When do you think my cat will give birth?

quinnmcc · Feb 12, 2015

My lovely cat Michelle is 9 weeks pregnant as of this week. She was due on the 11th of February. It is now February 12th. I've had the idea this entire time that she'd have them on the 14th (Valentines Day). She conceived sometime inbetween Dec. 9th and Dec. 14th.

Her belly is large, doesn't seem to be getting any fuller, and appears to have dropped. The kittens are kicking and rolling around more than ever, and I'm also feeling movement quite low, assuming that the kittens have dropped and they are getting in position.

She doesn't seem to have many pre-labour signs yet. She's still eating, resting a lot, cleaning herself constantly, and playing with her toys when she's awake. Her rectal temperature is completely throwing me off though. On February 8th, it was fluctuating between 98F and 100F. I thought Monday would be the day, but here it's Thursday now, and hardly any solid signs of active labour. I know her time will come when it comes, usually when it's unexpected, I just want to know when! She's doing great, and has received the best Veterinary care throughout her pregnancy. The Vet and I counted about 5 fetuses when she was 6 weeks along. She is already scheduled to be spayed the first week of April, when the kittens are fully weaned. That will be a sigh of relief!

In the mean time, I have attached a picture of my sweet girl, Michelle!

quinnmcc · Feb 12, 2015

image.jpg

quinnmcc
Feb 12, 2015

this is Michelle today!

biancavd · Feb 12, 2015

I usually count 65 days of pregnancy. If she's gotten pregnant on the 9th of december, she would have been on her 65th day today (the 12th). A pregnancy can take up to 70 days without much problems. If she has gotten pregnant on the final day, December 14th, then she can be due upcoming monday, the 16th. Again, this would be the 65th day. So another 5 days can be added to guess the final day she could have them.

That would mean she can get her kittens any moment now. From today till next Saturday (21st) she can have them naturally. It all depends on the exact date. However, they would sooner come on day 65 then day 70. So get ready, it should be soon

Also, temperature isn't always accurate. So I wouldn't count on this too much, specially as you said it was lower before. The belly drop is a good sign though, meaning her body is probably preparing for it. I would expect them to be born within the next couple of days hearing the signs she's giving.

quinnmcc · Feb 12, 2015

Biancavd said:
I usually count 65 days of pregnancy. If she's gotten pregnant on the 9th of december, she would have been on her 65th day today (the 12th). A pregnancy can take up to 70 days without much problems. If she has gotten pregnant on the final day, December 14th, then she can be due upcoming monday, the 16th. Again, this would be the 65th day. So another 5 days can be added to guess the final day she could have them.

That would mean she can get her kittens any moment now. From today till next Saturday (21st) she can have them naturally. It all depends on the exact date. However, they would sooner come on day 65 then day 70. So get ready, it should be soon

Also, temperature isn't always accurate. So I wouldn't count on this too much, specially as you said it was lower before. The belly drop is a good sign though, meaning her body is probably preparing for it. I would expect them to be born within the next couple of days hearing the signs she's giving.

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. This makes plenty of sense. I have everything ready for her, including sanitized tools set aside if I will have to assist. I always try to clamp and tie off the umbilical cords, just so it's more sanitary, and so the kittens don't develop umbilical hernias. Another thing I've noticed with Michelle is that her tail is always cocked in an upward position when she's resting, if that makes any sense. Normally a cat will have their tail tucked or wrapped around them. The best way I can describe it is, the base of her tail positioned upward like how it is during push-contractions. I assume that it's more comfortable for her, as there is probably a ton of pressure down there. What do you think?

quinnmcc · Feb 12, 2015

Biancavd said:
I usually count 65 days of pregnancy. If she's gotten pregnant on the 9th of december, she would have been on her 65th day today (the 12th). A pregnancy can take up to 70 days without much problems. If she has gotten pregnant on the final day, December 14th, then she can be due upcoming monday, the 16th. Again, this would be the 65th day. So another 5 days can be added to guess the final day she could have them.

That would mean she can get her kittens any moment now. From today till next Saturday (21st) she can have them naturally. It all depends on the exact date. However, they would sooner come on day 65 then day 70. So get ready, it should be soon

Also, temperature isn't always accurate. So I wouldn't count on this too much, specially as you said it was lower before. The belly drop is a good sign though, meaning her body is probably preparing for it. I would expect them to be born within the next couple of days hearing the signs she's giving.

I also forgot to add that Michelle has had a milk supply since about 6 weeks. It was a thin, clear consistency. Now, however her milk is very white, slightly sticky and thick, and plenty of it! With a gentle squeeze, a good few drops came out. I refrain from squeezing all the teats, because I am aware that the first bit of milk is really good for the kittens and contains the most nutrients (colostrum).

The kittens are moving like crazy right now, and really kicking and rolling around fighting for space. I will post a picture of her, we are relaxing and watching The Heat right now!

image.jpg

quinnmcc
Feb 12, 2015

gmm80 · Feb 12, 2015

I am playing the waiting game along with you! I have a pregnant stray that I am fostering. I've only had her since Monday, but she is just the sweetest cat imaginable. She's a small cat, but her belly is huge, she looks like she swallowed a cantaloupe. The kittens are very active, I can see and feel them moving, and she's started producing some clear fluid from her nipples. She's mostly been laying on areas of bare floor, I imagine with all those little buns in her oven, she's quite warm. I really thought she would have started labor by now. I hope it's soon, because she's clearly uncomfortable. The anticipation is so hard!!

IMG_20150209_213816988.jpg

gmm80
Feb 12, 2015

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gmm80
Feb 12, 2015

quinnmcc · Feb 13, 2015

gmm80 said:
I am playing the waiting game along with you! I have a pregnant stray that I am fostering. I've only had her since Monday, but she is just the sweetest cat imaginable. She's a small cat, but her belly is huge, she looks like she swallowed a cantaloupe. The kittens are very active, I can see and feel them moving, and she's started producing some clear fluid from her nipples. She's mostly been laying on areas of bare floor, I imagine with all those little buns in her oven, she's quite warm. I really thought she would have started labor by now. I hope it's soon, because she's clearly uncomfortable. The anticipation is so hard!!

IMG_20150209_213816988.jpg

gmm80

Feb 12, 2015

IMG_20150209_224110831.jpg

gmm80

Feb 12, 2015

Aww she looks so sweet! Bless you for taking on the commitment, I'm sure she appreciates a warm, loving home as opposed to giving birth outside or God knows where. She seems very happy with you, and at ease. Her belly is so big! Do you know how many she's having? They will be so precious, oh my! I rescued a solid black cat a few years ago, she was that large and had 8 little ones, blew my mind! Has she had any other pre-labour signs? Has she lost her mucus plug? I haven't noticed Michelle's yet, I feel really bad because I always notice it. I hope she hasn't cleaned it up faster than I could spot it. I don't think she has yet, though! Hopefully today. Last night I woke up to her scratching in a box full of things. I peeked in at her and spooked her because she ran off, it was just such an awkward and uncomfortable place for her to birth her kittens. Hopefully it's soon! Valentine's Day kittens would be so sweet! I'll take another picture of her today and keep you updated. She's sleeping under my bed right now...better go check on her!

gmm80 · Feb 13, 2015

She was a stray that started showing up on the porch of a house. The family had been feeding her for a couple weeks, but never got a really good look at her. When the mom finally did, she realized how pregnant she was and called several shelters that refused to take her. She finally ended up calling the organization I've been fostering for, and my contact asked me if I could take her. So to answer your question, no idea how many kittens are in there! I'm quite sure she had an owner at some point, because she's very clean, no fleas or ear mites. She's litter box trained and definitely recognizes the sound of a can being opened. She's an absolute sweetheart, totally friendly and cuddly. I just can't imagine who would abandon such a nice cat. Between my friend Debbie and I, we've named her Roly Poly Rosie Posy, Rosie for short.

She's in a room in my basement, my designated foster cat room. I can close the room off and there's no tricky hiding places, and I can keep it nice and warm.

I've only fostered one pregnant cat before and she didn't really exhibit any of the typical signs, like nesting, milk production, vocalizing, etc. The night she gave birth she had been laying on the shower floor, so I put a sheet down for her, when she got up a while later, I noticed a brown spot, so I moved her into the cat room. I grabbed a book and sat down in the room with her. She was a little restless at at point and I did notice that she was starting to dilate, so aside from the small amount of spotting, those were the only real signs I saw. About an hour before she gave birth, she suddenly wanted to climb on me and be in my lap, which was not characteristic behavior for her, then shortly after that she was sitting right next to me on the couch and without warning, out popped a kitten. She had a total of five kittens, and the whole birth from start to finish took 2 1/2 hours. Of course every cat will be different, so I've been keeping a close eye on Rosie. Judging from the amount of tartar on her teeth, I can tell she's not a young cat, and since she's not spayed, I can't imagine that this is her first litter, so hopefully she won't need much assistance.

Keep me posted!

quinnmcc · Feb 13, 2015

gmm80 said:
She was a stray that started showing up on the porch of a house. The family had been feeding her for a couple weeks, but never got a really good look at her. When the mom finally did, she realized how pregnant she was and called several shelters that refused to take her. She finally ended up calling the organization I've been fostering for, and my contact asked me if I could take her. So to answer your question, no idea how many kittens are in there! I'm quite sure she had an owner at some point, because she's very clean, no fleas or ear mites. She's litter box trained and definitely recognizes the sound of a can being opened. She's an absolute sweetheart, totally friendly and cuddly. I just can't imagine who would abandon such a nice cat. Between my friend Debbie and I, we've named her Roly Poly Rosie Posy, Rosie for short. She's in a room in my basement, my designated foster cat room. I can close the room off and there's no tricky hiding places, and I can keep it nice and warm.

I've only fostered one pregnant cat before and she didn't really exhibit any of the typical signs, like nesting, milk production, vocalizing, etc. The night she gave birth she had been laying on the shower floor, so I put a sheet down for her, when she got up a while later, I noticed a brown spot, so I moved her into the cat room. I grabbed a book and sat down in the room with her. She was a little restless at at point and I did notice that she was starting to dilate, so aside from the small amount of spotting, those were the only real signs I saw. About an hour before she gave birth, she suddenly wanted to climb on me and be in my lap, which was not characteristic behavior for her, then shortly after that she was sitting right next to me on the couch and without warning, out popped a kitten. She had a total of five kittens, and the whole birth from start to finish took 2 1/2 hours. Of course every cat will be different, so I've been keeping a close eye on Rosie. Judging from the amount of tartar on her teeth, I can tell she's not a young cat, and since she's not spayed, I can't imagine that this is her first litter, so hopefully she won't need much assistance.

Keep me posted!

Aww I am so glad that she's safe and content with you. I love the name, really suits her, haha! Ultimately I've given Michelle free roam of my home and she can go wherever she feels most comfortable. She seems really fond of the basement, so I will let her give birth down there if she wants to, but then I will transfer her and the kittens into a warm box in my room away from the dogs and so I know where she is at all times and I can help and check on her frequently. There are so many cozy places that would be perfect for her to give birth in, I'd even give birth in them haha! However, she keeps on wanting to get outside, but here in Canada, it is -18 and there is SO much snow, so that won't be happening. I'm sure she's aware that it's freezing out, I just worry that she's been holding off on labour because she hasn't found a place to give birth, and wants to seek out a place outside. Will she eventually give birth inside? I've never experienced this issue with any other cats/dogs. When she's in my room she looks pretty happy and satisfied about where she is. There are 4 warm and cozy locations that I've set up for her to give birth. I think my closet is her favourite, so I've laid down some clean, old towels and blankets just incase. Hopefully it's soon! I am so eager to see these little sweethearts! [emoji]128525[/emoji] Everytime I check on her, she's in a deep sleep, followed by cleaning her teats and genitals. Fingers crossed for Valentine's Day kitties!

gmm80 · Feb 13, 2015

I'm sure she'll be okay with giving birth inside. She just needs to find a place she feels safe. Marley had her one kitten on the couch, then I moved her to the floor so kittens wouldn't be rolling off the couch. She basically had the rest on the floor in the middle of the room, and then once she was done I moved the kittens to the box I had made for her and she hopped right in.

I'm crossing my fingers for you to get Valentine's kittens! Rosie has been loving having her tummy rubbed. I'm going to try it with a cool washcloth and see if she likes that.

quinnmcc · Feb 13, 2015

gmm80 said:
I'm sure she'll be okay with giving birth inside. She just needs to find a place she feels safe. Marley had her one kitten on the couch, then I moved her to the floor so kittens wouldn't be rolling off the couch. She basically had the rest on the floor in the middle of the room, and then once she was done I moved the kittens to the box I had made for her and she hopped right in.

I'm crossing my fingers for you to get Valentine's kittens! Rosie has been loving having her tummy rubbed. I'm going to try it with a cool washcloth and see if she likes that.

I really hope so! She's a smart cat, I'm sure she'll figure it out. Speaking of which, I was taken by surprise when Michelle walked right into her little birthing den all by herself, and she's been in there for the past hour now. Normally I have to coax her into it, and then she'll jump right back out. Also, whenever I walk into my room (where her birthing area is) she will usually come right up to me and greet me, but she hasn't even bothered. I don't blame her, though. I hope it's soon! Her temperature was at 100.2F earlier, I will try taking it again tonight, but I don't want to bother her. I will keep you posted!

quinnmcc · Feb 15, 2015

Jis

gmm80 said:
I'm sure she'll be okay with giving birth inside. She just needs to find a place she feels safe. Marley had her one kitten on the couch, then I moved her to the floor so kittens wouldn't be rolling off the couch. She basically had the rest on the floor in the middle of the room, and then once she was done I moved the kittens to the box I had made for her and she hopped right in.

I'm crossing my fingers for you to get Valentine's kittens! Rosie has been loving having her tummy rubbed. I'm going to try it with a cool washcloth and see if she likes that.

Just an update on Michelle-

She's still sleeping like usual and I haven't noticed any major pre-labour signs. However, lastnight she was a lot more affectionate, she jumped right up onto my bed and even tried getting under the covers. She seemed somewhat restless. She would pace around my room, and be in and out of her 3 birthing areas in my bedroom. I hope it's soon, her belly is looking bigger than ever, and her teats are even more swollen. I still haven't noticed any vaginal discharge, though. Perhaps she's cleaned herself before I could notice? Hmm. I think I will take her temperature soon.

quinnmcc · Feb 15, 2015

Here's a picture of Michelle!

image.jpg

quinnmcc
Feb 15, 2015

gmm80 · Feb 15, 2015

Lol! I think it's one of those "a watched pot never boils" kind of things! It does sound like she's very close. Rosie has been producing milk for the last 3 days. I've read some articles that say when they start producing milk it should happen within 24-48 hours, but then I've also read that cats that have given birth before may start producing milk early. I have another friend who just got a very pregnant foster yesterday, so we're all three in the same boat.

quinnmcc · Feb 15, 2015

gmm80 said:
Lol! I think it's one of those "a watched pot never boils" kind of things! It does sound like she's very close. Rosie has been producing milk for the last 3 days. I've read some articles that say when they start producing milk it should happen within 24-48 hours, but then I've also read that cats that have given birth before may start producing milk early. I have another friend who just got a very pregnant foster yesterday, so we're all three in the same boat.

That is so true! I feel like once I stop watching her and putting so much thought into it, she'll go right into labour. They will definitely be here this week, hopefully very soon! I can't even imagine how tight it's getting in there for the kittens.

I've also read that too, about the milk. But with Michelle, I was able to extract milk from her teats since about 6 weeks in. It was a lot more watery than now though. Now its sticky and actually looks like milk, not water. Perhaps it's a sign! I'm so excited to meet the little kittens that I've been feeling for the past 3 weeks, I always love seeing what markings they have.

storm winter · Feb 17, 2015

@quinnmcc has ur queen had her kittens yet as my queens being stubborn

quinnmcc · Feb 21, 2015

Kittens are here! Currently 7, it's been a fast labour!!!!!! I feel an 8th kitten in her belly

StefanZ · Feb 21, 2015

quinnmcc said:
Kittens are here! Currently 7, it's been a fast labour!!!!!! I feel an 8th kitten in her belly

It may become a pause, if she isnt in active labor, or have problems, just to wait and see. It MAY be swollen uterus too... People do often take wrong.

Hope everything is well!

quinnmcc · Feb 21, 2015

StefanZ said:
It may become a pause, if she isnt in active labor, or have problems, just to wait and see. It MAY be swollen uterus too... People do often take wrong.

Hope everything is well!

Yes, I am aware of this too. However, it feels like the possible kitten rises closer up to her belly, and then sinks back down. I am pretty sure I felt a hard little head in there, I even saw it move slightly. It's been almost an hour since the last kitten, hopefully she has the 8th one soon!

Thank you very much, I will post pictures soon!

StefanZ · Feb 21, 2015

If there IS one more, you dont need to insist mom eats the last placenta too. Be sure it comes out,, but you may take it away. Too many placentas increase the risk of diarrhea. Its lotsa of high energy food all of a sudden.

Good luck!

When do you think my cat will give birth?

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