How a cat behaves before giving birth: yelling and other changes in behavior

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If you are a happy cat owner, then without sterilizing your pet, sooner or later she will give you a litter of wonderful kittens. It’s good if this event is planned, then the cat will receive the nutrition, care and attention of all family members necessary during pregnancy. In this case, the cat’s birth will take place under the close supervision of the owner or veterinarian, which will help cope with possible difficulties or complications.

Although childbirth is a natural process, unplanned situations cannot be ruled out, so it is worth preparing for the climax long before it begins, which is what this article will help you with.

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How to prepare a cat for birth

A caring owner begins to prepare the cat for childbirth even before mating begins.

It is important to make sure that the pussy is healthy: an active lifestyle of the animal will contribute to the normal course of pregnancy and childbirth. However, towards the end of the term, it is better to ensure that the cat does not try to “take heights”, does not jump from cabinets and other high objects in the house: it can easily fall on its stomach.

On the contrary, you should try to stimulate British cats during pregnancy - these sloths are quite capable of lounging on the bed for a long period of time. And low mobility will not lead to a good result.

It is better to contact the veterinary clinic in advance and find out whether you can get an urgent consultation at any time of the day at “hour X”, and whether the institution provides the opportunity to give birth to cats at home .

Preparing the birth site

Just as a woman needs a breeding room, a cat needs a place to give birth to her offspring. It is best if it is something resembling a house for giving birth to a cat. In this place, not only will the fluffy balls be born, but also their first weeks of life will pass.

Why is it so important to prepare a place for your cat to give birth in advance? If she does not feel calm and protected, she will begin tossing around before the onset of labor, and then frantically dragging the kittens in search of a safe place.

How to help your beloved pussy during childbirth? Take care of everything in advance! What to make a house from: any spacious box will do, preferably with a removable top lid. A disposable absorbent diaper is placed in it. It makes sense to prepare in advance all the items that will help during obstetrics and place them close to the “maternity” house.

How long does pregnancy last

You can find out how many weeks pregnancy lasts in cats based on its individual characteristics. The average furry mother carries her litter for 9 weeks (63 days). Of course, the figure may deviate in one direction or another. The gestation period depends on various factors: breed, body structure, number of fetuses in the womb, etc. If the pet belongs to a long-haired or large breed (Maine Coon, Siberian, Norwegian Forest and others), then the gestation period can reach 70 days. Small breeds and shorthair cats

(Oriental Shorthair, European, British) give birth to kittens faster - 60 - 62 days after conception.
The number of fetuses in the uterus also influences how many days a cat carries kittens.
As a rule, if the offspring are small, the animal gets rid of the burden faster. If 1 - 2 kittens develop in the mother’s womb, then the gestation period may be delayed. The duration of pregnancy for each pet is individual and often depends on external reasons. Thus, a stressful situation in the house can lead to post-term pregnancy. The norm is considered to be a deviation from the statistical average (63 days) by 4 days in one direction or another.

Inexperienced owners often have no idea how many months a cat bears kittens. As a rule, the gestation period in small animals is usually calculated not in months, but in weeks or days. As for cats, the average duration of gestation is two months and several days. It is more convenient to count the pet’s pregnancy in days or weeks after mating. This will help to competently organize the care and maintenance of the expectant mother, adjust the diet taking into account increased needs and conduct a diagnostic ultrasound in a veterinary clinic on time.

First birth of a cat

Starting from 7-9 months, the cat is capable of reproduction. But don’t rush things: it’s much better if the pussy turns one year old, when 3-4 heats have passed. If the mating is successful, the cat's birth calendar will help calculate the timing of the birth of the offspring.

The first time is scary for everyone: both the cat and the owner. But nature took care of the animal’s strong instincts, so sometimes it’s enough for a person to just be nearby.

The first birth is quite normal if the cat is healthy. First, contractions intensify, followed by a reduction in the intervals between them.

After pushing, the baby appears, but first amniotic fluid will come out of the birth canal. The cat will want to sit down while the kitten is coming out, this should not be allowed!

The interval between the appearance of kittens during the first birth can frighten the owner - a break of up to one and a half hours is considered the norm, and labor itself lasts from several hours to one day. In some cases, labor lasts up to 36 hours

Since the cat is inexperienced, you can help her during childbirth and cut the umbilical cord with scissors at a distance of 2 cm from the kitten’s belly.

Signs of labor in a cat

In order not to miss the onset of labor, owners carefully observe how the cat behaves before giving birth:

• a few weeks before lambing, you can easily notice the enlargement of the mammary glands;
• 1-2 days before the important moment, colostrum is slowly released;
• unusual behavior of a cat is difficult to ignore: this is the search and arrangement of a “nest”, changes in mood, anxiety, desire to hide, or extraordinary affection;
• drop in body temperature to 37°;
• appetite may disappear completely;
• The cat often licks the genitals.

The main thing is to let the pet feel that she is not alone: ​​talk to her tenderly, pet her, arrange a House for her in a secluded corner.

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Abdominal changes during pregnancy

In the first couple of weeks after fertilization, it is difficult to determine pregnancy from the cat’s belly. But at the end of the 20th day, the animal owner may notice a change in the color of the nipples. In a non-pregnant state, the nipples are the same color as the skin on the cat's tummy. It is noteworthy that in a cat who has given birth previously, the pigmentation may not be so pronounced.

The belly begins to grow rapidly as the kittens grow inside the womb. The size of a pregnant woman's abdomen depends on the number of fetuses and their size. During a low-fertility pregnancy, the belly can be practically torn off until the last weeks.

About 7 days before the start of the birth process , the cat’s belly begins to sag greatly, taking on a peculiar pear-shaped shape. This is due to the fact that the kittens are already preparing to come out and are localized in the lower abdomen. The nipples on the stomach droop, the first milk begins to ooze.

Stages of lambing for a cat

Labor is divided into three stages:

1. Contraction of the uterus and its gradual opening. The external symptom is discharge - the mucous plug that covers the entrance to the cervix comes out. Contractions appear and become more frequent.
2. Increased frequency of contractions, complete opening of the cervix. The movement of the fetus along the birth canal into the second phase is accompanied by the mother cat’s attempts to push the baby out: the animal tenses. Kittens are born mainly in the amniotic sac. If the new mother did not help the child cleanse himself of it and did not lick it, then a person should help - carefully use scissors to make an incision on the bubble in the area of ​​​​the muzzle, and the kitten itself is wiped with a cloth. Usually the female, on her own, carries out the procedure of breaking the bladder and licking its remains from the kitten’s body. The duration is 5-60 minutes.

   The kitten did not come out an hour after the start of this stage? Urgent call to the vet!

3. Once the baby is born, the placenta begins to come out, which the mother can eat after the kitten has been licked. It is better to remember how many placentas came out - there should be as many of them as kittens.

The kitten finds the nipple, labor resumes, and the next cub appears. The interval between two kittens can be from 10 to 60 minutes.

The whole process takes on average 6 hours.

Giving birth to a cat at home

A responsible owner should know how to give birth to a beloved cat . First, prepare everything you need:

• a house that the cat will examine and “accept” in advance;
• towels or absorbent diapers;
• clean cloths or gauze;
• thick silk thread;
• scissors with rounded ends;
• alcohol for disinfecting scissors;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• streptocide in powder form;
• a pipette or syringe that can be used to suck out liquid from the baby’s nose;
• afterbirth bowl;
• warmer.

Easy birth

A cat's birth is considered easy when there is no need for human intervention. It will be enough to simply be close to the woman in labor. The main thing you need to take care of is that the mother should not accidentally crush her offspring. It is also important to monitor whether each afterbirth has come out. If suddenly some placenta is missing, then the cat’s discharge is observed for several more hours; the process may take a little longer.

An easy birth is not characterized by pus, mucus and blood.

Middle birth

Sometimes some complications arise during home birth. If the process is delayed, you need to stroke the cat from the side of the neck to the uterus.

If the cat is distracted and does not chew the umbilical cord, a person does this, treating the cut site with iodine. The newborn may not breathe: minor resuscitation will be required. The respiratory tract is cleared of mucus using a pipette or suction, and the oral cavity is examined. Anything that should not be there is removed with a rubber bulb. If breathing does not appear, the baby is picked up and carefully folded in half - several times in a row. You can also rub the baby with a rough towel and gently shake it upside down.

Difficult birth

global $ads_google;
//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> Childbirth turns out to be difficult when, despite everything, the kitten is not born on its own: the baby gets stuck in the birth canal, or two babies try to be born at the same time. Before calling the veterinarian and hoping for a caesarean section, there are a number of independent steps to take.

You need to understand that it is better to act and help the cat during childbirth than to later regret the misfortune that happened.

If labor stops or its result is zero, the cat can be taken for an ultrasound or x-ray. It may turn out that the kitten has died, or it is extremely large and has blocked the exit.

Sometimes it is necessary to turn the kitten over: a gloved index finger, lubricated with Vaseline, is inserted into the vagina. You need to carefully push the baby back and try to turn him over. If it is simply stuck, then it is picked up under the hanger and carefully pulled out with attempts.

Preparation

If all signs indicate that the time has come for the cat to give birth, the owner is advised to prepare things in advance such as:

For such an event, it is worth preparing a small syringe.

• soft fabric made from natural materials, previously boiled and ironed;
• disposable wipes;
• alcohol, brilliant green or iodine for treating the umbilical cord;
• scissors;
• syringe;
• threads for tying the umbilical cord;
• Vaseline or vegetable oil;
• a small syringe for removing mucus from the respiratory organs of newborn babies.

In order for the expectant mother and newborn kittens to feel comfortable in the first hours of life, you need to first prepare a cozy house. There should not be too much or little space in it, otherwise the cat will feel uncomfortable and begin to drag the babies around. If your pet gives birth in winter, you can place a warm heating pad on the bottom of the crib. This will help prevent hypothermia in newborn babies. To prevent the cat and other pets from disturbing the mother and babies, it is better to place the house in a separate room that can be locked.

Induction of labor

If the due date has come, the cat’s body temperature has dropped to 37°C, more than two days have passed, then you need to know how to induce labor in a cat. First, they try simple remedies: massage the tummy and nipples: this will cause the production of oxytocin, and it will start the process of contractions. It is dangerous to administer oxytocin on your own - physiological unpreparedness for lambing can lead to cervical rupture.

If two days have already passed, signs of labor are evident, but the process has not started, then contact a veterinarian.

Toxicosis

The cause of toxicosis in cats is hormonal changes in the body, and in some cases, poor diet. Characteristic symptoms:

1. Vomiting in the morning (has a light color and does not contain traces of blood or bile).
2. Drowsiness and weakness.
3. Increased nervousness.
4. Decreased appetite.
5. Unhealthy coat.

If you notice signs of toxicosis in a cat, you should not panic, because this is a normal physiological reaction to changes in hormonal levels. Toxicosis, as a rule, can be observed at 2 - 4 weeks of pregnancy, and it lasts on average about 10 days. Usually this condition does not require treatment and goes away on its own. But in case of prolonged toxicosis or significant deterioration of the condition, it is recommended to show the animal to a veterinarian.

Possible complications

Cats are naturally strong creatures, but sometimes complications still occur. This was especially influenced by breeding selection. Observations have shown that Persian and Siamese cats often “delight” their owners with dystocia—difficult childbirth. When choosing a female kitten, it is better to immediately ask the breeders how the birth of kittens for this particular breed goes.

Bloody discharge in a cat after birth

Sometimes during labor a cat notices ichor oozing out. This is most often described as “my cat peed blood.” This is quite normal if there is little bleeding.

The alarming symptom normally disappears completely two days after lambing.

Sometimes there are really serious problems, expressed by bleeding from the vagina. Blood may have accumulated in the uterus, or if there are tears in the uterus or vulva. If a caesarean section was performed, then the blood may indicate broken sutures. But this is not just some bleeding, but really heavy bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes. In this case, urgent veterinary help is needed.

The cat does not have milk after giving birth

First, felines, like humans, secrete colostrum. But when does a cat produce milk after giving birth? Colostrum is milk, only with a slightly modified composition. Colostrum contains a huge amount of maternal antibodies. After 2-3 days, colostrum is replaced with full-fledged nutritious milk. Thanks to nature, which, through the process of evolution, “thought out” everything, and the cat itself feeds its offspring!

But what if the cat gave birth, but there is no milk? There are several reasons: stress during a difficult birth, fear of the first-born cat, dormant maternal instinct.

The animal is provided with a comfortable environment, a nutritious, balanced menu, and milk is not spared. The bowl with food and drink is placed closer to the cat family. If food is far away, the mother may fear for her offspring, which also affects the quality and quantity of milk.

If milk does not appear, you will have to feed the newborn kittens yourself.

After giving birth, the cat came out with a bladder

Sometimes you can see a bubble coming out of the cat. Usually, this is the amniotic membrane - the kitten was in it before birth. During the normal course of labor, such a bubble ruptures inside the animal.

Sometimes during labor a bubble appears first. The cat may try to tear it apart, but the owner’s job is to prevent her from doing this. As soon as the bubble with the kitten comes out completely, you can break the shell.

If after giving birth a cat has an empty bladder, this is simply a developmental variation within the cat’s body, and it does not cause problems.

After childbirth there was a belly

global $ads_google;
//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> The cat has become a mother, the kittens are snoring nearby, but the pet still has a belly. This is the probability that not all babies were born at once. It is optimal to wait 12 hours and allow the natural process to take its course. But if the next day has already arrived and nothing has happened, then you definitely need to consult a veterinarian.

To make sure that not all the babies have come out, the cat’s stomach is felt. It is especially dangerous if the kitten is dead inside. If the baby inside cannot be felt, there is a possibility that the pet has intestinal problems: constipation, flatulence, feces, helminthic infestation.

Eclampsia in cats after birth

Eclampsia is a severe postpartum condition that is not that rare. Due to the production of milk, the amount of calcium in the animal’s blood decreases, and it may even cease to be absorbed by the body.

Signs of eclampsia:

• excessive saliva production;
• poor coordination of the animal, confused movements;
• concern;
• convulsions;
• the temperature rises.

If you notice these warning signs, contact your doctor immediately! Further development of the complication leads to death.

To avoid such danger, during pregnancy and after the birth of kittens, the cat is given calcium supplements. But first, they take a blood test to determine the need for such prevention.

Cat doesn't eat after giving birth

The norm is that a cat should not be hungry for another 5-6 hours after birth.

The main thing is that the pet does not refuse water. If the cat has not eaten for a long time, first she is offered broth. Low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, and even sweet tea can cause your pet’s appetite.

If your cat develops diarrhea, it means she has eaten too much afterbirth. With such a disorder, refusal to eat is understandable. The treatment will be sorbents and Ringer's solution. This will relieve intoxication. Enveloping substances will help protect the mucous membranes. Ringer's solution will prevent dehydration.

As soon as the cat feels better, she will ask for food herself.

The cat does not go to the toilet after giving birth

The body and uterus will gradually recover after the end of labor, so the animal does not rush to the tray. Don't panic if you brought the tray closer to her and the new mother ignored it.

It is considered normal if the cat does not go to the toilet after giving birth for up to 4 days.

The lack of desire to visit the latrine may be caused by exhaustion - all the liquid goes into the milk.

Possible pathologies

Most often, pregnancy in a healthy cat proceeds without any pathologies. However, it is necessary to know what the most common deviations in this process may be in your pet.

Superfetation

This is a very rare pathology in which a pregnant female becomes more sexually active and goes into heat. If during this period you do not protect her from contact with the male, then the development of the second “batch” of embryos will begin in the womb. Most often, the underdeveloped fetuses of the second pregnancy die during the birth of their older brothers. The cause of this pathology is often hormonal disorders.

False pregnancy

This pathological condition is characterized by the fact that a non-pregnant female behaves like a fertilized animal.
In this case, not only behavioral deviations are noted, but also visible signs of an “interesting situation”: an enlarged abdomen, changes in the mammary glands, the appearance of milk. The duration of the pathology varies, and in some animals the false pregnancy lasts as long as the time the cat bears kittens in her stomach. The causes of the pathology are not fully understood. It is believed that false pregnancy is caused by hormonal imbalance (including thyroid disease), mating with an inferior male, stress, and pathological changes in the animal’s psychology. Oriental cat breeds, sphinxes, are prone to false pregnancy. Under no circumstances should such a pathology be left to chance. False pregnancy is often complicated by mastitis, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.

It can be determined during a routine ultrasound of the uterus, which should be performed 3 to 4 weeks after mating. Treatment of the pathology is complex.

Frozen pregnancy

It often happens that all or one embryo stops developing and dies. This happens for many reasons:

• hormonal disorders,

• inflammatory processes,

• genetic abnormalities,

• diseases of internal organs,

• stress,

• injuries,

• others.

If all the fetuses are dead, then an abortion is performed in the clinic. If there are live kittens in the womb, then the cat is usually allowed to give birth. After birth, the animal undergoes a second ultrasound examination, based on the results of which the veterinarian determines treatment or recommends sterilization.

Caring for a cat after birth

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The cat must be carefully looked after. She is raising the young generation, which will stay with her for up to 8-10 weeks. In order for the cat to have the strength to do this after giving birth, it requires good nutrition and fresh water nearby.

What is useful to feed a cat after giving birth? Among industrially produced feeds, they use specialized products for pregnant and lactating cats.

For the first 12 days, a nursing mother’s menu includes easily digestible, nutritious and natural foods: fermented milk, vegetables, cereals, a small amount of boiled lean meat.

Artificially bred cat breeds (Chausie, Elf, Savannah, American Curl), as well as British cats, may suffer from a change in diet, so their menu remains unchanged.

After 12 days, the animal’s usual food, including fish, is added.

Every day, carefully check your pet’s nipples for the presence of mastitis.

Now you are prepared and will be able to have a second birth after a period of time!

Nutrition during and after pregnancy

A pregnant female Maine Coon eats more, and her portion should be increased. Food must be of high quality and rich in vitamins necessary for the full development of embryos.

The best option is to buy high-quality ready-made food for pregnant cats. They contain all useful components in optimal concentration.

When preparing food for your pet yourself, you have to use vitamin complexes and dietary supplements; you can buy them at a pet store. Add vitamins to food strictly according to the instructions, without exceeding the recommended dosage.

Sterilization of a cat after birth

A cat's birth may involve complications, one of which may require a caesarean section. Of course, this is not an indicator for sterilization, but still a clear sign of a problem in the reproductive system.

It does not seem possible that a loving owner would again subject a furry creature to another painful birth or another caesarean section. In these cases, the clinic is consulted about sterilization. If a cat is sterilized during a caesarean section, then the procedure is more dangerous than the one that will be prescribed according to plan. In addition to complications from the operation, the cat may refuse to feed its offspring.

When is a cat spayed after giving birth according to plan? Usually the procedure is prescribed at the end of lactation, that is, 2.5-3 months after the birth of kittens. The kittens are isolated, or a blanket is put on the cat - milk should stop forming.

The veterinarian will advise which method of sterilization is most suitable for the cat who gave birth.