The delivery of a cat is one of the periods that raises the most doubts in caregivers, perhaps because it is a process that runs mostly internally, so that it is difficult to control it with the naked eye, which increases uncertainty and the fear that it is not happening within normality.
In this article on our site we will look at how long does a cat's labor take to help caregivers identify if the process is running normally or, on the contrary, it is necessary to go to the vet.
Signs that a cat is going to give birth
Cats have pregnancies of around 62-65 days and Greed an average of four kittens They can give birth several times a year, generally in the months of more light. It is recommended that we carry out a veterinary follow-up of this period, which will help us prevent problems, establish an approximate date of delivery and control the proper development of the pregnancy. We must also change their diet to adapt it to their new needs. We will notice that her intake increases, although it will decrease or even she will stop eating during the days before delivery
The approximation of births is related to changes in their body temperature so that, by measuring it, we can get closer to the probable date of Birth. Likewise, another symptom that indicates that a cat is going to give birth soon is the preparation of the nest, so it is normal for the cat to look for a sheltered and safe place for this moment. We can make you a bed with materials such as sheets, towels or underpads and place it in a place of your choice. Still, it may prefer to find its own nest.
On the other hand, before giving birth we can notice restless, scratching the ground, turning on itself, lying down and getting up, etc. We will also notice that her activity decreases and she spends more time lying down. So, now that we know how to know if a cat is in labor, in the next section we will see how long a cat's labor lasts.
How long does it take for a cat to give birth?
The question how long a cat's labor lasts can only be answered approximately, since it is not a process that responds to fixed rulesEven so, it is possible to offer some times that can serve as a guide for caregivers when determining if the birth is proceeding as usual or if there are delays that could imply problems.
You have to know, first of all, that labor consists of a first phase of dilation, where the uterine contractions gradually open the cervix to allow the passage of the young, and a second expulsion in which the little kittens are born. To find out how long the labor of a first-time cat lasts, we must bear in mind that the dilation phase can be prolonged. It is possible that before labor begins the cat loses the mucous plug, which is the substance that has sealed the uterus during gestation to prevent infection. This plug can fall between 7 and 3 days before giving birth, although we will not always observe it because it is normal for the cat to lick herself. If more days pass, we should consult the veterinarian, the same as if a greenish discharge is produced that is not followed by the birth of a baby.
How long does it take for a cat to give birth since her water breaks?
It is important to differentiate between the plug and the secretion of amniotic fluid from a pouch rupture How long does it take for a cat to give birth since it breaks waters should not exceed 2-3 hours, that is, before that time we should observe signs of labor. The young are usually born at intervals of half an hour, although there are especially rapid births in which a kitten is born every minute. On the contrary, births can be delayed by an hour. More time is reason for consultation.
Can a cat give birth in several days?
Although labor may be longer than delivery, normal labor proceeds quickly. A cat cannot give birth in several days, so if she has been in labor for more than 24 hours, it will be necessary to go to the specialist to see what is happening
When the cat's labor is prolonged
Once we have explained how long a cat's labor lasts, we will see some times that will require veterinary intervention:
- Once contractions have started, if more than 2 hours go by without them.
- Very weak contractions for 2-4 hours.
- Very intense contractions in the expulsive without any puppies being born in 20-30 minutes.
- Regardless of the times, if we observe any obstruction in the birth canal.
Any of these signs may indicate a problem in the babies or in the mother and we will have to contact our veterinarian. A Caesarean section. may be indicated
How to help a cat give birth?
Cats usually stop quickly and don't need help, but here are some tips to make it easier for them just in case:
- Prepare a comfortable nest, safe and, above all, quiet.
- Do not disturb her or manipulate her.
- Observe her discreetly to make sure everything goes smoothly.
- When the kitten is born, her mother releases it from the amniotic sac, she licks it clean and cuts its umbilical cord. If we observe that the cat does not do any of these actions, we must, with clean hands, tear the bag and bring it closer to her mother If she doesn't lick it that way either, we have You have to clean his nose and mouth by inserting a finger and gently rubbing his back to stimulate breathing. We will leave him on one nipple to start breastfeeding.
- Any sign like the ones we have described is a reason to call our vet.
How do I know if my cat has finished giving birth?
As we said in previous sections, from the time a kitten is born until the next comes out, it usually takes no more than an hour, so, in general, if after two hours after the last birth there are no signs of another, we can deduce that the cat's labor has finished If we have done any control radiographic during pregnancy it is possible that we know the exact number of offspring that gestated. In this case we will know with how many kittens we can consider the birth finished.
A sign that can indicate that a cat has finished giving birth is her attitude, since when she has already given birth to all her young she usually dedicates herself to them, licking them and checking that they are fed, or sits up to drink water and regain some strength. If the cat continues to lie down or is still agitated, it is possible that she still has a kitten inside and is having difficulty expelling it. We stress the importance of calling the vet in these cases. Consult the article on "Problems in the delivery of a cat" to identify them and act quickly.
