How do you know if your cat is going into labor?

A cat's pregnancy lasts approximately 9 weeks or 64 to 67 days. It's an extremely thrilling period to expect a new litter of kittens in your home. So how do you know when your cat is about to give birth?

Here’s a list of signs that are good indicators that labor is imminent! In today’s video, we will talk about the top 10 signs that your cat might be in labor.

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HERE ➜    • How to Help a Female Cat in Heat?  

HOW TO HELP A CAT GIVE BIRTH?
HERE ➜    • How to Help a Cat Give Birth?  

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAT IS IN LABOR?
HERE ➜    • How to Tell if Your Cat is in Labor?  


Top 10 Signs Your Cat is in Labor

Our first sign is how the mammary glands increase in size.

Your cat's mammary glands will grow larger during the last week of pregnancy. Her external body wall, which rises from the groin region to the bottom of her chest, is lined with two parallel rows of mammary glands. On average, cats have four pairs of mammary glands. She will begin to produce milk about 2 days before giving birth. She may be releasing some thick, creamcolored secretions from her nipples. Your cat may lick it off, or she may just let it dry out, in which case you may see small whitish scabs on her nipples. Kittens use the distinct scent that only each nipple emits to cling to that nipple repeatedly.

Two. Your cat will begin to exhibit behavior changes.

Your cat may become reclusive in the last week of her pregnancy, seeking out alone wherever possible inside the home, or she may become very friendly, which tends to happen more often if she has a tight bond with one particular caregiver. More affectionate cats will demand that the caretaker always be nearby. Both clinging and restless behaviors are possible.

Three. Her Nesting begins.

Cats that are expecting are well known for being picky about where they have their litter. You might see her hanging out in some really weird places throughout the house, such as the inside of cabinets and dresser drawers or the top shelf of the closet since she will prefer a location that is somewhat covered and hidden. This habit may start a few hours or a few weeks before the commencement of labor. Your cat's due date will be approaching if you spot her looking for a place to give birth. Some cat owners make it easier for their pets by creating a cozy, mostly enclosed box for the cat to give birth in. But don't be surprised if you fix her a "nest" and she decides it is not up to her standards.

Four. Her appetite changes.

Most of the time, your pregnant cat will have a massive appetite throughout her pregnancy because she needs the extra calories to fuel both herself and her developing kittens. However, her appetite will typically shift right before labor begins. Changes in appetite are a somewhat reliable sign of approaching birth. She might not be as interested in eating, and she might even temporarily stop eating.

Five. The temperature will fall.

Your cat’s average temperature falls between 37.7º to 39.1ºC (100º to 102.5ºF). Her temperature will drop to 37.2ºC (99ºF) one to two days before giving birth. If she agrees, you can take her temperature in the armpit, but typically there are enough other indicators of labor beginning that you won't need to worry about doing so.

Six. Contractions begin.

Similar to a human, a cat will experience earlystage labor contractions that are intended to force the kitten into the birth canal so that she can give birth. You may typically see or feel these contractions by carefully observing her abdomen or by laying a gentle palm on her belly. Before giving birth, some felines will want more care and might even be more demanding and affectionate than usual. If your cat starts to have contractions, the kittens should arrive soon.

Seven. Vomiting.

Your cat may feel what you might term morning sickness, just like expectant mothers in humans. Additionally, vomiting might be a precursor to pregnancy. Take your cat to the vet as soon as possible if the vomiting persists, and no other pregnancy signs appear.

Eight. Swollen Abdomen.

Your cat's belly will start to grow at about the midway point of the gestation cycle. A swollen stomach could be a sign that your pet is pregnant because the swelling will begin around five weeks into the gestation period and last until delivery.

Nine. Heat cycle changes.

Cats often go through their heat cycles between 10 and 14 days. Your female cat will likely be more affectionate, brush herself more regularly, meow loudly than usual, mark her territory frequently, and possibly lose her appetite during their heat cycles. If your cat's heat cycle abruptly ends, she's probably pregnant.

Ten. Increased sleep patterns.

Your cat will spend more time sleeping when she is pregnant. If you notice your cat napping more often throughout the day, then she may be pregnant.

What do you do if you suspect she's pregnant?