In fact, a cat's gestation period is around 63 days. Unfortunately, you most likely won't be able to predict a cat's due date (known as “queening”) without knowing the exact date of conception. However, don't worry because basically, anyone can easily identify a cat that is about to give birth by observing its physical symptoms and behavior. By identifying the signs of giving birth in your cat, it can help you to provide proper care and ensure that everything is going normally.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Identifying the Behavior
Step 1. Observe when the cat starts looking for a “nest” to give birth to
Towards the time of delivery, pregnant cats will generally start looking for a nest or location that they can use to give birth and care for their kittens. Generally, cats will look for a private and hidden location such as behind a closet. If your cat does this too, you can place a towel or blanket in a location of her choosing to make her feel more comfortable.
In addition, you can also provide a nest for him (such as from cardboard). However, understand that cats often want to choose their own nests and may change locations if they wish
Step 2. Observe the change in behavior
Approaching the time of delivery, the cat may appear restless and constantly moving around in an unsteady direction. In addition, his eating habits may also change. For example, a cat who usually likes to be alone may appear more spoiled before giving birth, or vice versa.
Step 3. Observe when the cat starts to skip its mealtime
Generally, a cat that is giving birth will eat more than usual. However, near the time of delivery, the cat may experience a decrease in appetite or completely stop eating anything.
Step 4. Observe as the cat cleans its genital area
Before giving birth, cats will experience and feel various physiological changes. As a result, he will start licking or cleaning his genital area. This process may or may not be accompanied by mucus discharge, indicating that the time for the cat's birth is approaching.
Method 2 of 3: Checking the Cat
Step 1. Take the cat's body temperature
Generally, this method needs to be done 60 days after conception to indicate a more accurate time of delivery. So what if the date of conception is not known with certainty? Don't worry, you just need to check your cat's temperature periodically to identify the time of birth.
- Generally, a pregnant cat's rectal temperature ranges from 100.5 to 102°F.
- About two hours before giving birth, the cat's rectal temperature will drop by about 2 degrees.
Step 2. Observe the cat's physical condition
Before giving birth, the size of the cat's nipples and mammary glands will increase. Also, your cat may start licking her nipples. Other physical symptoms are a slumped abdominal position, and an enlarged and softened vulva. Supposedly, all these physical symptoms will be seen very clearly when identified.
Step 3. Observe the cat's breathing pattern
If you suspect your cat's due time is approaching, and if your cat "allows" you to approach her, try listening to her breathing rhythm. If your cat's breathing is louder or more panting than usual, it's likely that the time for delivery is approaching. In addition, the cat may also continue to make rhythmic purring sounds.
Step 4. Feel the cat's abdomen
As the time for giving birth draws near, the cat will start having contractions. To identify contractions in your cat, try holding his stomach and feeling for any tension there. If your cat feels like she's straining, she's most likely having contractions. Most likely, at that point the cat will be lying on its side so it can be identified more easily.
Method 3 of 3: Recognizing Negative Symptoms
Step 1. Call the doctor if your cat doesn't give birth
Most cats can give birth on their own. However, keep an eye on the cat's condition as the time for birth draws near. If your cat appears to be having contractions (or similar signs), but doesn't give birth within an hour afterward, contact the doctor immediately so that the cat receives appropriate treatment from a specialist.
Step 2. Monitor the cat's body temperature
Changes in a cat's body temperature not only indicate the time of birth, but can also indicate various health problems that may be experienced. Generally, a cat's body temperature will decrease before the time of birth. If the temperature rises, monitor the cat's condition and recheck it sometime after. If your cat's temperature is still higher than it should be, take him to the doctor immediately.
Step 3. Watch out for suspicious liquids
Naturally, the process of giving birth will indeed be accompanied by spending a little blood. In addition, cats who are pregnant will release a little mucus and amniotic fluid some time before giving birth. However, you should be wary if your cat seems to be shedding too much blood or a foul-smelling discharge. Most likely, the cat is experiencing a health problem that must be diagnosed by a doctor immediately.
Step 4. Watch out if the cat looks in pain
Before giving birth, cats will generally look uncomfortable and show various behavioral changes. So, how to distinguish normal and abnormal discomfort? In general, you should take your cat to the vet immediately if he seems to be constantly biting his genital area, or is crying and licking it.
Step 5. Be aware of specific behaviors
Approaching the time of giving birth, cats will behave differently. However, generally they will not appear depressed or exhausted. If your cat exhibits one or even both of these symptoms, it is likely that she is suffering from another disorder and should immediately be examined by a doctor to find out the appropriate treatment steps.
