How do you know when a pregnant cat is close to delivery?

Answer 1

sorry this is so long but i have had some experience

Pregnancy symptoms you may notice at home:

Nipples Swell and Become Pink/Red in Color during pregnancy. If your are noticing a change in these features on your cat, then she may be pregnant.
Increased Appetite is another indicator of pregnancy. A litter can consist of anywhere from one to 6 or more kittens, so your cat may need a lot of extra nutrition to care for herself and her growing kittens. This is especially important for your cat’s health as well.
Possible Vomiting. Just as with humans, cats can become nauseous and have “morning sickness” during pregnancy. This can occur at any time of day and it is usually due to the changes in your cat’s body. If it is happening more than once or twice a day you should call your veterinarian to check on her health since frequent vomiting can also be a symptom of illness.
Noticeable Abdominal Enlargement usually occurs around 4-5 weeks of gestation. Your cat will seem to have a thicker middle before then if she is carrying many kittens, but some cats do not begin to “show” until much later.
Increased Affection The motherly love will kick in and you may find that your cat wants to give you or your other cats a lot of extra attention. Enjoy this time with your cat and give her all the love you can, to reassure her that she is still your “baby.”
Nesting usually occurs toward the end of pregnancy and is often an indicator that she is getting ready to give birth. Allow your cat to build her nest where she prefers, as long as it is a safe location where she and the kittens won’t be harmed. If you try to move her nest she may just move it back or become stressed.
Other changes in behavior can also occur. If you think your cat is acting much different than usual, then she might not be feeling herself lately.
Once you have determined that your cat may be pregnant, you should take her to the vet to see if she needs any special care or changes in her diet during this special time. The veterinarian will also try to confirm the pregnancy.
The average gestation in cats is between 58 and 71 days, or about 9 weeks. If she only recently got away, then it may not be too late to have her spayed as she may not yet be pregnant. But, if you aren’t certain whether or not she is pregnant you may want to consider whether you should find homes for the resulting kittens. Talk this over with your veterinarian and he will help you find the right decision for you and your cat.

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Here are also some tips for nesting before the delivery:

Cats are known to nest in the most inconvenient areas if there is no box or the situation is not ideal, so it is important that the box location feel comfortable and safe to her. If the queen does not feel safe or is too “bothered” by people, she will often go into a closet, under the bed or in the cupboards to have her kittens.

Types of Queening Boxes

Most cats prefer a covered box. The box you choose should be clean and without rough surfaces. Some examples include:
Small plastic pet carrier (as used for traveling)
Cardboard box
Laundry basket
A large new covered litter box (new so there is no smell of litter or excrement). The floor is easy to clean and kittens cannot fall out.
Build your own. Build your own by making a box with a door, sides and a roof. An easy to clean floor is also important. Linoleum or vinyl tile are easy choices. Ensure that you build a ledge at the door way so the queen needs to step over to leave so that they kittens cannot fall out.
The Right Spot
Select a private area for the queening box where your cat will feel comfortable. The area should be warm and free of drafts. Once you select a location for the queening box, allow your cat to become comfortable by letting her sleep in the box in the area you have selected. Be sure to place her litter box, food and water nearby.
Prepare the Box
The box should be lined with paper at the bottom. Newspaper makes a good material as it is clean, disposable, absorbent and the queen can tear it up when she is building her “nest.” Soft washable bedding material can also be used such as blankets, towels or whelping pads. The bedding should be changed daily and laundered if not disposable.
After Delivery
After the mother is finished delivering her kittens, remove all dirty bedding and replace with clean ones. To maintain a comfortable temperature, especially during the winter months, you may add a heating pad. The heating pad should be placed under half of the bottom of the box at the lowest setting. It is important to not cover the entire bottom of the box so that the queen and kittens can move toward or away from the heat. Check the heating pad for safety and temperature to prevent the incidence of burns on the kittens or the mother. Cover the bottom of the box with plenty of bedding material.
Even after all the preparations you have gone through, don't be amazed if your cat decides to deliver her kittens in a special spot inside your closet!

Answer 2

They look for a dark place to hide so prepare a box in a closet that she'll like --- because sometimes they use a bed. They will take care of everything else. It's nice to give her some water and encouragement.

Answer 3

If it seems to be finding a warm out of the way place then it is most likely getting close

Answer 4

if she has pink skin all around all her nipples it's getting close, and if she is beginning to have a discharge, she's real close. When her labor starts, she will kind of pucker up around the whiskers from the pain.

Answer 5

I know this sounds really nasty but if you see some clear goo coming from their behinds and they are also be EXTREMELY affectionate and want you to be near them...they are going be having babies. There pregnancy goes for about 9 weeks. cb

Answer 6

The most easily discernible sign is restlessness--if it seems that she just can't get comfortable and keeps shifting positions, it's coming soon.

Answer 7

They will search out a private spot to have their kittens, away from watchful eyes.

Answer 8

When you can very gently squeeze a little milk from her nipples it will probably be today.

Answer 9

She becomes extremely affectionate.

Answer 10

When it starts to act funny.