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My pregnant cat

My cat started showing mild signs of prelabor 2 days ago. Shes sleeping alot, licking herself alot, and her nipples look a lot larger. How long does it take for them to go into full blown labor? Also Is it normal for a cats tail to be very sensative before and during labor? She wont let us lift her tail up, and she has been keeping it down for the last 2 days. Thank you

•   Courtney Pogson says:

  February 26th, 2009 at 01:43 PM

  Hey there, this all sounds like normal behaviour. I have attached a document I have written about the pregnancy in the queen which should give you an idea of what you are looking for and what to expect during the whole duration of pregnancy and birth. If you have any questions just ask :)

  Pregnancy in the Queen

  v  Gestation Period:  56 – 70 days

  v  Kittening: Between day 65 & 67

  v  Veterinary Examination: This can be carried out 21 days post mating

  v  Diet: During pregnancy the queen requires a rich, fatty diet in order to supply her and each foetus with the nutrients they require. A normal kitten food either wet or dry will supply these nutrients. As the pregnancy progresses she will require smaller meals more frequently. This is due to the weight & size of each foetus putting pressure on her stomach & only allowing small amounts to be eaten at any one time.

  Preparation Prior to Kittening

  v  Kittening Box: Can consist of a wooden or cardboard box with an open top and cut in half on one side. This will prevent the kittens from falling out of the box yet allowing the queen to come and go as she pleases. The box needs to be lined with newspaper and many soft towels. Place the box in a warm, quiet & dimly lit spot. The queen may or may not use the box when the time comes to start the birth progress. In this case place newspapers & blankets down in her chosen spot.

  v  Queens should be kept indoors during the final two weeks of pregnancy. As time draws closer to the 65^th day confine her to a designated room where you would like her to deliver.

  Parturition & Common Nesting Signs

  Stage Lasts: 1-3 days

  v  Colostrum (milk) is present in the mammary glands

  v  The queens temperature drops by 1 degree to 37 degrees

  v  Relaxation of the vaginal & perineal tissue (area between the vulva & anus)

  v  The queen seeks a nesting site

  Stage 1: Labour

  Stage Lasts: 1-12hours

  v  Restlessness

  v  Panting

  v  Vocalising

  v  Grooming self

  v  Anorexia, vomiting & shivering may be seen

  v  The cervix dilates (opens up) & placental membranes enter

  v  Onset of involuntary myometrial (uterine) contractions begin that push the foetus towards the viginal opening.

  v  Clear vaginal discharge may be seen

  v  At the end of this stage the water bag will pass through the cervix

   

  Stage 2: Labour

   

  Stage Lasts: 3-12 hours

   

  v  Voluntary abdominal contractions begin

  v  Queen may crouch, stand or remain lying down

  v  Queen will bite the water sack resulting in the release of fluid

  v  First neonate (new born kitten) should be delivered within 30 minutes of the water breaking

  v  Each neonate is born in a covering (amniotic sack) which the queens breaks

  v  The queen licks the neonates to stimulate breathing (first breath)

  v  Each neonate is delivered every 15 to 30 minutes

  v  At this stage the queens body temperature returns to normal (38 – 38.5 degrees)

  Notes:

  §  It is important that the queen has minimal intervention during this process

  §  If the queen fails to release a neonate from the amniotic sack within 2-3 minutes this is an exception. All you need is a towel. Place the placental sack containing the neonate on to the towel and gently break and wipe away this covering from the nose and mouth. Rub the neonates belly to help stimulate breathing. When this is achieved the neonate will begin to squeak and wriggle. Once this is achieved replace the neonate back in with the queen immediately.

  §  If the queen fails to break to umbilical cord this can be tied off with a piece of string 1-2 inches from the neonates naval. Make sure you have tied a double knot before cutting through the cord 0.5cm away from the knot towards the placental side.

  Stage 3: Labour

  v  Alternates with stage 2 labour & takes place once a neonate has been delivered

  v  Expulsion of placentas

  v  Production of Uteroverdin (breakdown of maternal blood between the placenta & foetal membranes)

  v  The queen will eat each placenta once expelled

  When to Contact a Veterinarian

  During Pregnancy

  v  If a neonate has not been delivered within 30 minutes of the water breaking

  v  Straining continues with no deliveries after the first hour

  v  The queen becomes weak and straining is unproductive

  v  More than 2 hours passes between the delivery of each neonate

  v  A red or green discharge is seen and no neonates are delivered

  v  Labour exceeds a 12 hour period

   

   

  After Birth

  v  The queen bleeds significantly from her vulva (more than 2tsp)

  v  If you see a white, cloudy, foul smelling discharge

  v  If the queen seems lethargic or restless

  v  The queen fails to eat normally within 12hours post labour

  v  If the queen is still straining after the final neonate is delivered

  v  If the queen shows no interest in the neonates & they fail to suckle

  Management of the Queen & Neonates

  v  It is essential that each neonate receives the first milk from the queen within the first few hours of life. This milk (colostrum) contains antibodies that provide each neonate with ‘passive immunity’ against infection, nutrients & aids in the growth process

  v  When the neonates are delivered they should all be ready to suckle. If any neonates struggle to do so aid them in finding a nipple and latching on.

  v  Provide the queen with clean bedding

  v  Place a heating pad underneath the bedding or hang an infra red light above the kittening box for warmth

  v  Ensure the box is situated away from drafts and the busyness of the house

  v  Place the queens food, water and litter tray close to the kittening box as she will be reluctant to leave the neonates alone.

  Notes:

  §  Vaginal bleeding should stop after one week

  §  The queens temperature will be high for 7 days post labour

  §  The neonates eyes will open 5 – 11 days post birth and their hearing develops

   7 – 14 days post birth

   

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