2007-03-19 04:55:22 · 6 answers · asked by Dee C 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
When an animal is getting ready to go into labor several things start to happen first. Their temperature goes down a couple degrees, (normal is 101 to 102.5) this will usually drop below 100 degrees about 24 hours before labor starts. They will also start lactating from their nipples a few hours before labor starts. Periodically check her nipples by squeezing them and pulling downward to see if they are lactating yet, if not you still have time. She will also start frantically looking for a quiet, dark, safe place to have them if you haven't already provided one for her. If she starts pacing around and seems to be searching for something all of a sudden, she is probably close to being ready. Find a closet in a back part of the house you can crack open for her and put a large cardboard box with a door cut into it and keep plenty of throw away bedding available for when she births. Also keep plenty of food and water near this area as well. She may need to eat and drink between births, but don't be alarmed if she doesn't, that is normal too. You will probably miss the birth though, cats tend to be very secretive about birthing. Even me, who was ready for it and waiting to help her, missed my cats birth, didn't wake up until I heard them mewing under my bed, she made no sounds whatsoever to warn me they were coming. If this happens to you, even if she has just had one so far grab her and the kitten and put them into the safe spot you created for her to give birth and she should finish the births in there. Good luck hope they come out all right!
2007-03-19 05:12:47 · answer #1 · answered by ER Vet Tech 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These include restless pacing, panting, excessive grooming (especially in the area of her genitals), and excessive vocalization.
Physical Signs of Labor
There may be a drop in normal body temperature.
The cat may vomit. The abdomen may "drop" a few days before labor, and the nipples may become larger and pinker.
Active Labor
Contractions will start and you will see the appearance of the amniotic sac. You may also see a discharge of blood or other colored fluid.
Your biggest role may be to prepare the birthing area and move your queen into it. Put her someplace quiet with a blanket or towel, the best would be to put her in a fairly large box where she can lie comfortably.
Keep an eye on her to make sure she isn't having any complications. If she's having heavy contractions for more than an hour with no kittens being born, she needs to go to the vet immediately. Watch to make sure the kittens come out ok, if one gets stuck in the birth canal, she will have to go to the vet.
Congrats on your baby kittens!! They're a ton of fun!
2007-03-19 12:06:35 · answer #2 · answered by 'Lissa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She will stop eating for a day or so before she gives birth, and she will seem restless and will be wandering around looking for a good place to have her babies. If she isn't in the house already, I suggest you bring her inside and put her in a certain room with a cardboard box that is about 2 or 3 times bigger than her so she can lie down comfortably inside. Put a pillow or a blanket or something soft inside the box so that she will be comfortable. Have fun with the babies!
P.S. Do a google search and you should be able to find an article or two about it that will give you more information.
2007-03-19 12:03:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine just had hers this past weekend. You could tell she was looking for a place to have them. She was searching High and low nonstop for about 2 days.
You know where she decided to have them? On me. I fell asleep on the couch late Friday night, Sat. morning. I woke up with her having her kittens on me.
We have 4 beautiful babies. I really didn't think that she'd have them for another week, but I was surprised. I know when you really see her looking for a place, she's getting close.
Hint, don't fall asleep on the couch and let her have them on you!!! Not the first time though.
2007-03-20 01:42:05 · answer #4 · answered by Karen H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she'll won't really want anyone near her and will be trying to find some place safe and cosy and away from prying eyes to have her kittens. example a closet.
2007-03-19 12:09:21 · answer #5 · answered by Hip_cat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat and I were super close so she was in my room and started getting aggitated and would only let me near her. She got in her box and out came one!
2007-03-19 12:37:43 · answer #6 · answered by Sara M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋