Bringing a new feline friend into the world is an exciting experience. However, recognizing the signs that your cat is preparing to give birth, a process known as nesting, is crucial for providing the best possible care for her and her kittens. This guide will walk you through the various behavioral and physical changes your cat may exhibit as she approaches labor, helping you prepare for the blessed event.
Understanding Feline Pregnancy and Nesting
Pregnancy in cats, also known as gestation, typically lasts between 63 and 65 days. Nesting behavior usually begins in the final week or two of pregnancy, as the cat’s hormones shift and she feels the instinct to prepare a safe and secure environment for her kittens. Recognizing this phase is vital for supporting her needs and ensuring a smooth delivery. It is a natural and instinctive drive that prepares her mentally and physically for motherhood.
Why Do Cats Nest?
Nesting is driven by several factors. Primarily, it’s about ensuring the safety and survival of the kittens. A safe, warm, and secluded environment helps protect the vulnerable newborns from predators, the elements, and other potential dangers. The mother cat is driven by an inherent need to create a nurturing space. She also wants a place where she feels secure and in control, reducing her stress and anxiety as she approaches labor. A comfortable nesting spot allows her to relax and focus on the birthing process. It allows her to conserve energy and manage pain effectively.
Behavioral Signs of Nesting
The behavioral changes associated with nesting can be quite distinct and are often the first indicators that your cat is preparing for motherhood. Careful observation of your cat’s behavior can provide valuable clues.
Increased Affection or Clinginess
Some cats become noticeably more affectionate and clingy towards their owners as they approach labor. She may constantly seek your attention, rubbing against your legs, purring excessively, and wanting to be petted or held. This increased need for reassurance and security is a sign that she is feeling vulnerable and seeking comfort. This behavior might manifest in following you around the house more than usual. She might also sleep closer to you or on you more often.
Restlessness and Searching
A key sign of nesting is increased restlessness and a persistent search for a suitable nesting spot. Your cat might spend hours exploring different areas of the house, investigating closets, drawers, boxes, or quiet corners. She may repeatedly enter and exit these potential nesting sites, seemingly trying to determine if they meet her requirements. This behavior can sometimes be mistaken for general anxiety, but when combined with other signs, it strongly suggests nesting.
Rejecting Previous Favorite Spots
Interestingly, a nesting cat might reject her usual sleeping or resting spots in favor of finding a new, more secluded location. Even if she has always enjoyed sleeping on your bed or a particular chair, she might suddenly abandon those places as she searches for a more secure and private environment for her kittens. This is a clear indication that her priorities are shifting, and she is focused on finding a location that is specifically suitable for birthing and raising her young.
Seclusion and Hiding
As labor approaches, many cats become more withdrawn and prefer to spend time alone in a quiet, secluded area. This is a natural instinct to protect themselves and their unborn kittens from potential threats or disturbances. She may hide under furniture, in closets, or in other secluded areas of the house. She may also become less responsive to your calls or attempts to interact with her. Respect her need for privacy and avoid disturbing her excessively.
Preparing the Nest
Once she has found a suitable location, your cat will begin to prepare it for her kittens. This might involve scratching, pawing, and rearranging the bedding or materials in the chosen area. She is instinctively trying to create a comfortable and safe environment for her newborns. This behavior might include circling the area, kneading the bedding, and generally making the space feel secure and welcoming. You might notice her carrying soft items, such as blankets or toys, to her chosen nesting spot.
Physical Signs of Impending Labor
In addition to behavioral changes, there are several physical signs that indicate your cat is nearing labor. These signs are often more subtle and require careful observation.
Nipple Enlargement and Milk Production
In the weeks leading up to labor, your cat’s nipples will gradually enlarge and become more prominent. This is a sign that her body is preparing to produce milk for her kittens. In the days immediately before labor, you might notice a small amount of milk leaking from her nipples. This is a clear indication that labor is imminent. Note that some cats may not show noticeable milk production until after the kittens are born.
Abdominal Changes
As your cat approaches labor, her abdomen will become more rounded and distended. You might also be able to feel the kittens moving inside her belly. In the final days before labor, you might notice that her abdomen drops slightly, as the kittens move lower into the birth canal. This is sometimes referred to as “dropping” or “lightening.”
Loss of Appetite
In the 24-48 hours before labor, many cats experience a decrease in appetite or even refuse to eat altogether. This is a common sign that labor is imminent and that her body is focusing its energy on the birthing process. Do not force her to eat, but ensure fresh water is always available.
Temperature Drop
A significant indicator of impending labor is a drop in body temperature. A cat’s normal body temperature is typically between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. In the 12-24 hours before labor, her temperature will usually drop to around 99 degrees Fahrenheit or even lower. Monitoring your cat’s temperature regularly in the days leading up to her due date can help you predict when labor is likely to begin. Use a rectal thermometer and lubricate it well before insertion.
Increased Grooming
Many cats exhibit increased grooming behavior as they approach labor. This is likely a way for them to soothe themselves and prepare for the birthing process. She may focus on cleaning her genital area, as this area will be involved in the delivery. This increased grooming is a natural way for her to feel cleaner and more comfortable as she prepares for motherhood.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Nesting Environment
Once you recognize the signs of nesting, it is important to provide your cat with a safe and comfortable environment for her to give birth. This will help her feel secure and relaxed, which can contribute to a smoother and less stressful labor.
Choosing the Right Location
Ideally, your cat should choose her own nesting spot. However, you can encourage her to select a suitable location by providing several options in quiet, secluded areas of the house. A cardboard box lined with soft blankets or towels is a good choice. You can also use a pet carrier or a dedicated nesting box. The location should be away from high-traffic areas and other pets, ensuring a peaceful and private environment.
Providing Comfortable Bedding
Line the chosen nesting spot with soft, comfortable bedding, such as blankets, towels, or old clothes. Avoid using anything that could potentially suffocate the kittens, such as loose filling or small pieces of fabric. Make sure the bedding is clean and dry, and replace it regularly to maintain hygiene. Soft bedding will keep her comfortable and allow her to keep the kittens warm.
Maintaining a Calm and Quiet Atmosphere
Keep the environment around the nesting area calm and quiet. Avoid loud noises, bright lights, or excessive activity. Minimize interactions with other pets or people, allowing your cat to focus on preparing for labor. A calm and quiet atmosphere will help her feel secure and relaxed, which can contribute to a smoother delivery.
Providing Food and Water
Ensure that fresh food and water are always available near the nesting area. Even if your cat is not eating much in the days before labor, she will need access to nourishment and hydration. Choose a high-quality kitten food, as this will provide her with the necessary nutrients for milk production.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While most cat births are natural and uncomplicated, it is essential to be aware of potential complications and know when to seek veterinary care. Being proactive can prevent unnecessary risk for the mom and kittens.
Prolonged Labor
If your cat is actively straining for more than 30 minutes without producing a kitten, or if she has been in labor for more than 24 hours without any signs of progress, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. Prolonged labor can indicate a problem with the size or positioning of the kittens, or it could be a sign of uterine inertia (weak contractions).
Signs of Distress
If your cat is exhibiting signs of distress, such as excessive vocalization, panting, or shaking, it is important to seek veterinary care. These signs could indicate pain, exhaustion, or a more serious medical problem.
Abnormal Discharge
If you notice any abnormal discharge from your cat’s vulva, such as foul-smelling discharge, excessive bleeding, or green/black discharge before labor, contact your veterinarian. These signs could indicate an infection or other complications.
Retained Placenta
After each kitten is born, the mother cat will typically pass the placenta. If you suspect that a placenta has been retained (not passed), it is important to seek veterinary care, as this can lead to infection. If she shows fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite after labor, she could have a retained placenta, uterine infection or mastitis.
Kitten Complications
If any of the kittens appear weak, ill, or are not nursing properly, contact your veterinarian. Newborn kittens are very vulnerable and require immediate medical attention if they are not thriving.
Being able to recognize the signs of nesting in your cat is essential for providing her with the support and care she needs during this important time. By understanding her behavior and physical changes, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for her to give birth and raise her kittens. And you can also ensure the health and wellbeing of your feline family.
What are the first signs that my cat might be nesting?
The earliest signs can be subtle. You might notice your cat becoming increasingly restless and seeking out quiet, secluded spots around your home. She may start spending more time in closets, under beds, or in other enclosed spaces, showing a preference for these locations over her usual lounging areas. This increased seclusion is a key indicator that she’s searching for a safe and secure place to potentially give birth.
Another early sign is increased affection and attention-seeking behavior. While some cats become more withdrawn, others become clingier to their owners. She might rub against you more often, purr louder, or follow you around the house constantly. This is likely due to hormonal changes and a growing sense of vulnerability, leading her to seek comfort and reassurance from you.
How is nesting behavior different from a cat just finding a comfortable place to sleep?
Nesting behavior is more than just a cat finding a comfy spot. A nesting cat is actively preparing a designated space for the birth of her kittens. She will often exhibit digging or pawing motions in her chosen area, attempting to shape and arrange the bedding or materials within. This is a deliberate act of creating a safe and suitable environment for her future litter.
In contrast, a cat simply seeking a comfortable place to sleep will generally just settle down without much preparation. They might knead a blanket briefly or turn around a few times, but they won’t engage in the same persistent and purposeful digging or arranging behavior that characterizes nesting. The key difference lies in the intent and the level of preparation involved.
How long before giving birth will a cat typically start nesting?
Nesting behavior usually begins within the week leading up to labor, often two or three days before. However, some cats might start earlier, showing nesting instincts up to a week or two prior to giving birth. This timeframe can vary depending on the individual cat and her personality.
It’s important to monitor your cat closely during the last few weeks of her pregnancy. Observing her behavior for signs of nesting will help you prepare a suitable birthing area for her and ensure she has a comfortable and safe space when the time comes. This will also allow you to be prepared to assist if needed.
What if my cat is nesting in a place I don’t want her to give birth, like my closet?
If your cat chooses an unsuitable nesting location, gently redirect her to a more appropriate space you have prepared. This involves making the desired location more appealing than her initial choice. Place soft bedding, familiar toys, and her food and water near the designated birthing box.
Avoid forcing her or getting frustrated, as this could stress her out and potentially cause her to choose a different, even less desirable location. Instead, calmly and consistently encourage her to explore and settle into the new space. You can try placing items with her scent in the birthing box to make it feel more familiar.
What are some things I should include in a nesting box to make it appealing to my cat?
A good nesting box should be quiet, dark, and easily accessible to your cat, while being difficult for young kittens to escape from. A cardboard box with a low entry point, lined with soft, clean bedding like old towels or blankets, is a good starting point. Avoid using anything with loops or strings that kittens could get tangled in.
Make sure the box is large enough for your cat to comfortably move around and nurse her kittens. Consider adding a few of her favorite toys or a blanket that smells like her. Keeping the box in a warm, quiet area of your home will further encourage her to use it as her nesting site.
Is it normal for a cat to stop nesting and move to a new location?
Yes, it’s perfectly normal for a cat to change her mind and move her nesting site. She might feel the initial location is no longer safe, quiet, or private enough, or she may simply prefer a different spot as her due date approaches. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to be patient and adaptable.
If she moves her nesting site, try to identify the reasons why she might have abandoned the original location. Was it too drafty, too noisy, or did something else disturb her? Address the issue and then try to make the new location as comfortable and safe as possible. Remember to provide her with a clean and comfortable space.
What if my cat doesn’t exhibit any nesting behavior before giving birth?
While nesting is common, not all cats exhibit obvious nesting behavior. Some cats are simply more private and may not display any noticeable signs of preparation before going into labor. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem.
If your cat isn’t showing nesting behavior, it’s still important to prepare a suitable birthing area for her in advance. Make sure the area is quiet, comfortable, and easily accessible. Monitor her closely during the final stages of pregnancy for other signs of labor, such as restlessness, panting, or licking her genital area.