In cats, the gestation normally lasts 63–66 days with fluctuation range of 52 – 71 days. The period is shorter in case of large litters.

It is recommended to visit the animal clinic for a check starting from Day 45 of the gestation period. During the visit, general examination of the animal and recommendations are given, if necessary, x-ray examination/ radiology and ultrasonography are performed.

Why is x-ray examination/radiology necessary?

It is recommended to perform x-ray examination/ radiology to determine the size of the litter. Moreover, x-ray examination/ radiology helps determine the size and position of the kittens. It is especially important in case of small litters, where giving birth may be complicated. Ultrasonography helps evaluate cardiac activity of the foetuses. It is not sufficient to only use ultrasonography to count the number of kittens in the litter, as it may be complicated due to their movement in the uterus. Therefore, x-ray examination/ radiology is always recommended. You should not worry about radiation, as the dosage needed to make one image is very small and does not cause any damage to either the mother or foetuses. 

Due date is getting closer

Before the due date, it is important to provide the cat with peace and calm and prepare a warm and soft nest, for example, a big box or basket, and put it in the shaded place. It is essential that the cat would have enough time to get used to this place. During the last gestation weeks, the cat’s behaviour may change. The cat that preferred to stay by itself, may start searching for company and vice versa, it may start looking for a quiet, dark, and warm place suitable for giving birth. At the end of the gestation, both the cat’s activity level and appetite change. Pelvic ligaments and abdominal muscles become loose, udder development intensifies. The teats turn pink and approximately 24 hours before the beginning of the labour, milk appears. Similarly to dogs, it is important to measure the cat’s temperature during the last weeks of gestation. Body temperature decrease by 0.5 - 1ºC signals the beginning of the labour in 12 hours.

Giving birth

Labour stage I usually lasts 2–12 hours.  During this stage, the cat is concentrated on making the nest, becomes restless and may meow. The mother sometimes restlessly visits its litter box without defecating or urinating there. Finally, the cat finds a suitable place and remains there. Even if it is not the nest you prepared, let the cat peacefully stay there.

During labour stage II, the kittens are born. It usually takes 5 – 60 min to be born after the beginning of abdominal contractions. In case of the first gestation, the process usually takes longer. The cat may become very vocal while pressing the first kitten out. It is entirely normal, that some kittens are born in the anterior (head first) and some – in the posterior (legs first) position. The following kittens are usually born at 5–60-minute intervals.

After the birth of each kitten, the mother licks it, removes the remains of the amniotic sac, and chews through the umbilical cord. If the mother does not do that itself, the owner must remove the amniotic sac, clean the airways (by gently sucking) and dry the kitten with a towel. Such intense rubbing of the kitten stimulates respiration. The umbilical cord has to be tied with a thread at 2 cm from the kitten’s belly and thereafter cut at the mother’s side of the thread. If you see that mother is trying to chew the umbilical cord too close to the kitten’s belly, cut it yourself at the appropriate distance. Chewing through or cutting the umbilical cord too close to the kitten’s belly may lead to the development of infection or, in more severe cases even death.

During birth, dark red discharge originating from placenta may flow from the vulva. The cat may stand up, move around, and clean its vulva. These activities are believed to intensify contractions and straining, as well as help press the kitten out.

The entire labour stage II usually lasts approximately 6 hours. Sometimes, there may be pauses lasting several hours, while no kitten is born. Thus, the duration of the stage my become longer and last up to 24 hours.

During labour stage III, placenta is delivered. Placenta is delivered after the birth of each kitten or after the delivery of 2–3 kittens. Placenta has to be delivered maximum two hours after the birth of the kitten. Similarly to dogs, the mother cat also regularly eats placenta.

After giving birth

The mother normally starts taking care of its kittens, but if it does not happen the owner must get milk substitute mixture and consult the veterinarian.

When is it necessary to consult a veterinarian?

You should consult the veterinarian if:

• The due date has passed and the kittens were not born;
• The interval between the delivery of two kittens is longer than three hours or if no straining occurs;
• Visible contraction and straining develop, but the kitten is not delivered within half an hour;
• Greenish red or brown secretion is discharged from the vulva, but no kitten is delivered during 2–4 hours;
• Amniotic fluid flew out 2 – 3 hours ago, but no kittens have been delivered since then;
• Body temperature of the mother is increasing and the animal is lethargic, but contractions continue

What usually happens in the clinic?

If it is necessary to go to the clinic, place the kittens into a warm soft nest (basket/ box). You should also put bottles with warm water there.

The veterinarian will examine the animal and evaluate its condition. Certainly x-ray examination/ radiology or ultrasonography will be performed and the treatment plan will be developed: whether to induce contractions or perform a caesarean section.