I think my cat is expecting

Question
Im not sure but I think my 12 month old cat is at least 4-5 weeks pregnat here some signs that clued me in .
she is being VERY loving
her nipples are inlarged and pink to hot pink
and I can fell mushroom sized balls in her tummy so can you please help m and give me advice on what to keep on hand and what to do during the birth please -mail me at kellseyrocca@yahoo.com (no caps or spaces on my e-mail)

Answer
Kellsey,

Normal domestic feline gestation is 65-67 days after mating, with 63 days being a normal minimum and 69 days being a normal maximum.

Here is the problem.  Every queen seems to want to do it a little differently, so the best I can do is give you guidelines.

Anywhere from a week before birth up until the onset of birth or  anywhere in between, she will get her milk in.  In this time frame she may also have a mucous/bloody discharge. (Although these events may start at different times during this time frame).

Anywhere from a few days before birth up until the onset of birth or anywhere in between, she may exhibit nesting behavior and restlessness.  Also, in this time frame her kittens will form hard knots and begin to move backward and downward in her abdomen.  This is really the very early stages of labor. (Although these events may start at different times during this time frame).

Anywhere from a few hours before birth up until the onset of birth or anywhere in between, her water may break and she will have what are called positioning contractins where she begins to get the kittens in line for birth.

You will know hard labor when you see it.  Once she starts her birthing contractions, it is usually about an hour before the first kitten is all the way out.  About 50% of the kittens are breech, so although it is a bit tougher, it is notmal for the first kitten to be breech.  

A couple of things you want to have handy are a roll of paper towels, a bottle of isopropyl alcohol, scissors (in case you have to cut the cords), and a soft face cloth to clean the kitten's face if mama does not do it immediately.

I like to use a "jumbo" cardboard storage chest (10" X 16" X 26") as a birthing box.  Put some old sheeting or toweling in side.  Put it somewhere you can easily get to, in a warm spot away from drafts, and away from young children and other pets.  You can half cover it with a towel, so it seems more den like.  

Make sure your vet knows what is going on, so, in case she has trouble, you have arrangements about what you must do.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Best regards... Norm.





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