How Can You Tell When A Cat Is About To Give Birth?

As a cat owner, it’s important to be prepared for the arrival of kittens. One of the most crucial aspects of this is knowing when your cat is about to give birth. Here are some key signs to look out for:

1. Nesting Behavior

One clear indication that your cat is close to giving birth is nesting behavior. Your cat may start seeking out quiet, secluded places to create a comfortable nest for her impending delivery.

2. Increase in Restlessness

Prior to giving birth, your cat might exhibit signs of restlessness. She may pace around, appear agitated, or have difficulty settling down.

3. Decrease in Body Temperature

A subtle but important sign is a drop in your cat’s body temperature. A temperature below 100°F could indicate that birth is imminent within the next 24 hours.

4. Loss of Appetite

As delivery approaches, your cat may lose interest in food. This decrease in appetite is normal and usually temporary.

5. Increased Vocalization

Your cat may become more vocal as she nears labor. She might meow more frequently or exhibit other vocalization patterns.

6. Swollen Abdomen

Around one to two weeks before giving birth, your cat’s abdomen will visibly enlarge as her kittens grow, giving you a visual indicator that the time is near.

7. Milk Production

Just before birth, your cat’s nipples may become enlarged and produce milk. This is a sign that her body is preparing for the nursing phase.

8. Resting More

As birth becomes imminent, your cat may start resting more than usual. She may spend more time in her nest, conserving energy for the labor ahead.

9. Licking and Grooming

Your cat may groom herself excessively in the days leading up to birth. This grooming behavior helps her stay clean and comfortable during the delivery process.

10. Increased Affection

Some cats become more affectionate as they near birth. Your cat might seek more attention from you or display increased cuddling behavior.

11. Visible Contractions

Once labor begins, you may observe visible contractions in your cat’s abdomen as she prepares to deliver her kittens.

How Can You Tell When A Cat Is About To Give Birth?

12. Seeking Seclusion

In the final stages of pregnancy, your cat may withdraw to a quiet, secluded spot to give birth. This instinctual behavior is a sign that she is getting ready for the arrival of her kittens.

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Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).