Summary
The pre-birth period is a good time to familiarize yourself with the pregnant cat and help her settle into her environment. This article outlines what behaviors to watch for that indicate a queen will give birth soon.
Care for a Pregnant Queen Prior to Delivery
Note: This section addresses caring for socialized pregnant queens.
Locating the Queen’s Nest
Use the time before birth to get to know the queen and her likes and dislikes. If she’s receptive, spend time with her, show her affection, play with her and talk to her. Some socialized queens may not want much human interaction, so respect their wishes and interact as appropriate. A wireless baby or security camera allows monitoring queens without disturbing them.
Outfitting the Queen’s Nest
If the queen is housed in a secure room and not confined to a cage, set up a few possible birthing nests. These nests should be in areas easily accessible to you. Provide a warm (not under a drafty window or HVAC vent), quiet place where she has privacy. She may not use any of the options but may, instead, choose her own. Therefore, ensure she cannot make a nest in an area you cannot access. Put layers of soft, non-looped bedding inside the nest box that can be removed as they become soiled. Use light-colored bedding so you can see spotting of blood or any discharge. You may need to discard the bedding completely after the kittens are born.
Possible Signs that Queen’s Birth is Near
The signs may include:
- The queen becomes restless, pawing or digging at her bedding, circling and/or vocalizing.
- The queen’s appetite decreases, or she stops eating entirely.
- The queen’s temperature decreases; however, taking her temperature regularly may not be an option or advisable.
- The queen’s nipples become more visible, and she may be licking or pulling at the fur around the nipples.
- Milk on her nipples or visible when slight pressure is applied to the nipples.
- Discharge from her vulva. Clear to light brown discharge is normal, while cloudy, milky, green or red discharge may warrant further evaluation by a veterinarian.
Quick deliveries can happen, and some or all of these signs may not be apparent.
