Expert: Norman Auspitz - 4/13/2009

Question
Hello,
My cat, Luna, is about 71 days pregnant. She seems happy
and healthy. She is an indoor cat and is very trusting of
my husband and I. She is almost 1 year (may). I do believe
she conceived around the beginning of February. Her 1st
cycle was right around xmas, then again at the end
January-Beginning of February. I can feel the babies moving
and she is eating, drinking and everything else normal. I
have read a lot on the subject but I am not sure if I
should seclude her to a room or just let her be. There are
no signs of labor being imminent but I honestly can't
imagine her going much longer. She is a petite cat, I
believe she will have maybe 3 kittens. Is there anything
you can tell me that might help the process along. I know
to take her to vet if she is uncomfortable or seemingly in
pain, at this point none of that is apparent. She is still
playful and loves to beloved on. I would sincerely
appreciate any advice you could give.
Thanks! :)
Michelle

Answer
Michelle,

Normally, nature has to take its course.  Are you sure your count is correct?  Our rule is to go to the vet if the female is longer than 69 days.  Here are some guidelines as to what to expect in her progress:

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 contractions 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 normal 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.