Are her kittens coming?



How can you tell?

Just what are the signs of labor you should be looking out for?

Every cat owner wants to make sure that their pets are well cared for. But we can begin to feel very anxious and out of our depth when they fall ill - or in this case, are about to deliver kittens - and we realise that we don't know how best to help.

After all, we're cat owners, not vets! You need to know what to expect and you need to know what to do.

Your cat's pregnancy lasts approximately 64 days but you probably won't be able to use that figure to accurately calculate when the birth is due. Instead, you will need to rely on your ability to identify the end stages of pregnancy and the specific signs that will tell you of her imminent labor.

Firstly, you are likely to have noticed that your cat's appetite will have almost doubled in the past weeks or so and you will be able to see her kittens moving around in her abdomen quite clearly.

It is natural, too, for your cat to seek out a warm, safe and secure place where she can give birth and she will display 'nesting' behavior as she searches around. If you are properly prepared, you will have already supplied a 'nesting box' for her to use - that way you can control the place in which she chooses to deliver her kittens and avoid her selecting an inappropriate place, such as your bed!

Then, quite suddenly, your cat's appetite will fall off noticeably and it may disappear altogether. This indicates that the start of her labor is very near.

A third sign to watch for is the demonstration of 'clingy' behavior, with your cat constantly seeking your company. As the birth becomes closer, you may see her pacing around nervously or she may become rather excitable.

A further and very distinct sign that your cat is very close to going into labour is that she will begin to 'call' to you. Even if you have never been present when a cat is giving birth, you won't be able to mistake this particular sound!

As the time approaches, you will see your cat repeatedly licking her bottom as she reacts to changing sensations in her body as she prepares for the birth of her kittens.

Finally, as your mother cat begins to feel the onset of her contractions, she is likely to appear anxious and uneasy. She will repeatedly enter her nesting box and 'tread' the nesting material as she seeks to arrange it to her liking.

When you recognise this final behavior, you will know for sure that the birth process has started and your kittens will soon be delivered. Your lovely cat's labor has begun!

But remember, this is when your presence is vital. You will need to have prepared yourself to be on hand to help if things should go wrong. It is your responsibility to have become familiar with what is normal and what is not, during the birthing process. If you know what to expect - good or bad - you will be able to remain calm and in control and give your cat the very best care that she deserves.