How can I help my two pregnant cats?

Question

My young cats are both pregnant within a week of each other. Is there anything I should be doing to prepare them? I introduced them to a box with a blanket in but they weren't interested in it. They have the run of the house but there aren't any quiet areas. Should I help them when they give birth and if so, how?! Finally, how long is their pregnancy?

Many thanks for any replies.

Answer 1

Cats gestation is about 60 days..give or take a few. Most cats will try to hide when labor starts. Mine gave birth in the closet on top of my cloths once. However, I would keep the box ready and if you notice the cat laying on her side pushing and bearing down , she's having contractions.
Most cats do well and don't need help with the birthing process. However, complications can arise where you may have to intervene.
When my cat gave birth for the first time, she panicked and I had to take over, remove the membrane, squeeze the placenta to give it an extra boost of blood, and after sterilizing dental floss in alcohol, cut the umbilical cord and tie it off with the dental floss!!
However, I could never have done this on my own! I had purchased a book on Cats which told me everything I needed to know including what to do incase of emergency and first aid. So get a good cat book, either at a good book store or I have found great ones at the local library.
I would also look into having them spayed once they have weened the kittens. There are millions of kittens and cats euthanized every year because no one wants them. Good luck!!!

Answer 2

For my cat it was really obvious when she was about to give birth and came looking for a spot to have them, at that time we were able to set her up. Don't worry about the birth much, your cat(s) should be able to do it by herself. After the birth watch them and set them up in a good area preferably quiet and somewhere nonthreatening, the last thing you want is your cat moving the kittens somewhere without you knowing. Last of all, I think the mothers can be spayed like 6 weeks after there pregnancy, but you can ask your vet. I recommend spaying as soon as possible because they will get pregnant again.

Answer 3

hi, you don't need to worry about a box just yet but you should TRY and keep their surroundings as calm as possible. queens(the mommies ) will start eating more also as their pregnancy progresses. just try to make sure they are kept warm (normal inside temp. is fine)and adequately sheltered. you should also avoid inoculations or any kind of medication that is not absolutely necessary. the normal duration of feline pregnancy is from 60 to 64 days. anything less than 60 days and the kittens will most likely not survive. when the time comes your two queens will try to find separate places to give birth. try and make sure they have as many choices for this as possible but again most likely it will be your favorite sweater in a drawer you left open that they choose. LOL the best thing you can do for them is just make sure they have whatever they need and then let nature take its course after all they have been managing to do this all by themselves for a long time. good luck! p.s. DO NOT disturb them after they have their kits! if they are in an inconvenient place deal with it for at least a week before trying to move them! the mothers will only move them again or possibly destroy them! once again good luck!

Answer 4

my cat gave birth 8 weeks ago.. was told she was done by the animal shelter but obviously she wasnt.. anyway.. put a box with blankets in in a corner or cupboard some were warm... feed your cat kitten food aswell as its normal food..then all you can do is wait.. if you want to make sure your cat has the kittens in the house lock her in until she has had them and put a litter tray down.. then just wait.. keep checkin on your cat but dont fuss her just leave her be.. she will have the kittens on her own cats dont normally have problems giving birth.. they will come out in like a sack looks like a balloon she will eat that away and lick the kitten clean then onto her next.. if any signs of her in stress ring vets asap... if she starts to have the kittens out of the box pick her up and place her carefully into the box. good luck. any more info needed email me at [e-mail]

Answer 5

Two pregnant cats! Wow that is a lot of kittens to find homes for. May I suggest that rather than making your cats comfortable during pregnancy you start checking into places to take them to get them spayed. There are way too many animals that have no home already....why bring even more into the world.

Answer 6

Hello, I believe that you're doing all that you can think of at this point. The cats or "Queens" who will deliver will do something called "nesting" or finding space that they feel most comfortable in and that's safe for them to deliver thier babies but don't forget that most of it will come naturally to her. As far as you being ready to help I think it's a great idea. As a matter of fact,I have helped a few of my own cats deliver and helped to get the kittens to breathe once out of the birth canal. Watch for any new excited behavior. I'm not sure how many weeks they take, sorry.... Just be really carefull to give her space so that she feels at ease with you being there to assist her or else she may feel like moving her litter to a place where you can not find her.
To assist a new born kitten in breathing you can simply use both of hands placed palm out in front of you but very close to the ground. Slightly move your finger tips across the chest just to move the babies chest a bit this should stimulate it to breathe,if not doing so alread. Do not be rough to the touch just real easy like you would be with the gentleness of a real human baby. It's real easy to help her out.
I believe that you're well on your way to seeing a delivery especially since you have 2 pregnant cats! Just be careful not to spooke them or they mightl move them if they get the chance. Trust your instincts or gut feelings. You sound like you're already well aware of what s going on with them and good for you and congratulations on your new babies.

Answer 7

Pregnancy usually lasts about 9 weeks.

Answer 8

being a mother myself and being there for alot of births both human and animal one thing i know is no matter how hard you try to get a mother to sit still she wont so try not to stress on that to much but on the birth yes sometimes u need to be there to reassure the mother and to help in case the mother struggles to chew through the placenter.

Answer 9

spaying them.