When your beloved cat is about to give birth, it’s a thrilling time for both her and you. The arrival of tiny, adorable kittens is just around the corner! But how can you tell when the big moment is near? What does the birthing process look like, and what steps should you take once the kittens are here? Keep reading to discover all you need to know about this special journey.
How do you know if your cat is about to give birth?
Is your cat pregnant and you have the feeling that she will start at any moment? If you notice these signs, you will most likely give birth within 24 hours:
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He meows more often than usual.
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He pants and scratches.
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Suddenly he doesn’t want to eat anymore.
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A clear, mucous discharge appears.
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He has more frequent and slightly thinner stools.
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She walks around restlessly, as if she’s looking for something.
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Your abdominal muscles contract, this is contraction.
How can you prepare your cat for birth?
It is best to prepare a large box with blankets and pillows. When the time comes, your cat will look for a comfortable and safe place on its own. Let her decide where she feels comfortable, don’t force her into the prepared box.
The birth process
Birth occurs in four stages:
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Preparatory phase: Your cat is preparing to give birth.
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Opening phase: The cervix opens.
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Expulsion phase: The kittens are born.
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Postpartum phase: The placenta is expelled.
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The last two steps are repeated for each kitten.
The expulsion phase
Kittens are born head first or rump first. At the Breech position Sometimes it can take a little longer, especially with the first kitten. The first usually takes longer because the birth path must be opened first.
Some kittens come with me intact amniotic sac in the world, others without. If the bladder is still intact, your cat will usually bite it open. If this does not work, you can help carefully: open the bladder and dry the kitten’s mouth.
The cat then licks its kitten, stimulating breathing. If it doesn’t, you can gently rub the kitten with a towel and then place it next to the mother so she recognizes it.
The postpartum phase
After each kitten comes the placenta. Most of the time the cat eats and bites them umbilical cord through yourself. If not, you can help carefully: tear (do not cut!) the umbilical cord with your thumb and forefinger. It should be about 1.5-2 cm long so that the kittens do not get tangled.
If your cat has more than two kittens, she should not eat more than two placentas, otherwise she may get diarrhea.
When should you call the vet?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs:
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Your cat has been pushing for more than 30 minutes (45 minutes for the first kitten) without success.
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A kitten is partially stuck without continuing the birth.
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She has been pushing weakly for more than an hour and no more babies are born.
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She seems sick or apathetic.
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The discharge is dark, smelly, or noticeable.
How long does birth take?
A birth can take up to 12 hours. There is usually 10 to 60 minutes between kittens. For larger litters it may take a little longer. Sometimes the cat falls asleep in the meantime, this is completely normal.
Overall, a cat gets the most of the time from 3 to 7 kids, So it can take as long as 7 hours for all of them to be born.
After birth: here’s how you help your cat and her kittens
Here are three simple but important tips:
1. Encourage kittens to drink
As soon as the first kittens arrive, place them on teats. This strengthens it maternal feelingit gives them valuable antibodies against diseases. In addition, breast milk provides Energy for growth and activity. Make sure the milk is flowing and the teats are easily accessible.
2. Provide heat, but not too much
The most common cause of death in newborn kittens is Hypothermia. But too much heat is also harmful.
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Use one hot water bottle with pleasantly warm (not hot) water.
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In the first week it should be around 32°C.
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You can then slowly lower the temperature as the little ones can regulate their body temperature better.
3. Energy-rich food for the mother cat
After birth your cat needs a lot of energy. Feed him high-quality, energy-rich food, preferably several small meals a day. This way he will be able to recover well and produce enough milk.
Don’t forget to always provide fresh water. It needs a lot of fluids for milk production.
Conclusion
The birth of your cat is a touching moment Emotion, care and joy. With a little preparation and calm, you can provide her with loving care and ensure that both she and her kittens are healthy and happy
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