is my cat in labour?!

Question
hi, my 11 month old cat is pregnant. i don't know how far she is as i don't know when she was on heat. we have been able to see the kittens moving now for about a week, this is her (and mine!) first and only litter so I'm not really sure what to expect, i think i have got the basics, and i have the vets number with me 24/7. but the thing is she just passed a lot of white mucus and i've not read anything about this before, does this mean she is in labor or is she ill.  thanks  karen.

Answer
The mucus was probably just a bit of discharge, but that does mean that the birth will be soon! First time moms need a little help sometimes, so be watching for her to start the birthing process. Usually, the first thing she will do is clean herself and the vaginal area profusely. Then, if she hasn't already done so, she will pick a nest.

It's best if you can set up a box with a soft blanket or ripped up towel before the birth because no matter where she chooses to give birth, the kittens and their mother must be placed inside the box after the last kitten has been born, and then left alone. Check back with mom every three or four hours to make sure everyone is nursing or at the very least cuddling up with mom to stay warm.

http://cats.about.com/od/kittencare/ss/track6weeks.htm

That's a very good article about what to expect for the first few weeks of a kitten's life. I hope it helps you.

A few more points to remember:

-Kittens are unable to regulate their body heat for the first 72 hours, they rely on mama to keep them warm. If mom abandons a kit, you need to take on feeding and warming duties if you choose.

-Keep in mind that if mom rejects one kitten, there is a reason. If she rejects two, she may be too scared and confused to be a good mother and it will be time for you to begin to feed and warm the kittens. In this event, place the mother in with the kittens every chance you get, and hope that she will realize what to do.

You'll be fine! Most cats are great mothers and her instincts will tell her more than I can tell you. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask!