May be going into labor any time

My cat is very pregnant and I have been on labor watch for what seems like weeks. However, last night I caught her checking out a nesting spot I made for her and she has been grooming herself non-stop. She has also started panting. Both last night and this morning. This morning, she did not eat. Unfortunately, I have to work today, so I am really nervous about not being there when she goes into labor. Any guesses on how much time she has left? There is no milk coming from her nipples yet.

tkjoneslv said:

 
My cat is very pregnant and I have been on labor watch for what seems like weeks. However, last night I caught her checking out a nesting spot I made for her and she has been grooming herself non-stop. She has also started panting. Both last night and this morning. This morning, she did not eat. Unfortunately, I have to work today, so I am really nervous about not being there when she goes into labor. Any guesses on how much time she has left? There is no milk coming from her nipples yet.

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Its apparently nearing, but the exact hour isnt possible to know.  Some females prefer to be alone - and she may "choose" to deliver when you arent there - just because you arent there.   If she really wants you to be with her, lets hope she can postpone the moment of delivery.  They can, in some amount.

Milk comes often in the last moments or even after the delivery, so its no sure sign.  although a wise owner makes sure heshe has something at home, or at least knows where to get it.  Some kmr or goats milk.

Please continue to report!

Good luck!

I will. And I hear that makeup sponges are much better for newborns than bottles or syringes, although I am praying that I will not have a need.  

Makeup sponges have been recommended by several posters.  A baby with a mom will not take a bottle, so a needleless syringe is always a good idea regardless.  It's also wise to get a small scale so you can be sure everyone is gaining the appropriate amount.

Are you able to keep mom 100% inside and away from intact males until her litter has weaned?

tkjoneslv said:

 
I will. And I hear that makeup sponges are much better for newborns than bottles or syringes, although I am praying that I will not have a need.  

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Yes, a makeup sponge is a good alternative sometimes.   Its a new tip, somebody come with that not even half a year ago...

Still you will need the fluid itself, and perhaps a syringe or a dropper to drop on the sponge.

yes. my cats are inside only. And both female. It's not my fault she pregnant. I adopted her that way. She's only 51/2 months-ish. 

Still at work and dying to know what's going on at home.

tkjoneslv said:

 
yes. my cats are inside only. And both female. It's not my fault she pregnant. I adopted her that way. She's only 51/2 months-ish. 

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Ouch, that is young.  Hopefully the delivery goes OK, but I understand you wanna be there.  The possibility is quite big she doesnt know what to do, and y ou must help her with opening up the sacks, drying off the kittens, perhaps even cut of the cords  (do not use sharp scissors - use blunt scissor OR your fingernails).

Also, good if you have kmr or goats milk prepared, and are ready to help her the first days.  Later on will the instincts kick in, and she will probably be a good momma, but the first days may be so so...

Ok, she has been spending the day in her nesting spot and if panting means contractions, she's having them every five minutes or so.

It sounds like it's almost time!