Cat Birthing

Cat Birthing – Is your cat pregnant and about to give birth?

This time might be exciting, but nevertheless quite nerve-wracking. You want to ensure that your pregnant cat is taken care of and the kittens are delivered safely.

Typically, female cats can give birth easily on their own without the need for human intervention. However, owners must prepare in advance to ensure that the delivery process is safe, healthy, and stress-free.

Here’s a thorough guide for pet owners to understand what they can do to help their pregnant queen give birth.

Signs of labour In Cats

If your cat is pregnant, you should first know how to identify signs of labour in cats. This will tell you how far along your queen is in her pregnancy and give you an idea of how much time you have to prepare for delivery.

A cat’s gestation period lasts between 58 to 70 days. If you are unsure of whether your cat is pregnant or not, you should look for the following signs:

• Darker pink, enlarged nipples
• Swollen belly
• Unusual mating calls

After the gestation period has passed, you should be sure to look for the signs of labour in your cat, which may be exhibited in the following ways:

• Nesting behaviour wherein she will actively search for a place where she can give birth
• Your female cat will appear to be restless and uncomfortable
• You may be able to notice contractions in your cat’s uterus
• Some cats may vomit when contractions start
• There is fluid or blood discharge during labour

Tips to Prepare for Delivery

If you are wondering how to deliver kittens, it’s important to follow these tips to help your cat during this time:

Have All of the Supplies Ready

Be sure to prepare in advance by ensuring all supplies are ready when your cat is giving birth at home. You might not need to use all the supplies, but you will have to keep them if you need to. These supplies include clean towels and paper towels, a refuse bin to discard all of the used towels in, disposable gloves, and a heating pad.

Set Up a Nesting Area for when your Cat Birthing

Your cat will likely start searching for nesting areas when her delivery is close. It’s best to set up this area yourself since it will be more convenient, safe, warm, and comfortable for your pet. The nesting area should be in a part of a house that is warm and not inhabited by other people or animals, as this will stress out the cat.

You should keep a large cardboard box and fill it with clean towels, newspaper, or soft materials to make the area comfortable. However, be sure not to keep anything with a strong scent, as the kittens and cats recognize each other through scent. Moreover, you should also keep a bowl of water and litter close by.

Be Prepared for the Delivery when Cat Birthing

When your cat is ready to give birth, she will likely be sitting in her nesting area or walking around being restless. During this time, you should keep feeding her food and watch out for a loss of appetite. If she does not eat anything, she is likely about to give birth.

You should keep a cat carrier nearby during delivery if you need to take your cat to the vet during an emergency. You should also keep your phone accessible to you and have your vet’s number in case you need to contact them.

Keep a Distance from Your Cat

You must keep a distance and not intervene when your cat is giving birth at home. Otherwise, it will stress her out. Staying away from the queen will ensure that the birthing process is smooth.

Ensure That Your Cat Has Sufficiently Cleaned the Kitten

While you should keep a distance from your cat, you must ensure that you keep a close eye on her during the delivery process to ensure everything is going smoothly. For example, you should see if your cat has removed the amniotic sac from the kittens after they are born.

The mother typically removes this by vigorously licking the kitten. If she hasn’t, you should remove the sac from their face with your hands to allow them to breathe. You should also use a towel to clean your body. Be sure to wear gloves while doing this.

Don’t Cut Off the Umbilical Cord Unless Necessary

The cat will vigorously lick the amniotic sac when kittens are born to remove it. They will also chew the umbilical cord after birth, so you likely don’t need to do anything. If you notice that your cat is not chewing the cord, you should keep the kitten close to her mouth. However, if she still doesn’t, then you can cut it yourself. However, give her time to see if she will do it herself.

You should call your vet and ask them how to cut it because any mistake or accident at this point can be detrimental to the mother and kitten. You should use dental floss instead of scissors as that is less dangerous. Moreover, you should also spray Petnap’s iodine solution after cutting the cord. Apply it on the kitten to ensure quick healing.

Final Word on Cat Birthing

Cats are naturally independent creatures that don’t require too much assistance during birth. In fact, it is always best not to intervene during this process. However, this does not mean owners ignore their cat when she is giving birth.

Be sure to observe your cat during labour and delivery and watch for signs of danger or complications. Keep supplies ready beforehand, and call your vet if you require assistance. Petnap has a wide range of products that can help make the birthing process easier for your cats, for example, heating pads, umbilical cord solutions, and bedding and hygiene products.

Visit our website and start shopping for your cat today!