Signs a Cat Is in Labor: What to Watch for and What to Do

If you have a cat that has not been spayed or you have a breeding queen, it is important to understand the signs of labor. Signs that your cat is in labor vary, with most cats showing signs of restlessness, nesting behaviors, loss of appetite, and temperature drop. In this article, I will discuss pre-labor and active labor signs and what to what for throughout the queening process.

Feline pregnancy

A cat’s pregnancy typically lasts about 64 to 66 days from the time of mating, but there are variations based on the individual and the number of kittens.

To learn more about how pregnancy occurs, you can read our article on the feline heat cycle.

As your cat’s pregnancy progresses, you may notice behavioral and physical changes. These are the signs telling you that queening (giving birth for cats) is coming soon.

Early signs that your cat is in labor

As your cat's pregnancy reaches its final stages, there are specific indicators that labor is about to begin. These signs may appear 24 to 48 hours before labor begins and may last for up to 24 hours.

Here are the signs you may notice revealing that your cat is about to give birth:

Nesting Behavior: Your cat will seek out a quiet, secluded place to give birth. This nesting area may be a box, a corner, or a closet. Make sure to prepare a safe and comfortable nest for your cat in advance. Nesting behavior usually occurs 1 week prior to delivery in cats.

Mammary enlargement: Mammary (breast) development and enlargement occur quite rapidly in the days leading up to labor as they fill with milk for the kittens.

Restlessness and Pacing: Your cat may appear increasingly anxious, pacing around the house or frequently changing resting spots. Overgrooming is also common at this stage. This restlessness is a clear indication that labor is imminent.

Decrease in appetite: As labor approaches, your cat may lose her appetite, which is a normal sign.

Temperature Drop: A significant decrease in body temperature is a key sign that labor is about to start. A temperature drop of 1 degree Celsius usually suggests labor is about to start (usually to about 37.5°C/99.5°F or less).

Active signs that a cat is in labor

During active labor, the first kitten is typically born within 60 minutes and typically lasts anywhere from 6 to 24 hours. If a queen is in labor for more than 2 hours without delivering a kitten, I recommend contacting your veterinarian.

Once delivery begins, you can expect kittens to be born every 30–60 minutes, but it's possible for them to be delivered more rapidly. The majority of the time between the delivery of the first and last kitten was less than 6 hours.

Key signs that your cat is actively in labor:

1. Strong and frequent contractions: Visible contractions of the uterus are a clear sign that your cat is in active labor. These contractions are seen in the abdominal area and are generally strong and frequent.
2. Straining and visible effort: Your cat will noticeably strain and appear to be pushing.
3. Appearance of the first kitten: The first kitten is usually born head first, but hindend first is also normal for cats. Kittens are usually delivered in the amniotic sac that the mother cat will usually break. Following the kitten's birth, the mother will clean it and may also eat the placenta, which would be normal.
4. Vaginal discharge: A small amount of clear to bloody discharge is common during labor. However, excessive or foul-smelling discharge should be reported to your vet immediately.

Supportive care for your cat that is about to give birth

Here are some tips I can offer that will help you help your cat during this process:

Dim the lights and reduce noise levels to make your cat comfortable. Provide her with soft bedding in the nesting area you've prepared. The birthing location for the queen should provide a warm environment for the neonatal kittens, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius (80-90°F).

It's tempting to step in, but often the best thing you can do is observe. Cats prefer to give birth with minimal human intervention, so give your cat the space she needs.

Keep clean towels, clean scissors for cutting umbilical cords, and other essential supplies nearby.

After each kitten is born, make sure it finds its way to a nipple for its first meal. This helps stimulate breathing for the kitten and milk let-down for the queen.

If you notice any signs of difficulty giving birth, such as strong contractions without the birth of a kitten, you should contact your vet immediately. Additionally, look for any physical birth defects or abnormalities in the kittens that might require attention.