If your cat is pregnant, who wouldn’t be excited to meet the newborn kittens soon enough? But as exciting as it can get, you would surely want the labor to be as stress-free as possible for your mother cat. But what if your cat starts acting differently and unwell? How do we know if your cat is done giving birth? In this blog, we will learn the ways to find out if cat still has kittens inside.
Signs Your Feline Friend Is In Labor
As cat owners, we must learn the basics of cat pregnancy. Do you know that cats are already fertile at six months old? The average gestation period in cats is 63-65 days.
You will notice these signs when your cat is in labor.
- They are acting nervous.
- Your cat starts to lose its appetite.
- They begin to pant or breathe faster.
- Your cat keeps on licking around its vulva.
- Lower body temperature.
- The cat’s mammary glands become bigger.
- They become affectionate.
- There’s a sudden change in your feline’s behavior.
- Your cat is howling.
- Your cat starts looking for a place to give birth, also called nesting.
These are the signs that your cat is about to give birth. During this time, watch over your cat but not in a way that makes your cat uncomfortable. Just be around in case something happens.
Ways To Find Out If Cat Still Has Kittens Inside
Learning about your cat’s birthing process includes knowing the ways to find out if cat still has kittens inside. Here are the ways to tell if cat still has kittens inside.
1. The cat is vocalizing
Labor is painful for cats just as it is for humans. One of the signs that it still has kittens inside is when it makes a lot of different noises.
2. The cat does not eat much
Normally, a cat who’s done delivering kittens will eat in the next hours after giving birth.
3. Your cat’s ears and tail look different
One of the ways to find out if cat still has kittens inside is by looking at its ears and tail. It would have another layer of padding in its tail and an unusual angle on the ears.
4. Your cat behaves aggressively
A cat in labor tends to become overprotective of her newborn kitten. This is completely normal because the cat is still adjusting at this point.
5. There’s a clear or tan color discharge coming out
The discharge could have a hint of blood, but that’s completely normal. If you see this discharge coming out, it’s a sign that the cat is still expecting newborn kittens.
6. There’s a lack of care for the kittens
A cat in labor will show affection and care for its newborn kittens, then afterward will focus on giving birth again. But if your feline does not focus on the kittens even for a short time, it’s a sign that there are more kittens inside the cat.
7. The cat is breathing rapidly
A cat will pant during labor. The reason for this is the process of labor requires a lot of energy from them. If they continue to breathe heavily after giving birth to kittens, chances are there are still more kittens to come out. Their breathing should go back to normal once they’re dong in labor.
If your cat still has kittens inside, you can help your cat by calming it. Let your cat feel the bump. Gently rub its abdomen but be careful not to tickle your cat as it may become aggressive.
When Your Cat Is Done Giving Birth
During labor, kittens should come out every after 10 minutes for up to an hour. In some cases, cats can give birth days apart. So how do we know if the cat is done giving birth?
It could be a little difficult to confirm if a cat is done giving birth. But the common signs are when the cat lacks contraction, and when it starts focusing on nursing and cleaning its kittens. Another sign is when your cat goes back to its normal behavior.
Next Thing To Do After Your Cat’s Labor
Our role as their fur parents does not stop once they’re done giving birth.
Once your cat is done giving birth, offer your lactating cat food that’s high in calories. If you’re thinking of feeding your cat healthy food like edamame, it’s best to consult your vet first to ensure it’s safe for your cat. Also, make sure to keep their place quiet and comfortable. Lastly, make sure your cat is feeding its newborn kittens adequately. Consult your vet if the cat is not nursing its kittens.
When Should You Call Your Cat’s Vet
Although it’s very common for cats to have a safe and successful delivery, you should keep your vet up to date on your cat’s pregnancy. You should call your vet if you notice any of these signs.
- If your cat is screaming lasts for an hour or more
- If the cat is bleeding too much for 10 minutes or more
- If your cat is in intense labor for 20 or more minutes but is not successful
- When your cat has a fever
- When the kitten is stuck in the birth canal for 10 minutes or more
- The number of the placenta is different from the number of kittens
- If your cat has a discharge with blood for seven days after labor
- When your cat is breathing rapidly and is licking for more than 24 hours
Conclusion
Going through labor is a special yet challenging experience for your cat. Hence, we must do our best to help our mother cat the best way we can. One important thing to learn is the ways to find out if cat still has kittens inside. Also, remember to call your vet if anything goes wrong during the labor.
