The Maternity Ward

In general a cat's gestation period will last between 60 - 70 days but most common is from 62 - 67 days. The earliest signs of pregnancy are small behavior changes like longer sleeping periods, mood swings and better appetite. After about three weeks there is a more reddish (raspberry) or brownish tone on the nipples accompanied by a tendency to swell. After a few more weeks there will be rounding in the body and soon after the kicking of the kittens inside will be able to be seen and felt.

Some cats which are used to being outside might try to hide and to give birth to her kittens out of doors thus it is a wise idea to keep the female inside for the last ten days of the pregnancy. A few weeks before the actual birth you should introduce a box, about the size of a banana-carton, with some nice covers inside, preferably cotton or flanel material. Let the female get aquainted with the box which should be placed in a warm place with little disturbances - a closet with an open door for example. Hopefully when the time is right the female will prefer to use this special box but do NOT force her to go into or stay in it.

When the birth time approaches the female might become restless;most cats will go in and out of their chosen birthing nest many times before they finally lie down. Other signs are water leaking or small blood stains and swelling around the opening of the vagina. You might also see the small waves of the labor which gradually become stronger. Normally a female will manage just fine on her own but it is wise to have a vet on call in case something goes wrong during labor and birth. Usually it can be between a few minutes to a few hours in between kittens.

The mother bonds quickly with her newborn babies and instinctively knows how to care for them. Even a first-time mother responds to her kittens' cries. She is also able to recognize each kitten by its distinctive smell.