Pregnant Cat Symptoms

by Patty

photo by freeparking

I have a cat that is going to give birth. How can I tell when she is ready?

Thank you,
Patty

Dear Patty,

Pregnant cat symptoms of approaching delivery are subtle, but obvious if you know what to look for.

A few days before your cat goes into labor, you will be able to express a bit of milk from her teats. Cat teats are generally very small and uniform in size. Throughout her pregnancy, they have been enlarging in preparation for her kittens. However, only during the last days will they have a bit of milk, colostrum, in them.

Also, she may have a slight vaginal discharge. You may also find your cat not eating as much as usual.

The most obvious sign is behavioral and may not occur until the last few hours or hour. She will generally try to make a "nest" where she will deliver her babies. That could be under a bed or in a closet or in a basket or anywhere that is private and where there are soft clothes or bedding or anything comfortable.

If there is not such a place in your home, you need to prepare one for her. It can be as simple as placing a few layers of soft towels in a quiet, dark, but warm and dry place.

Closets, unused bedrooms, a large box or basket filled with towels in a quiet room...these are all possibilities. She will spend more and more time there as her labor approaches.

When she goes into labor, the best thing you can do is leave her alone. Noise and activity and people watching can actually stop labor.

Thank you for writing. Enjoy the kittens!

Dr. Neely