What Are the Symptoms of a Cat Going Into Labor?

A cat's labor is divided into three stages, according to the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians." Stages one and two include pre-birth behavior. Birth occurs during the end of stage two and stage three. Labor occurs within three days of the onset of pre-labor symptoms.

  1. Anticipating Labor

    • A cat's gestational cycle takes about 64 days, according to "Cats for Dummies." It is almost impossible to get an exact due date with cats, but knowing the time frame can give owners an idea of when to start preparing for the birth of kittens. In the several weeks before labor, a pregnant cat's appetite increases dramatically. A pregnant cat may double her intake of food, according to "Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff." As a cat's due date approaches, the movement of kittens within the cat's abdomen are clearly visible.

    Before Labor

    • Obvious signs of cat labor begin about 72 hours before labor starts. The pregnant cat, or queen, will seem restless or anxious. She can become extremely vocal and affectionate, seeking attention and affection from humans. During this time, the queen will look for a warm, dark, isolated place to give birth, examining several locations, according to "Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff." When a pregnant cat decides on a spot, place old sheets, blankets, litter and water in the location to prepare the nesting environment. In addition to these behaviors, the cat's stomach may round out on the bottom, an action termed "dropping" or "flattening."

    Stage One

    • Stage one of labor begins after a nesting environment is found. The queen begins panting and purring and the need for affection might continue, though some cats become abnormally aggressive, according to the "Clinical Veterinary Advisor." The pregnant cat licks at her genitals often, ensuring the area is clean and removing excess discharge. The cat will stop eating about 12 hours before stage two of labor starts, according to the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians."

    Stage Two

    • Stage two signifies the onset of labor, or parturition. The pregnant cat retreats to her nesting area and begins to have contractions. She may vocalize or scream in pain. Panting and restless behaviors continue until the birth of her first kitten, which can take between 30 minutes and one hour, according to the "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians."