Tips To Prepare For The Big Day
Make your home a comfortable place for the impending birth. If you normally let your cat go outside, stop that, to avoid them to go into labor during one of their walkabouts.
About 2 weeks before the due date, you may notice your cat is acting different as they get into nesting mode. To help out, you can scan your home for a good birthing spot for them. Find a medium-sized box with a low opening, and cover it with newspapers, old towels, and soft blankets to create a relaxing area for the mother and their future kittens.
You should place the nesting box in a quiet corner of your house. Let your pregnant cat visit it often, before the birth, so they get used to the area and feel comfortable.
Keep in mind that you can guide your cat as much as possible and set up the ultimate birthing spot, but they are going to do what they are going to do. If they want to give birth in a laundry basket, behind the garbage can, or in the back of your closet, they will.
When you notice that the cat is in nesting mode, take them to the vet for their final prenatal visit. The vet will give you more information about how to prepare for the delivery, check on the mother and kittiesâ health, and tell you want to do if thereâs an emergency during the birth.
Two clues that the big day is coming: Cats usually stop eating 24 hours before they give birth, and their temperature drops below 100 F. Youâll meet those kittens soon!
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What You Need To Know If Your Cat Is Pregnant
Cat pregnancy is often undetectable for the first few weeks, but once confirmed, it requires close attention to ensure your cat is healthy and prepared for the impending arrival of her kittens. If you suspect your cat is pregnant, or have confirmed the pregnancy but have questions, you may have relied on the internet for answers. At GeniusVets, we believe that pet care information should come from veterinarians and not from well-intended people on the internet. Thats why weve taken cat pregnancy FAQs, sent these questions to renowned veterinarians across the U.S,. and compiled their replies to get you useful information that you can trust.
While we’ve sourced all of the cat pregnancy information and recommendations below directly from leading veterinarians across the country, please make sure to seek out the advice of your own veterinarian or find a trusted vet near you using the GeniusVets Directory.
Should You Spay A Pregnant Cat
Alycia Washington is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with nearly a decade of experience as a small animal emergency veterinarian. She currently works as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals. Dr. Washington recognizes the importance of education and also works as a freelance veterinary writer.
So you were a little slow in having her spayed and your cat turned up pregnant. Or, perhaps a pregnant stray adopted you. Maybe you are working with a rescue group and this is your first fostering experience with a pregnant cat. Where do you go from here?
Your first major decision is whether or not to allow the pregnancy to continue. Pregnant cats can be spayed, but the decision depends on a number of factors, which you should discuss with your veterinarian and your family.
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Is Your Cat Pregnant How To Tell If Kitty Purry Has A Bun In The Oven
Is my cat pregnant? Its a question that many owners of female outdoor cats have asked themselves. Maybe youve noticed Kitty Purry looks decidedly plumper these days. Or perhaps you rescued a cat clearly on the cusp of becoming a mama. It could be that your kid drew a picture of a cat that looked pregnant and now youre paranoid. For some cat owners, the possibility of a cat pregnancy might be a good thing. It may not be as desirable for others, but, hey, it is not the worst thing in the world either especially if you arm yourself with information. So, how can you tell if your cat is pregnant? Well walk you through the signs and stages, as well as what comes next .
If your cat hasnt yet been spayed, recently went into heat, and was in the same proximity as an intact or unneutered male cat, well, its quite possible a litter of kittens could be in your homes near future. At this point, wed be remiss not to mention that female cats who arent spayed can have up to three litters per year. Its important to spay and neuter house cats to avoid overpopulation.
Granted, even indoor cats sometimes sneak out and have their own agenda, which may very well be why youre here right now, searching for answers. In that case, keep reading for everything to know about determining if your cat is preggers.
Why Would A Cat Need A Globulin Level Test
Globulin Levels in Cats. The blood test is a great tool even for seemingly healthy cats, as it will bring to light inconsistencies that could be the beginning of a health problem, as well as help clarify symptoms. The blood test also aids in keeping track of how treatment is effecting the cats overall health.
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Do I Need To Help My Cat Raise Her Kittens
Occasionally kittens will be born prematurely. They will be small, thin, and have little or no hair. These kittens require intensive nursing care. Premature kittens often fail to nurse, and need to be fed with a syringe, bottle, or stomach tube.
They also need to be kept warm if the queen rejects them.
“A normal healthy kitten, when warm and dry, needs no assistance in finding its mother’s teat and suckling.”
A normal healthy kitten, when warm and dry, needs no assistance in finding its mother’s teat and suckling. Occasionally an exhausted, restless, nervous, or ill queen may fail to assist her kittens. If the queen fails to nurse her kittens, she should be checked by your veterinarian. If the mother is unable to care for the kittens, they may need to be hand fed. .
Looking For Signs Of Pregnancy
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Their Nipples Look Different
Like human bodies, a cat’s body has to also prepare itself for a baby. That means that your cat’s nipples will look differently if she’s pregnant. They’ll probably look more puffy and engorged, and may be a darker color. This is fairly easy to notice if you have a cat with light color fur. If you have a cat with a thick coat of dark hair, it may not be as easy to take note of.
Watch For Nesting Behaviours
You may notice that your cat starts to go to a quiet place – such as a closet or corner of a barn – and begins to arrange blankets, towels or straw to create a good place to give birth to her kittens. If you do notice this then help her and arrange a soft spot by lining a cardboard box with blankets or towels.
If you notice that your cat is exhibiting any of these signs, take her to your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Please note, this article is for advice purposes only and shouldn’t be treated as a medical document.
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What Age Can A Cat Get Pregnant
A cat can get pregnant as soon as shes about four months old, which is why its so important to get her spayed early on. Typically, a female cat may experience heat around that time. A cat doesnt experience menopause like a human does it can keep getting pregnant until the last few years of its life. Therefore, a cat that hasnt been spayed can get pregnant both very young and very old.
If you have more questions about feline pregnancy that havent been answered here, feel free to . Consider coming in for a visit to make sure and get ready. There are many medical reasons to check up on your cat, especially if this is her first litter.
What To Do If You Think Your Cat Is Pregnant
If you see these signs and suspect pregnancy, it’s best to take your cat to your veterinarian, who can help confirm the pregnancy. There, she can have blood drawn for a pregnancy test or have an ultrasound taken, but both those options can be expensive, Vahrenwald says.
Another option might be having an X-ray taken. As the kittens’ bones start to form while still gestating, an X-ray will be able to show the size of the litter.
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How Do You Prepare For A Pregnant Cat To Give Birth
You might be nervous, excited or confused about how to help prepare your cat for birth. Rest assured, the cat kingdom has been birthing kittens in relative safety since the dawn of their species, but there are a few things you can do to help ensure a smooth delivery and prepare yourself for whats to come in the weeks before birth. If youre wondering how to tell when your cat is in labour, you can read about the signs and stages here.
Preparing yourself mentally
Yes, this is an important factor to a safe kitten delivery. If you are stressed, the mother cat will sense it. Keep calm no matter what happens, over the course of the pregnancy read up on what can be expected to happen during the birth so there are no surprises. Note that you should not have to physically help your cat deliver her kittens, just take a step back and supervise, watching for any signs shes running into trouble.
Preparing for the big day
One of the most important preparations for your pregnant cat is setting up a nesting box youll probably notice near the end of her pregnancy she will start scouting out quiet places to give birth. Give her a helping hand and set up a nesting box in a quiet room away from children and other pets a few days before expected delivery.
Bear in mind that your cat might not actually use it they are very strong-willed however, if you limit her access to other potential birthing spots like dark cupboards, wardrobes or open drawers, she may well end up using your box.
How Often Will Your Cat Become Pregnant Over A Year
Because of their short gestation, they can give birth multiple times and maybe have 5 litters a year. If your furry friend is pregnant, give her a lot of love and give her plenty of room. Always have your vet’s number nearby in case you have any questions or you feel something is wrong is happening. They will give you the very best advice and recommendations. On top of all else, it’s really important you remain calm and get ready for a very cute family!
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Will My Cat Remove These Membranes
The queen will usually remove these membranes and sever the umbilical cord. If she becomes tired, or is inexperienced and fails to do so, you can gently tear the membrane from the kitten’s nose and mouth. Immediately following the removal of the membrane the kitten should start breathing, move around and find a nipple and begin suckling.
Ensure A Happy And Healthy Pregnancy
Treat your pregnant cat like the queen she is by taking the necessary steps to provide the best environment for her throughout the gestation period. Pregnant or not, the Litter-Robot 3 Connect and the app are the perfect pairing for cats in all phases of life.
With Litter-Robot, youll get notified when the litter box needs your attention. Plus, you will also be able to monitor your cats bathroom behaviors right from your phone!
Tired of unsightly litter boxes in your home? With Litter-Robots litter box credenza, your cats litter box will remain out of sight and nestled inside of a charming piece of furniture, all with a modern coastal look. Its a win-win for you and your cat!
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Taking Care Of Your Pregnant Cat
During her pregnancy, you will want to keep your cat relatively active in order to ensure she is fit for giving birth. Avoid any excessively rowdy activity towards the end of your cats pregnancy, however. You will need to help her stay calm as she nears her due date, as anything too active could cause her stress. Throughout the pregnancy be sure to pay attention to her appetite and her comfort level. If your cat loses interest in her food or is visibly distressed or agitated, it could signal a problem with her pregnancy.
Keep The Area Private And Quiet
The mother and her kittens should be kept in a quiet, low-traffic area of the house. If there is too much commotion around her, she may become stressed and neglect her kittens.
As the kittens get older and more rambunctious, your cat will want more and more time to get away and sleep, groom, or socialize with members of the household. Give your cat space to get away from the kittens, but make sure that she is returning often to check on them.
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How Do I Revive A Non
- Tear the membranes from the nose, wipe the nose, open the mouth, tilt the kitten’s head down and clear away any fluids.
- If the umbilical cord has not broken on delivery, tear it an inch from the kitten and remove the bulk of the membranes. Complicated cutting and tying of the cord are unnecessary. The queen would chew through it, providing a blunt crushing action to prevent bleeding you can do the same thing by tearing it between your first two fingers and thumb.
- If the kitten is not breathing, or if it was delivered tail first and possibly inhaled fluid, it is necessary to clear debris and fluid from the air passages The back of the mouth can be suctioned using a pediatric bulb syringe or Argyle DeLee mucus trap to clear away fluids while the kitten is rubbed vigorously. Swinging kittens to remove fluid is no longer recommended as it can cause severe brain trauma. The color of the kitten’s tongue is a reliable indicator of success. If the kitten is receiving sufficient oxygen, the tongue will be pink if not it will have a bluish tint.
Mammary Glands Will Increase In Size
During the final week of pregnancy, the mammary glands of your cat will increase in size. Her mammary glands are arranged in 2 parallel rows running along the outside body wall that extends from the groin area up to the underside of her chest. Cats usually have 4 pairs of mammary glands. Approximately 2 days before your cat gives birth, shell start to produce milk.
You may notice some cream colored thick secretions coming out of her nipples. Your cat might lick it off or she could just let it dry up and youll notice that her nipples will have small whitish scabs on them. Its commonly believed that each nipple has its very own unique smell, which kittens use to attach themselves repeatedly to the same nipple.
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How Long Are Persian Cats Pregnant
Between days 63 and 65, the average cat gives birth to a kitten or queen most cats give birth in their 64 to 71-day period of pregnancy. Breeding date should be recorded to allow for a prediction of the delivery date. She is usually able to determine whether or not she is pregnant three to four weeks after she gives birth.
Signs Of Approaching Labor
As cats prepare to give birth, there are several signs that kittens are just around the corner. Restlessness is a common sign of approaching labor. Starting up to 48 hours before, the cat might pace back and forth, yowl, and knead. Cats usually retreat to their chosen birthing area anywhere from a few hours to two days before giving birth.
Another sign that your cat is ready to give birth is decreased appetite. Many cats stop eating about 24 hours before labor. If you have a thermometer, you can also check her temperaturea cats body temperature drops below 100°F before labor.
When labor is imminent, the cat will likely begin licking her vulva incessantly as she cleans away small amounts of discharge and prepares for birth. As labor begins, you may be able to see contractions occurring. At this point, kittens usually appear in intervals between a few minutes to an hour apart, although it may be longer or shorter.
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