Cat Labor and Giving Birth

If you’re expecting new bundles of fur arriving at your home soon, it can very exciting – and perhaps a little daunting too.

You shouldn’t need to worry – pregnant cats are usually more than capable of taking care of themselves, although they will still need close care and attention from you during labor. As they often try to sneak away to give birth in private, you’ll need to keep a close eye on them in the last few weeks just in case! Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about pregnancy in cats, or are worried about your cat giving birth. Their advice should help to put your mind at rest.

Here are some helpful tips from our Purina Pet Experts to help you be as prepared as possible for when your cat becomes a new mum.

How to Prepare for Cat Birth

Being prepared for cat labor and the birth of kittens is the best thing to do to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are some ways to prepare:

Be Quiet and Calm Around Her

During the last two weeks of your cat’s pregnancy, make sure everyone else in the family knows to be calm and quiet around her, and to handle your cat with care – especially children, who can be understandably excited at the prospect of kittens to play with soon!

Encourage Your Cat to Relax

Try to keep her as calm and inactive as possible during this time, and encourage her to relax in her special maternity bed. Even the snuggliest soft bed might not tempt her however, and some cats will reject your suggested birthing bed for a corner of a cupboard! Just make sure she has some choice on where to give birth and never try to move her from her chosen spot.

Have Help on Hand

Your cat’s labor should go smoothly, but it’s useful to have help on hand to keep her calm and in case she runs into any complications.

Get hold of your vet's out-of-hours phone number prior to your cat giving birth, as delivery often happens during the night, or they might need an emergency helping hand. If mum does have problems delivering her kittens, you may need to take her into the vet, so make sure that you have access to transport.

Create a Kittening Box

This should be prepared well in advance of your cat’s due date. This is so they get used to the box and see it as a safe space. Make sure the box is:

• Big enough for your cat (in width and height)
• Lined with bedding that’s absorbent, like towels
• In a room that’s quiet, comfortable, and warm

Get the Right Supplies

When you think labor might be approaching, it’s good to get a few things ready in advance: 

• Clean bowl of warm water
• Clean towels and cloths
• Dental floss
• Disposable gloves
• Cat carrier
• Your vet’s details

It’s important to have these things to hand, just in case.

If you need to move the kittens away from the mother at any time, you’ll need to keep them warm. We recommend using a microwaveable beanie bag instead of a hot water bottle, as their sharp teeth and claws can cause punctures.

How do Cats Give Birth? The Stages of Cat Labor and Delivery 

Cat labor has three stages. Once you think labor has started, you should keep a watchful eye over them – cat labor usually goes very smoothly, but it’s important that you oversee her labor so any complications can be caught quickly. However, interfering unless it’s absolutely necessary might slow feline labor and upset your cat, so limit yourself to regular checks and try not to intervene unless you have to. Don’t worry – generally, cat labors go very smoothly, but always consult your vet if you’re worried. Limit the number of spectators too; although the whole family is bound to be excited for the new arrivals, this might upset your cat.

• Stage 1 – your cat starts to have contractions
• Stage 2 – the part of cat labor when the kittens are delivered
• Stage 3 – your cat delivers the placenta(s)

How to Help Your Cat During Delivery

Your cat should be self-sufficient and able to help herself during delivery. However, sometimes our feline friends need a little helping hand with a couple of things. 

How to Break the Amniotic Sac

Once a kitten is born, the mother should help to break the amniotic sac (the thin membrane around the kitten) and then clean them carefully. Hopefully, you shouldn’t have to intervene during your cat’s labor, but occasionally she may need a bit of help.

If she doesn’t open the sac, doesn’t do this fully, or doesn’t clean the kittens, you might need to step in and help look after the newborn kittens. Gently tear unopened sacs using a towel (never a sharp object), so the kitten can breathe. Gently clean their mouth and nose, then quickly dry the kitten against the grain of their fur with a small clean cloth or towel, such as a facecloth. A final firm rub with a warm cloth will dry and warm the kitten and stimulate it to take its first big breath.

How to Cut the Umbilical Cord 

After your cat has given birth, the mother will normally bite through the umbilical cord, but your help might be needed again if she doesn't. With clean hands or wearing disposable gloves, tie dental floss around the cord about 2 inches away from the kitten's body, tie again a further inch away from the kitten and cut the umbilical cord between the ties. Don't cut it too close to the kitten, as this may cause danger to them. Long ends on the thread can be chewed or swallowed by mum, so make sure they’re trimmed! If you notice the mother trying to chew too close to the kitten, stop her and do it yourself.

If you are worried about this part of the birth, consult your vet well in advance to make sure you are happy with what to do.

How to Care for Your Cat After Birth and Cat Labor

Litters are usually of between four and six kittens, although it’s not too unusual to be higher or lower than this. Once all the kittens are born, let your cat have time to clean and feed her kittens. Try not to over-interfere, but don’t be afraid to handle them gently as this will socialize them, as well as give mum a well-needed break!

If the kittens haven’t suckled from your cat within an hour of being born, you may need to guide them to one of her teats, as they’re likely to be very hungry! If there are more kittens than teats, you might need to swap them over until they learn to share.

Sometimes hand rearing may be necessary after a cat giving birth, but this is unusual. If you have any concerns or questions about rearing the litter, speak to your vet for further advice. We also have a guide on caring for newborn kittens, take a look!

Now all that should be left to do is celebrate this special time and the arrival of the kittens – congratulations!