i think my cats in labor

Question
Hello I have read alot of sites on cats being in labor and nothing seems to pertain to my cat ... her stomach is hard but shes still eating like theres no tomorrow she has been cleaning herself more frequently and my male cat won't leave her alone her stomach is huge and i can feel babies kicking occasionally as well as lumps... she doesn't seem to be able to get comfortable and is waking up at every little sound tonight she was in the living room meowing but she stopped when i came into the room she seemed very uncomfortable and restless for about 30 mins now she is sleeping.. her poop has been kind of runny for about 3 days and tonight she was actually licking the litter box...there doesn't seem to be any mucus but when i touch her back by her tail she quivers....she also is not as cuddly as shes been through her pregnancy...her nipples are crusty like but no milk is present her stomach started to show very noticeably about 2 and a half weeks ago...is it possible my cat is in early labor i do not know when she got pregnant... is there a way to tell if shes in labor or when she will be due?

Answer
Hi Sam

From what you describe, your cat isn't in labour but it may not be too far off.  The milk should start to come in a couple of days to a week before kittening.  

The first stage of labour will roduce a mucous at her back end which should mean that labour will happen within the next 24 hours, though in some cases it could start a lot sooner after seeing it.  When she is really getting into the second stages you will visibly see her stomach muscles contracting as she tries to push the kittens out. I'm afraid there is no sure way of knowing when she is going to go into labour, if you don't know when she was mated.  It really will be a watch and wait exercise.

Good luck.

Marcia.