I took in a stray cat a month or so ago and she is pregnant. Today she has started panting and has also lost her mucus plug. How soon before I should see the kittens being born and how long should I wait before I call the vet? Also, she is determined to have the kittens on my bed (which I can't let happnen, hubby would go nuts) so I am trying to confine her to the en-suite and have provided her a dark box with blankets etc but she is not happy being kept in there. What do you suggest I do, persevere or let her out?
Answers:
Can you maybe spead an old blanket or towels across the bed. She needs to be comfortable.
Hope everything goes okay. Can't really help with answering the question about how long, but how exciting!
What will happen to the cat and kittens after though? Will they go to RSPCA or something. You must be tempted to keep one!
like the above answer put old towels and blankets down ... she will have them in her own good time ... no need to call a vet unless this goes on for hours and no kittens are produced ...
Anytime from now.But try to be with her as she will be a little confused and need reasuance from you that it ok whats happening to her,if you dont panic she will feel calmer.you could cover your bed with alot of news paper and put her own blankets on top, but when you lift her and kittens off try and lift them together and leave the banket that she gave birth on with her for at least over night so she can feel smell that her kittens are all their and safe.You shouldnt need a vet to come out unless neccassary ,but could get advice on the phone,if you feel you need the backup.GOOD LUCK TO YOUR KITTY %26 KITTENS.
Twelve to forty-eight hours before the onset of labor your cat will seem more anxious and restless. She will often begin looking for a place to nest and have the litter. Cats that are about to go into labor will usually lick their abdomen and vagina persistently.
There is often a discharge that precedes birthing but the mother may lick it away before you see it.
You may notice that she stops eating, although some cats will eat throughout the entire process.
You may see her breathing become more rapid. In some cases the mother will sit with her mouth open and yowl loudly or pace.
As her labor progresses and uterine contractions begin she will lay on her side and frequently squat and press downward to push the kittens out.
What happens next?
The first kitten should arrive within an hour after the onset of contractions.
Additional kittens could arrive immediately or up to 2 hours in between.
Not as common, but possible after delivery of the first kitten(s) labor and contractions will cease for 24 to 48 hours and then labor will begin and more kittens will be delivered.
also note: Nesting area
You should provide your cat with a dry, quiet, warm area with nesting materials such as towels or blankets 4 to 7 days before labor is estimated to begin. This allows your cat to become familiar with her surroundings. This location should be free of other cats or excessive human activity.
Moving a pregnant cat or changing her environment may delay labor, or cause her to move her kittens. She may even neglect her kittens.
She wants to have the kittens on your bed so your human smell will mask her cat smell while she's vulnerable. My cat gave birth all over a favourite skirt of mine, but I was too late to catch it! Try finding her some old unwshed clothes to make her comfortable - an old t-shirt would be perfect.
Alternatively, cover the bed in something waterproof and/or washable and let her have her way. It won't take her long to have them and it might cause complications if she gets too unhappy with your choice of 'labour room'.
You'll only need to call the vet if she has any problems. Unlike humans, cats 'know' how to give birth and look after their babies!!
hi what area do you live as i am looking for a kitten. i have been searching for a ginger one so if anyone knows of one in swansea please let me know.
hi my cat has had 5 kittens this morning and they are gorgeous from she started having them til she finished was forty mins not bad for first litter.i am getting her spayed when its time as i think its cruel too breed and animal constantly but hey good luck...
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I have been taking care of a stray cat, who I have been bringing in when there's bad weather, and to let her eat daily. She is very pregnant and this morning she lost her mucus plug. I wasnted her to have her babies outside but now she doesn't want to go back out. I have set up a box for her and she is comfortable. My question is, how long should I keep her and the babies inside before I let them go out?
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