Is she going to give birth soon?

Question
Hi, my family took in a stray cat in late April, who we found out was pregnant a while afterwards, we're guessing she got pregnant around may the 8th. I did the purinlot pregnancy calendar and it said she's due July 10th/11th.

I noticed last night there was an almost grey colored discharge coming from her private area(there wasn't a lot), when she noticed, she licked it away. Was this her mucus plug? if so, is it okay that she didn't give birth last night and hasn't yet or should I be concerned? I was also feeling the kittens, who were moving around an insane amount, and I felt this rippling type of thing through her abdomen area. She didn't seem affected by it at all, as she just kept laying there acting like she didn't notice. I didn't feel it at all again, but did notice about a half hour after that discharge had happened, her whole attitude changed. She went over and layed on our table looking extremely POed and swishing her tail a lot. She didn't sleep for a long time.

I took her temperature the night before last and it was 100.9, I took it last night and it was 100.1. Is this normal for it to drop like that?

She has been looking for a place to nest a lot too(I do have a box for her that she sleeps in a lot) lately and today she's acting very sullen and reserved.

Are these signs saying that she will deliver soon?

Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Andrea

Answer
Andrea,

Congratulations on being well read and having done your homework.

Yes, it is normal for the queen's body temperature to drop just before kittening.

Yes, it sounds as if birth is imminent.  When she is ready, she will deliver.  The mucous discharge can go on for a couple of days.  A day or two before birth, the kittens will usually form hard knots and "drop", i.e. move downward and towards the birth canal in the abdomen.

It is likely, if she enjoys sleeping in her box, she will have kittens there (but, there are no guarantees).  The important thing is to make sure her birthing box and bedding are in a warm place free from drafts away from any other pets and small children.  The more peaceful the locale, the more she will like it.

I assume you have all the proper accoutrements in hand.  Paper towels, alcohol, a scissors (for cutting the cord if mama does not), a soft facecloth (for wiping the babies little faces upon birth, if mama does not get to them right away in her cleaning.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards... Norm.