Ok, so please don't tell me how irresponsible you think I am for letting my cat get pregnant. The fact is she is, and I wanted her to be, and I already have 6 potential homes for the kittens to come.
I've never seen a cat give birth before, and neither have my parents. My cat suki (one year old, first litter) seems to want to give birth behind my dad's bookshelf, but the space is very narrow (hardly enough space to lie down), and I doubt the kittens would be able to suckle. Its also impossible for me to reach her should there be any problems. Should I block up the entrance to keep her from giving birth there, or should I let her give birth there and take the risk of not being able to help should things go wrong?
Also, she suddenly started meowing loudly 10 minutes ago and looked terrified, and a few times she sat/lied down and looked like she was trying to push. She's calmed down since, and she's now moved to my bedroomed (in a cardboard box i made for her). Was she in labour?
2007-05-29 06:05:53 · 17 answers · asked by creativity 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
She probably is.
I've had 3 cats who have had kittens.
Usually, the day they're going to "pop out babies" (lol)
They mope around and act very strange.
They meow a lot, and sometimes growl.
Sometimes they run if you come near them.
They usually act funny for hours. Sometimes a day or two.
Your cat will probably have the kittens sometime between now and tomorrow.
If I were you, I wouldn't let her have the babies behind the bookshelf.
When cats give birth, they like safe, secluded places where they are sure nobody can harm them or their babies.
It's best to let them pick where to have them.
After a cat has the kittens, they always move them. Your cat will pick each individual kitten up by the scruff of the neck and place it where she wants it to be.
But I wouldn't let her do it behind the bookshelf. Only because if it's too narrow, she may not be able to move the kittens. Also, if it's too small of an area, she may step on the other kittens while trying to move one. She may even smother some as she's giving birth to others. If I were you, I would try and make sure that she had them in your room. Anywhere in your room that she won't get stuck or have problems (like behind the bookshelf)
Also, when she has them, the kittens will have a disgusting green/grey slime on them. Don't try to help her take the slime off. You could hurt the kitten, and it's possible that if you help, your cat won't want anything to do with that specific kitten.
Cat's are picky like that.
What I would say, is to (while she's having them) calmly pet her and keep a calm voice. Don't get too excited because she might get scared.
Oh. After she has the kittens, she might just lay there for a few hours. That's normal. Not all cats do it, but a lot of the time they'll just stay in that one spot without getting up for anything for a long time.
Just make sure she has water. ^_^
And make sure she's not too hot. This sounds strange, but if she gets too hot, she'll probably vomit. (it's weird, I know lol)
I hope this helps some. ^_^
2007-05-29 06:18:57 · answer #1 · answered by Jalena 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The cat will be fine! My cat has had 5 litters of kittens in the last two and a half years. I think you should prob block the entrance to behind the bookshelf, most of the time, the mother knows best...but earlier this year, my cat moved her kittens into a box full of heavy poles and things, and all the kittens fell to the bottom. One of them died. :(
2007-05-29 18:22:29 · answer #2 · answered by Lauren 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds very much like she is in labour, my cat also purred very loudly. Just keep her quiet, be there to assist if necessary, but generally she'll instinctively know what to do. There is an afterbirth delivered after each kitten, and she'll eat these to keep her strength up. It can be a little messy when she gives birth, but don't worry, its not too bad at all. I found it wonderful to watch my cat giving birth, but god its hard when it comes to letting the kittens go to their new homes! Good luck x
2007-05-29 17:02:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be that your cat is in labor. I've seen lots of cats in labor. I suggest you get a box full of clean rags (or towels or whatever you don't mind getting very dirty) and put Suki in the box. Make sure she has food and water. Keep her there unless she needs to use the litter box. But don't let her give birth in the litterbox. That happened to me once and we had a heck of a time cleaning out the kittens' mouths.
2007-05-29 13:16:27 · answer #4 · answered by Squirrelgirl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
she may be in labour she may not. theres other signs besides meowing to tell...u may to keep her away from the bookshelf though...but if she is really determained she may find a way behind there, or insist on moveing the kittens there later. try to confine her to a semi empty room with a large box and some old towels in it. if shes ultra friendly she may want u around to comfort her.
just so u know u are NOT the irresponsible one. the irresponsible ones are those people that do not have their cat spayed and they do not want or can not take care of or fine decent homes for kittens
2007-05-29 13:42:00 · answer #5 · answered by martha 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The worst thing you can do is to mess with her. It is natural for her to want to hide to have the babies but yes, it should be a safe, darkened place where NO-ONE can mess with her!!!
The more you try to watch her...or the kittens after they are born, the more she will try to find places to hide them from you. That is why she at first chose behind the bookshelf.
She can't take it into consideration that there might not be enough room. All she is concerned about is PRIVACY and she might kill and eat the kittens if she is too stressed!!!!!
She will be fine on her own and yes she might howl now and then. this is all new to her.
2007-05-29 13:22:27 · answer #6 · answered by mom tree 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your cat could be in labour, my cat behaved in the same way before she gave birth. She will handle everything herself although I would block the bookcase off, and maybe prepare something cosy close by there in case she decides to relocate from the cardboard box at the eleventh hour.
Keep your eye on her but give her some space.
I think its great youve found good home first. Good luck :)
2007-05-29 13:18:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it seems like she is going into labour there is not much you can do she will find somewhere else to give birth so block that up all you can do it just keep looking at her just in case she dose need help any look she should be fine if she is pushing and nothing is happening for a long while she could be in trouble so be prepared to call the vet out good luck I hope it all goes well for her
2007-05-29 13:19:23 · answer #8 · answered by mamsy0 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes,but keep an eye on her in case she falls into difficulty .Usually cats are very capable when with giving birth.I am glad she is in a box now you were right to encourage her to move,.Sit and wait and be patient.Give her clean bedding when the kittens arrive,she will sever the umbelical cords and eat the after birth it is very high in nutrients for mum.You could stroke her head to calm her.
2007-05-29 13:57:30 · answer #9 · answered by Lindsay Jane 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Leave the cat to it babe,they will find somewhere out of the way to give birth and can be pretty much self sufficient,someone told me once that if you handle a new born kitten the can might eat it due to foreign scent,but not sure how true that is.
2007-05-29 13:16:52 · answer #10 · answered by Mel26 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋