What to expect when my cat goes into labor?

Hi everyone, I'm new to this site! I have a pregnant kitty, and this is her first litter. She's around 8 months old. She is obviously later into her pregnancy, and very big. She has been laying down alot lately, and her nipples are swollen and dry. I can also feel the babies moving in her belly, and I can feel the milk glands but she hasn't started to leak. She's been more affectionate lately, but mostly tired. She follows me all throughout the house but is constantly having to lay down once she gets to me. I was wondering if anyone could give me a guesstimate of how far she is? And also some advice on what to do once she's in labor? This is my first litter of kittens and I want her to be completely comfortable and I want to be ready! I have a nest set up for her in her own room, a 24 hour vet number, and I have been giving her kitten food! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (I am also having her spayed after this litter, I have homes for all the kittens. They will be taken all by trusted family members!) thank you!!!!

Goodness! She looks ready to pop any day now. Poor gal being so young. [emoji]128533[/emoji]

There are usually 2-3 weeks left once you can see or feel the babies moving. Do you know how long you've been able to feel them? She is definitely late in her pregnancy.

Here are some links to help you:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-do-i-know-when-my-cat-will-give-birth

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/pregnant-cat-what-to-prepare-for-the-birth

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/help-my-cat-is-having-kittens

Of course we are here to answer specific questions as well.

Rub some olive or coconut oil on her nipples for relief from chapping and drying. She may be having a large litter. Be prepared to supplement kittens by hand with formula if so.

Keep us posted! [emoji]128571[/emoji]

Thank you so much! I've been able to feel them for about a week now, and I can see them move. [emoji]128522[/emoji]
I will definitely get some formula & rub some coconut oil on her nipples!

That's great! [emoji]128149[/emoji]

Her nipples have white dots on the end of them. Does this mean she will start to leak milk soon? TIA!!!

She may, as the white dots are dried milk, though some cats don't get full milk until they deliver. [emoji]128571[/emoji]

Lily has been acting a little odd, she hasn't shown any signs of nesting, but has been rolling around on her back (which isn't like her at all)
I took her temp today and it is 99.4. I also noticed a little bit of yellow discharge, it wasn't creamy or anything. It almost looked like pee! But it had stained around her vulva.

That is probably her mucus plug coming out. She may be experiencing some pre-labor.

Lily has definitely lost her mucous plug today! She's pacing around, and goes in and out the litter box! She also threw up. How long after losing the plug should I expect the kittens to be here?

It sounds like she is in early labor. It can still take hours though.

She's had two so far! [emoji]128522[/emoji]
It's been about an hour and 15 minutes since the last one. I think she still has some in there. Is it normal for it to be this long in between?

Hi sorry I just wanted to say that this is amazing and I know (maybe not) you will keep this moment in your life forever and you will be so happy once she is happy and healthy and so are the kittens!!!

Yes, it's normal. Moms take breaks, and it can be hours or even days between kitten deliveries. How are the two doing so far?

they are both latched & thriving! She is a very good mama.

That's awesome! [emoji]128077[/emoji]