I think my cat is in labor?

Question

I think my cat is in labor. she hasn't eaten much today or yesterday. (even less than usual). What are the most important things to know. I've never had a cat get pregnant(I'M 20) and if anything happens to my cat it'll break my heart. Also i want to weigh and know the sex of the kittens to ensure their health. Can I touch the kittens. Me and my cat are very close and have been since day, one over a year ago. She sleeps on me. she even sleeps in front of my bedroom door until I come out in the morning. Do u think were close enough for me to touch them and not have the kitten abandoned by their mom

Answer 1

If it is close to time for her to have the kittens she will start looking for a place to have them which will probably be in a closet. She will seem excited. Since this is probably her first time having kittens you want to watch her and make sure she has them where you want her to have them which should be in a box with some type of bedding that you can throw away after she has them. You should also notice a bloody thick mucus like discharge from her and thats when you need to get her into the box. Stay with her so she will stay in the box and to help her if need be when the kittens come. First time mother usually get alittle freaked out when the kitten comes and will try to run away from the thing coming out of them and sometimes leave kittens all over the place. Keep telling her what a good girl she is. You can handle the kittens any time you want but always pet her first and tell her what a good mommy she is and then dont try taking the kittens out of her sight. When you put the kitten back with her pet her again and praise her and let her see you dont have any more kittens hiden in your hands. Mother cats stress on things like that. Make sure where she has the kittens is in a nice calm quiet area where no one really goes or she will move them someplace where you wont know. She will eat everything that comes out with the kittens so there really is no mess and she will keep the bedding clean. You do want her to be in a box or basket with an edge pretty high on 3 sides and where she is to go in and out of have it lower but still about 4 inches high other wise you will have kittens all over the place as soon as thier eyes open. Oh yes they are usually pregnant for 60 days. so if you know when she got knocked up you can pretty much know the date. ALl you need to do is help her feel safe and calm and to make sure she has them where you want them to be born and she agrees with. I would suggest your bedroom closet. They wont smell either although they will be alittle noisy with their little meows. There really isnt all that much more you can do. I know this is long but informative right. One last thing the kittens dont come out one right after the other. after the first kitten she will clean it up and then start to nurse it and in like 15 to 20 minutes the next one will come then the next one about 30 to 40 min. . they usually come in sets . Two close together in time then a waiting period and then 2 more. So dont be alarmed if it is taking her awhile. They also sometimes smash the first ones while having then other ones thats why it is good to stay with her. Ok my book is done now.

Answer 2

Yes, you can most likely touch and hold and love the little kitties the day they are born.

My 3 yr old Siamese, Sophie has had 10 kittens (2 litters) and she didn't mind at all if I had contact with her children. All cats are different, but it shouldn't be a problem.

As for your concern about the cats health - she should be fine. It's totally natural, obviously. If she has any problems though, call your vet. You may want to call them anyway to know what to expect, and also so they are aware of your situation in case anything goes wrong.

Anyway, break out the cigars & celebrate. Your kitty is gonna be a momma.

Answer 3

If she is wandering around your house, she's looking for a good place to have the kittens, so make sure you have a comfortable but private area set up for her. (she needs to feel secure)

Make sure you watch her, and makes sure she eats the after birth..I know this is sick, but if she doesn't the kittens can get tangled up on the stuff and choke...I've seen it.

If you are very close to your cat, then she will probably let you touch the kittens. I've seen that alot too. Just don't let strangers touch them, you'll know she doesn't like it if she begins moving the kittens to a new area. That means she doesn't feel secure and safe anymore. Good luck and I hope they are healthy.

Answer 4

Just make sure you keep lots of fresh water out for the cat, and put the cat box near if she's not close to it already. You'll know when she's in labor...it's not long usually and she'll yowl like no tomorrow, but she'll be fine. If things don't seem right, take her to the vet immediately. As to touching the kittens, yes it's fine, but let your cat clean them first and let her try to get them nursing. If they don't seem to be getting the hang of it, help them along by rubbing their noses on her belly. The cat shouldn't abandon them in the setting you're referring to, but if she does for some strange reason, then you should talk to your vet. The cat instinctively knows what to do. Give her time to figure it out with the kittens before you jump in. They'll be blind for a while you know too? That's normal, and they are still able to figure things out. Make sure you have a comfy blanketed area layed out for all of them to hang out in. Give your cat plenty of milk, water and attention.

Answer 5

well you can sure tell your cat is in labor...they keep laying down and they are really crabby cuz the babies are on their way! Well you won't be able to tell the kittens sex right away after they are born...won't be able to tell for like 2 weeks or so. Maybe longer. Well I say that you can touch your cat and the kittens...make sure you make her a box with towels in it for when she gives birth. then after that I say that you should move her and her babies to get a couple clean towels. But yeah you can touch the babies if she lets you. Help your cat give birth to....when she is in the box....tho she would be laying down rub her belly not to hard but not to soft...so she can give a good clean birth to her healthy babies...after all of them are born just leave her alone for a bit and let her feed her babies and clean them off...the only time to visit when she is feeding them...and well when she is going to go and eat and drink. But yeah she is in labor.

Answer 6

It proberly better if you dnt touch them cause like any animal or human you feel different when in labour or pregnant. so just leave the cat to it. It will come round and u'll kno when its the right time to go and pick up the kittens.

Answer 7

As she gives birth you can help her. The cats may be in a sac which she will try to lick off. You can help her by breaking open the sac once they come out, then place the cat close to her so she can wash it.

I would call your local vet for more help with the birthing process.

Answer 8

first has she started making her bedding?
When she starts labor, she will go to the bed, panting, just like we do.
She will allow you to pick up the kittens, once she's finished when she is finished cleaning them.
Lift up kittens tail, if the spots are close together you have a female, if they apart further away, that's your male
You do not need to separte them either.

Answer 9

U should call your local vet and tell her the symptoms and if she iz in lador then the vet will tell u. And i think she will let u touch the kittens!

Answer 10

Check back with her in an hour or so. If she is she will be done then. Or even better don't check back because it will not make her happy. She clearly will want some privacy if she is giving birth because that is her instinct.
Why don't you also leave her kittens alone until she brings them out so that you can see them? I think they will be healthier if you don't weigh them or check their sex or even touch them until their eyes are open and they are up and around.