure to check that there are as many afterbirths as there are kittens.
Lactation: Immediately after birth, the kitten attaches itself to the mother's nipple.

Harbingers of childbirth among sphinxes

How to understand that a cat is pregnant: signs

Sphynx pregnancy lasts approximately 63 days. A cat gives birth to 3–6 babies. The first signs that she is about to give birth are the release of milk from the nipples, loss of appetite and restlessness. The onset of labor manifests itself with contractions and pushing. Soon they become stronger and more intense. After some time, the mucous plug that covered the uterus will come out of the vagina.

The next stage is the most difficult and responsible. The first kitten begins to emerge. He can be born with or without a shell (bladder, or jacket). The cat easily breaks the shell and licks the baby. First of all, the mother licks the kitten's face, clearing its airways. Now the baby can breathe on his own.

Childbirth for an animal is a complex process, in which the owner’s help is sometimes needed

The birth of the first child lasts for 5–60 minutes. If the process takes more than an hour, then you need to sound the alarm and call the veterinarian, as this indicates complications.

Next, the third stage of labor begins - the placenta, with the help of which the kitten received nutrition in the womb, comes out. The cat chews the umbilical cord and often eats the placenta. Then she pushes the baby towards the nipples, and he reflexively begins to suck the milk. If she has not chewed the umbilical cord, you can cut it yourself with a thread.

Then the remaining kittens are born. Each of them has a separate placenta, so the owner must carefully ensure that the number is the same as the kittens.

Important! It is very dangerous when the placenta remains inside the cat. This can cause inflammation and even lead to the death of the animal.

The birth of each kitten occurs in the same way as the birth of the first. Contractions intensify, and within 10-60 minutes. The next baby in line is born. This happens until all the little sphinxes are born.

Sphynxes give birth just like all other representatives of other breeds

Helping a cat give birth

The animal needs care and support at the time of birth. Therefore, the owner is required to:

calm your pet throughout the entire process;
sit near the place where the cat will give birth;
bring a supply of water so that the cat does not walk around the room again, because she will want to drink in any case (it is necessary to regularly offer the animal to drink warm milk or water at room temperature to avoid dehydration);
isolating the room where the lambing takes place from other pets and children; it is best to remain alone with the woman in labor - this will make both her and you feel calmer;
do not forget to ventilate the premises, but without creating a draft;
Call the veterinarian if complications arise or there are fears that something will go wrong, or if you are not confident in your abilities and are afraid that you will not be able to help your pet

It is impossible to ignore the first signs of labor in a cat, despite the strong opinion that a cat can give birth without any problems without human help.

Preparing for childbirth, behavioral changes

If the pregnancy is normal and there are no health problems, by the 50th day of pregnancy the following set should be prepared in the house:

Sturdy box with low side. The cat should freely enter and exit the “nest” without clinging to the side with its belly.

Several pairs of sterile, latex surgical gloves.

Medical pipettes or suction, for forced cleaning of the respiratory tract if the kitten does not cough on its own.

Sterile or boiled thread.

Surgical or antiseptic-treated cosmetic scissors.

Liquid and powder antiseptics purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. Human medications can be toxic to mother and kittens.

Zelenka and cotton swabs for lubricating the umbilical cord.

Clean cotton diapers, flannel. Several small terry towels for rubbing kittens.

Levomikol ointment or an analogue - in case of stoppage of fetal movement in the birth canal.

Powdered infant formula from 0 months is a cat milk substitute.

Pre-agreed conditions for the veterinarian’s visit and a telephone number for remote consultation.

Oxytocin or an analogue – stimulation of contractions and labor.

Sulfocamphocaine – stimulation of cardiac activity.

Potassium gluconate – support in case of prolonged labor. A solution of up to 10% can be administered subcutaneously; above that, only intravenously!

You may not need anything other than a box and diapers, but you need to be prepared for everything. From a behavioral point of view, changes may not be noticeable, especially for cats of the “noble” breed. From a physiological point of view, the following signs of impending birth in a cat are observed:

24–72 hours before labor begins, body temperature drops to 37 °C.

Within 24–48 hours, the cat actively licks the genitals, the mucous membranes turn red or pink.

Not always - the mammary glands become very engorged, and the skin around the nipples becomes hotter.

The cat may become “disengaged” and inactive.

4–8 hours before contractions, the cat “hunches over” - this is due to “training” contractions of the uterus. During this period, the pet becomes very worried and may “call for help” or hide.

A sharp decrease in appetite. Water or milk is consumed in normal quantities.

By the time contractions are about to begin, it is important that the owner does not leave home for a long time. British and Scottish cats at birth do not differ from other representatives of domestic cats. As a rule, they do not experience problems or complications during the birth process.

The important components are:

The presence of a convenient birth box - in such a specially equipped place the animal will feel safe. It is not recommended to prepare the box with the top closed. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that during labor, the cat can rest its paws against the walls of the box for greater comfort.

Disposable clean diapers - it is advisable to purchase diapers in advance from a specialized place, cover the birth area with them and change them as needed. Paper towels are perfect for drying newborn kittens, and scissors are useful when cutting the umbilical cord of newborns if the cat will not do this on her own. Before use, it is necessary to treat the scissors with boiling water or alcohol.

Calcium gluconate and syringes will be needed if the cat develops eclampsia during childbirth or immediately after, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare the medicine in advance.

Disinfectants – for treating hands and instruments used during obstetrics

Small douche bulb - may be needed to suction fluid from the nasal passages of newborn kittens.

Hot water bottle - for warming kittens laid apart during subsequent contractions.

Vitamin preparations - Gamavit or others like it - are necessary to quickly restore the vitality of the body of a cat who has given birth. They are used in most cases for early birth and a large number of offspring. In addition, homeopathic medicines help stimulate labor.

The drug Travmatin is a homeopathic medicine widely used in veterinary medicine to relieve pain during childbirth, regulates the strength of pushing and contractions, and is also an excellent tool for relieving postpartum complications in a cat.

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If the owner notices a serious condition in his pet, a large amount of blood coming out of the birth canal and an increase in temperature, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian for help.

How to deliver a cat?

Childbirth in cats can be of three levels of complexity:

Lungs: the cat does not require much human attention and care; it mostly copes on its own. But the owner must observe and control the process so that the cat does not crush her kitten so that the afterbirth comes out. It takes her less than one hour to give birth to a kitten. The cat's discharge the day after birth should not contain mucus, pus, or blood.

Moderate: at the birth of kittens, the cat has complications that the owner can help cope with, without the help of veterinarians. Lightly stroking the abdomen from the sides to the uterus may help. If the mother does not want to gnaw the umbilical cord, then it is necessary to cut it using disinfected scissors (a few centimeters should remain to the navel), and then treat the incision site with iodine. If the kitten was born in the amniotic sac and the mother is in no hurry to tear it apart, you need to do this yourself so that the baby does not suffocate. To do this, use clean, disinfected hands to tear the film and wipe the baby dry. If the kitten is not breathing, you need to turn it head down and, holding it with both hands, shake it to remove water from the respiratory tract.

Severe: in this case, you must call a qualified specialist for help. If the cat cannot lamb for more than 5 hours, you can give a Gamavit injection (0.5 cc), which will intensify contractions. If after an hour the medicine does not work, then an injection of Oxytocin (0.5 cc) should be administered. When doing this, you need to massage the belly towards the uterus. To make sure that your cat can be given this medicine, you should consult your veterinarian. The health of your pet depends on you. If the woman in labor can barely move, then sodium gluconate should be administered. The volume of the drug administered depends on the weight of the cat.

Complications and how to help?

The cat's behavior after giving birth indicates its general well-being.

If the female is engaged in licking the emerging offspring, then there is no need to rush to the doctor.
If the pet has lambed, feeds and licks the kittens, then she can be taken to the veterinarian within 2-3 days. Otherwise, you should immediately consult a doctor. The veterinarian will give advice and prescribe treatment for the cat. Ignoring the fact that a cat breathes quickly and intermittently, eats poorly and strains has a serious impact on its health. Veterinarians name cases when a woman in labor died due to the irresponsibility of the owner.

During childbirth

Obstetrics of first-time cats requires careful monitoring by a doctor. Multiparous women have experience and the animal tolerates contractions more easily. During a home birth, you should prepare for possible difficulties:

A common occurrence is that the afterbirth does not come out. To prevent it, it is necessary to control their intake.
You should intervene when two kittens climb at once. It is recommended to carefully adjust the amniotic sacs and push them towards the exit of the baby. At the same time, the second one “rolls” along the fallopian tubes and gradually comes out.
If the babies died during labor, and the bladder is sticking out from the cat, you should immediately remove it. All movements become soft, guaranteeing maximum care.
The amniotic space without kittens inside does not pose a health hazard. If she wants, the woman in labor can eat the contents between contractions. Vitamins will help the animal prepare for the birth of the baby, and their smell will provoke acceptance of children.
If contractions started, but stopped after some time. In this case, induce labor in the cat using medication. Your veterinarian will tell you what the medications are called.
The attempts last for more than 26 hours, and not a single kitten appears - a dangerous symptom. The likely cause is false contractions, the large size of the babies, or incorrect position of the amniotic sac.

After childbirth

Sometimes it happens that a pet does not perceive her babies, which is why they may not survive.
Severe complications plague the animal during delivery and after the birth of kittens. Possible problems with the body may include:

Difficulty breathing caused by the release of hormones.
After giving birth, a cat does not eat for the first 1-2 days. Lack of appetite in the immediate hours after delivery is not dangerous. If the cat has lost a lot of weight after giving birth, constantly meows and refuses to eat, you should show your pet to a veterinarian. The reason may be pain and health problems.
Aggression towards cubs is more common in first-time mothers. This is a purely psychological problem (especially typical for British mothers), which leads to the death of kittens due to the lack of maternal warmth and milk. The owner helps with treatment and a special regime. The veterinarian determines how to treat.
The cat limps after giving birth due to pain. It should be treated by a doctor with painkillers.

Unpleasant consequences after childbirth

Unfortunately, childbirth does not always go smoothly; various unpleasant consequences can occur. So, the first thing you need to pay attention to after childbirth is discharge. Any colored, unpleasant-smelling discharge is a deviation from the norm. If a cat has intense pink discharge, this is a sign of a fungal disease of the genital organs. If they are green, there is a bacterial infection. If the discharge is black-green with a strong unpleasant odor, it means rotting. If they are cloudy yellow or yellow-green, there is purulent inflammation in the womb.

Watery discharge is possible, which may be caused by blood accumulation in the uterus, uterine rupture, or rupture of sutures (during caesarean section).

If after birth the bleeding does not stop for 15 minutes, you should urgently take your pet to the veterinarian and provide qualified assistance.

Another problem after childbirth may be the lack of milk. The reason may be the stress of the mother in labor, so you should create comfort and ensure peace of mind for the mother, feed her well and let her drink milk.

It often happens that after giving birth a cat is left with a hanging belly. The reason may be that there is a dead kitten in the stomach. You need to carefully feel the cat's belly and take the animal to the veterinarian.

After giving birth, it is best to feed a cat with easily digestible food, milk with the addition of fish oil and calcium. Water supplies must be constantly replenished.

Signs of the onset of labor

As noted above, labor in cats begins with contractions.
Contractions of the uterus push the kittens towards the cervix, which begins to open under pressure. Then a clear discharge appears from the birth canal. They are a sign that the cat will give birth soon. If a cat gives birth as usual, then after strong contractions for 2 hours and 4-5 attempts, the first baby should appear in the amniotic sac. The mother independently gnaws the bladder, licks the kitten, gnaws the umbilical cord and eats the placenta that appears behind the baby.

Attention! You need to make sure that as many afterbirths are released as kittens are born. If at least one placenta remains in the womb of the animal, this will lead to infectious diseases.

Immediately after birth, the baby begins to suckle the mother, and she licks him. After some time, the next kitten should appear.

Important! The process of contractions in a cat usually lasts 10-12 hours, but in the case of protracted labor it can last 24 hours.

Most cats give birth to kittens on their own without the help of their owners. However, sometimes the owner still has to give birth to a pet, since his inaction can lead to adverse consequences. The owner should help the animal during labor in the following cases:

the baby’s head has not appeared after 4-5 strong attempts - lubricate the rounded edge of the pipette with Vaseline, insert it into the vagina, expand it, trying to see where the fetus is and at the same time stroke the mother’s belly in the direction of expulsion;
the baby was born in a pouch, and the cat does not pay attention to it - open the bubble with scissors, remove mucus from the nose and mouth;
the baby is not breathing - rub it with a towel in the back and chest for 3-4 minutes. If this does not help, then take the kitten by the legs and shake it upside down, tap its chest, and clear the airways. However, when the next baby appears, resuscitation measures must be stopped, the non-breathing one should be wrapped in a towel and placed under a lamp. Only after making sure that the newborn is in normal condition can you return to resuscitation of the previous kitten.

Newborn kittens
If an individual gives birth for the first time, problems may arise because she does not understand what is happening to her and this puts her in a state of stress. A young mother may begin to give birth under the sofa in pain, be unable to cope with gnawing the umbilical cord, or be unable to free the newborn baby from the bladder.

Therefore, the owner of the first-born should prepare in advance for this situation: know in theory how you can help the cat during childbirth and collect a mini-first aid kit with everything necessary for obstetric care.

Very often, during the first birth, when pushing begins, the animal sits down and tries to look under its tail to understand what is causing it pain. Any attempt can result in the kitten leaving the birth canal, and if the woman in labor sits at this moment, this will injure the cub.

For a description of other problems that are possible during childbirth and what a person can do to eliminate them, see the previous chapter.

It happens that a cat's birth doesn't go as it should. If an individual for some reason cannot give birth, then this is considered a pathology, which can be observed, for example, as a result of a large or dead fetus and its incorrect position, weak labor, the presence of inflammation, or a narrow pelvis.

If a veterinarian monitors your pet's pregnancy, this will help avoid various problems and prevent pathological births in the absence of a doctor.

You should urgently call a veterinarian in the following cases:

the cat gave birth to one baby and does not give birth to the next one for more than 2 hours;
the fetus is in the canal and does not move further;
The mother's temperature rose sharply and the woman in labor became weak;
bleeding began;
The birth process has already ended, but the pet behaves restlessly, or, on the contrary, aloofly.

Happy mother
Important! You need to know that females of the cat family can themselves delay the birth process when something bothers them (for example, a draft, strong odors). In this case, it is necessary to understand and eliminate the cause of discomfort in the woman in labor.

The owner can help the pet give birth independently without calling a specialist in the following situations:

the cat is nervous - calm it down with your voice and strokes;
Let's start trying - place your palm under the hind legs so that the animal has support;
the kitten is walking backwards - help him get out so that he doesn’t suffocate.

For a female who has completely completed labor, the following behavior is typical:

actively licks and feeds kittens;
appetite and thirst appear;
breathing is smooth and calm;
lies differently in the birth place;
may leave the kittens for a short time;
wants to go to the toilet;
the stomach falls, becomes soft, there are no seals in it.

If 30-40 minutes after the birth of the last baby, lumps are felt in the abdomen, then the birth is most likely not completed. Then it is best to call a veterinarian, who will quickly determine whether there are still kittens in the mother’s womb and, if necessary, help them to be born.

When the owner understands that the cat has given birth to all the kittens, then he needs to do the following:

offer your pet water or milk;
tidy up the parent's place;
place the plate and tray close to the cat so that she does not leave her babies for a long time;
feed the cat's mother regular food and, in addition, milk, cereals and fish oil;
do not disturb the newly made family.

On average, an adult healthy cat can give birth 2-4 times per year, at most 5 times.

Normally, between births there should be from 8 to 14 months, that is, it is advisable for an individual to give birth no more than 1-2 times per year, otherwise its health will significantly deteriorate and its life expectancy will shorten.

The normal physiological process of gestating kittens lasts on average from 65 to 68 days. At the end of the term, birth begins, and the owner must navigate when the important day comes in order to prepare in advance for receiving kittens. About a week or 4-6 days before the expected date, it is necessary to prepare a place for the location of the woman in labor and her further stay there with the offspring.

As with the process of carrying kittens, the timing of labor and the precursors of the birth process may vary depending on the cat's breed, weight, age and health. So, in some cats, the precursors begin several days before the birth day, and in others, several hours before the birth of the first kitten.

The main signs that a cat is about to give birth are:

searching for a nest for lambing;
the animal tries to find a secluded, secluded place;
constantly fawn on its owner;
thoroughly licks the abdomen and perineum area;
the mammary glands increase in volume (primordial milk - colostrum - often appears);
decrease in body temperature to 37 degrees, with the norm being 38-39.2;
release of the mucus plug;
discharge of water

In ordinary animals, physically healthy and at normal stages of pregnancy, symptoms of incipient labor appear a week before the process itself. The signs should not go unnoticed by the owner and it’s time to prepare for lambing.

The onset of early labor is marked by the presence of the following signs:

searching for dark, quiet places in the living space;
dragging rags to a specific nesting site;
the cat stays in one place for a long time.

The appearance of characteristic signs of impending labor in a cat within a few days cannot be missed. The owner should prepare the cat's belly by shaving the hair around the nipples and genitals. This will greatly simplify the process of the kittens coming into the world and further feeding.

Signs that labor will occur in the next 2-3 days:

The cat is very restless - the animal tries to cuddle up to its owner more. She constantly tries to roll over from one position to another, since kittens preparing to leave the birth canal cause significant discomfort to the pet.

Changes in behavior, increased nervousness, and in some cases undisguised aggression. Not all domestic cats can show their displeasure, but a pet can still start biting and scratching its owner for no reason.

Constant prolonged and plaintive meowing is most pronounced after eating, when a full stomach begins to put pressure on the enlarged uterus, and causes significant discomfort to the animal.

Decreased appetite - in this case, the cat tries to approach the bowl as often as possible, consuming food in small portions.

Trampling down the bedding in a pre-prepared birth box.

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At the beginning of this period, the cat begins to constantly follow its owner because it is looking for support. The pet can fit in its box several times a day, remaining in one position. Taking a closer look at the cat's belly, you can notice strong movements of small kittens in the uterus, as they change their compact position over more than one day.

The cat intensively begins to lick the genital area in preparation for childbirth. Quite often, the pet licks the area near the tail so intensely that it practically licks off the entire fur. This means that the cat will give birth in a few days.

It is important to remember that when the above-described signs appear, you need to be on alert, having prepared all the necessary tools in advance. It is imperative to have the veterinarian’s phone number on hand so that you can easily dial it if complications arise during childbirth. In some cases, a caesarean section may be required.

First of all, the general behavior of the woman in labor changes dramatically. When a cat is about to give birth, she will begin to lie down more and spend time in the prepared birthing box. The pet can leave its nest to drink water or milk. During this period, the cat categorically refuses to eat and it is not recommended to try to feed it.

The main sign that a cat is giving birth today is a swollen and hyperemic loop under the tail. A yellowish discharge with small streaks of blood and mucus may appear. Before the onset of childbirth, the mammary glands and nipples turn red, and with light pressure, colostrum begins to be intensively released.

British cat giving birth

British cats cannot cope with childbirth on their own, so all responsibility lies on your shoulders. Therefore, it is so important to thoroughly understand the question of how labor begins in a British cat.

If the due date is approaching, you need to carefully monitor when the plug (a white-pink clot) comes out.

During pregnancy, it is better to exclude seafood from your pet’s diet, because they destroy vitamin B, which is necessary for kittens.

As a rule, cats who give birth for the first time may experience complications, so you need to prepare in advance:

diapers that will need to be changed when dirty;
antiseptic;
sterilized scissors;
sterile disposable gloves;
cotton pads;
Vaseline oil;
syringes for 2 and 5 ml;
calcium gluconate (to stimulate labor).