How to Help a Cat Give Birth

How to Help a Cat Give Birth
Whether you breed purebred cats for a living or are responsible for a cat that has become pregnant in your care, it is important to know what to do when the cat is in labor and giving birth to their kittens. The typical gestation period for cats is between 65 and 67 days. Once you have received confirmation that your cat is pregnant, you should prepare for the possible birth. How to do it



Look for signs of pregnancy. There are several signs that you can look for to see if your cat is pregnant or could be pregnant. [1]
Common signs of pregnancy in cats are pink, enlarged nipples, a swollen belly and an end to mating calls.
Take her to the examination. Once you know that your cat is pregnant (or if you suspect it is), take it to a veterinarian for a medical exam.
The vet can prove that the pregnancy is progressing without complications, and can advise you on how to prepare for the birth of kittens.
It is especially important to take a cat who is overweight or has existing health problems to a veterinarian, as soon as you are aware of a pregnancy or are suspected of having a higher risk of complications. [2]
In some cases, the veterinarian may find that maintaining pregnancy may endanger the mother and that spaying at this stage is the best and most humane way.
The veterinarian can also estimate how many kittens are to be expected. This will be helpful later to determine when all kittens have been delivered and labor is due to end. [3]
Adjust your diet in the third trimester. When a pregnant cat reaches her third trimester (about 42 days after pregnancy or when the stomach is visibly swollen), she has different nutritional needs. So make sure she gets the right amount of food and nutrients. [4]
Keep her on her usual diet for the first two-thirds of pregnancy.
Switch to cat food for the last trimester, which contains more calories with a smaller feed volume. Her abdomen presses against her stomach, which limits her ability to eat. Therefore, kitten food is ideal to provide them with nutrients.
Build a nest. Cats need a warm, peaceful and safe place to be born, and your cat will deliberately go to such a place before birth. Your cat will usually show breeding signs a few days before birth. This is the perfect opportunity to guide her into the nest you have already prepared for her.
The laundry room or bathroom are great places to build a nest for them; Make sure that at no time children or dogs storm through this place. The mother has to feel safe and relaxed in her nesting place.
It should have easy access to fresh water, some food and the cat litter box (which should be about two feet away - putting it too close may increase the risk of disease).
Look for a large cardboard box with high sides and fill it with old, soft objects that do not get dirty, such as towels, fluffy blankets, newspapers, etc.
No matter which material you choose, it should not have any strong scents as the mother and kitten recognize the smell.