In general, cats are perfectly capable of doing labor; In fact, the most natural thing is that they hide to do it alone. However, we must not neglect the process because it can be stressful for our pet.

The key is to know how to act when the time comes and that is why we need to know how the process of giving birth to a cat develops.

The moments before delivery

The process of gestation of a cat has an average duration of between 57 and 63 days so, about nine weeks after fertilization, it should be in the process of giving birth.

If we do not know how long it takes to get pregnant, the best way to know it is to take it to the vet and do ultrasound exams by evaluating the cat’s behavior.

The week before delivery, all the cat’s routines will change and begin to search through the house what will be the space for the birth. He will start to enter the cupboards, curl up in corners or get under the tables.

Also, we can notice a lot of movement in his abdomen and it will not be uncommon that, although the cat becomes more sedentary, it does not remain still in one position, given the movement of the puppies. In some cases they can get panting because of the pressure of pregnancy.

At this stage, it is essential to prepare the space for childbirth. To do this, it is recommended to enable warm and comfortable enough cushions to serve as a bed, in order to associate it as the right place.

It may be the case that the cat is accommodated to give birth in some other place that it deems most appropriate, so we must move all the minimum care to that area.

The beginning of the process

Approximately 24 hours before delivery begins the process of dilation and production of milk; It is in this period that the puppies will begin to move more frantically in the belly.

From this point the cat will become very restless, will walk from one side to the other and will make meows with groans, which will be more intense as the hours progress.

Also, it will be common to seek to be where your owner is, getting on the bed, hiding in spaces where you are or looking for contact with him.

The most common is that it starts to purr very loudly.

The gasps are also normal and arrive in response to the pain of childbirth, so it is convenient to care for her, give her words of encouragement and accompany her as much as she wishes.

Just at the time of delivery, the cat’s rectal temperature will change and she will adopt a posture as if she wanted to defecate. From there, the contractions will begin and the puppies will begin to be born.

¿What to do during childbirth?

It is necessary not to intervene in anything during the process and let the cat, by itself, give birth and clean their young. If the case occurs in which, during delivery, the cat stops and continues to push unsuccessfully, it may be necessary to take her to the veterinarian.

Few times cats are unable to give birth to their own offspring, but, in case of any complication, it is essential to have the emergency number of the veterinary clinic at hand. We must avoid at all costs force the birth or extract any of the offspring.

The birth process can take 30 to 60 minutes and it is necessary for the cat to have fresh food and water within reach, in case it needs to be replenished.

Once all the pups are born, the cat will concentrate on breastfeeding and caring for them.