very pregnant cat

Question
hi,
i am hoping you can help me. i recently took in a pregnant cat as her owners son is allergic.
she said the cat mated on the 26,27 and 28th of august which i think makes her due now.
she isn't showing any signs of impending labour though.
the only thing that has happened is she sat on my bed with me earlier and had a small drop of fluid come away, clear and odourless. she of course looked at me as if to say "did you do that"
she is eating a lot, drinking a lot and sleeping a lot.
she has a very full tummy quite hard and i can feel kittens moving as well as their outlines.
kittys were very visibly active until today where their movements have now quietened down. still can feel them though.
i think she is on day 68 from the first day of mating.
her tummy looks quite a bit lower but her breast are not yet swollen with milk.
how long do i leave her before taking her to the vets.she seems in no hurry to part with these kittens!
thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.

Answer
Dear Bex

By my reckoning she is currently 66 days from the date of the first mating so no need to worry at the moment.  I would personally not worry until 70 days.  However from what you describe I don't think you'll be waiting that long.  The small drop of fluid is the first sign but don't worry if nothing happens for 24 hours but as the kittens have gone quieter I would say it won't be long. You may like to consider staying up with her tonight in case she goes into full labour.  Some people say cats stop eating just before they start but I have to say its not something that mine do.

Don't worry unduly about the visual lack of milk, some don't seem to start production until the kittens arrive.  In fact the labour and eating the placenta does tend to stimulate the milk production.

Though I have said that usually labour starts within 24 hours of the first discharge, this is by no means definite.  I have had a Burmese do this and it was 5 days before anything else happened - less usual but can happen.  Be patient and I'm sure before long you will have some babies.

I am out and about tomorrow but if you need any more support let me know and I will answer as soon as I can.

Let me know when the happy event takes place.

Marcia.