Feline parturition, the process of a cat giving birth, requires careful observation from the owner to ensure the safety of the mother cat, known as the queen, and her litter. Monitoring the progress of labor is important to recognize when the delivery is proceeding normally and to determine when the entire process is complete. Understanding the standard timeline and behavioral changes helps distinguish between a normal resting period and a medical concern. Recognizing the definitive end of delivery is essential for transitioning the mother and kittens into the immediate post-birth care phase.
Understanding Normal Cat Labor
Feline labor is generally divided into three stages, with the second and third stages repeating for the delivery of each kitten. The initial stage involves uterine contractions that are not visible externally, coupled with the relaxation of the birth canal. This phase can last up to 36 hours, particularly in first-time mothers. The active delivery phase, or Stage Two, begins when the queen starts visibly straining to push the kittens out.
During this active phase, the time interval between the birth of individual kittens can vary significantly. Kittens are typically born every 10 minutes to one hour, though a healthy queen may take a longer break if she is not actively straining. The entire litter is usually delivered within a period of 6 to 12 hours once active labor has commenced. Stage Three involves the expulsion of the placenta, which usually occurs shortly after each kitten’s birth.
Clear Signs Delivery is Complete
The most definitive indication that the queen is finished with delivery is the complete cessation of all straining or contractions. Once the final kitten has been born, a healthy mother cat should show no further abdominal tensing for a period of at least one to two hours. Her breathing will return to a normal, relaxed rate, moving away from the rapid panting that is common during active labor.
The queen’s behavior will shift entirely from the intense focus of delivery to the care of her newborns. She will enter a state of deep relaxation or sleepiness, spending her time exclusively grooming and nursing the litter. A return to a normal appetite and drinking also signals that the physical demands of labor have concluded. This calm, maternal behavior, combined with a prolonged absence of physical effort, suggests the birthing process is over.
Recognizing Stalled Labor or Distress
A resting phase in a cat’s labor can sometimes be deceptive, as a mother cat may pause delivery for up to two hours between kittens, especially in large litters. However, any continuous, strong, and unproductive straining that lasts for more than 30 minutes without a kitten being born is a sign of an obstruction and requires immediate veterinary intervention. Similarly, if more kittens are suspected based on the queen’s abdominal size or previous veterinary imaging, a resting period that extends beyond two to three hours is a serious concern.
Specific types of vaginal discharge are also direct signals of distress. The appearance of a dark green or black discharge without a kitten being delivered within 15 minutes indicates placental separation and a medical emergency for the unborn kitten. Any discharge that is foul-smelling, purulent, or bloody beyond a small amount of dark reddish-brown fluid suggests a uterine infection or retained material. Additional physical signs of distress include extreme lethargy, an elevated body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C), or completely ignoring the newly born kittens.
Essential Post-Birth Care
After confirming that the delivery is complete, ensure that the queen has passed a placenta for every kitten. A retained placenta can decompose within the uterus and cause a severe infection, necessitating a veterinary visit. The mother cat should be encouraged to eat high-quality food, such as a high-calorie kitten formula, and drink plenty of fresh water to support her lactation needs.
The primary focus should then shift to monitoring the kittens to confirm they are actively nursing and gaining warmth from their mother or a supplemental heat source. Keep the nesting area quiet, warm, and secure to minimize stress, which could lead to the mother rejecting her litter. Scheduling a prompt veterinary check-up for the mother and all kittens within 24 to 48 hours of birth is necessary to confirm the health of the entire new family.