Cat in Labor: Red Discharge but No Birth, Possible Caus

Part 1: Signs of a Cat's Labor

Cats typically exhibit several signs leading up to their labor. A few hours before giving birth, you may notice a reddish discharge. Other telltale signs include restlessness, pacing, decreased appetite, rapid breathing, uterine contractions, and milk leakage from the nipples. Additionally, the cat's body temperature may drop by about 1°C about 12 days before delivery, returning to normal once the kittens are born. When the cat starts showing signs of labor pains, it's a clear indication that she's about to deliver. Cats usually start giving birth around 30 minutes after the onset of labor pains. It's crucial for pet owners to be prepared for the birthing process well in advance.

Part 2: Preparations for a Cat's Labor

After a cat has been bred and becomes pregnant, it's advisable for pet owners to take her to a veterinary clinic for an ultrasound and Xray examination around the 40th day of pregnancy. This helps determine the number of kittens and ensures their heartbeats are normal, allowing owners to confirm the completion of the pregnancy at the time of delivery.

During the pregnancy, it's essential to provide the mother cat with a wellbalanced diet to ensure both her and the kittens' health. Special attention should be given to calcium supplementation, as many cats experience calcium deficiency and convulsions postpartum. To prevent this, pet owners should start calcium supplementation early in the pregnancy but discontinue it about a week before the expected delivery. It's also important not to overfeed the mother cat to avoid potential complications like dystocia due to oversized kittens. After the birth, owners can feed their cats highprotein foods to boost milk production, such as fish or chicken broth.

Moreover, a cat's gestation period usually lasts about two months, and they typically start giving birth around this time. It's vital for pet owners to calculate the due date and prepare a comfortable, quiet birthing area well in advance. This includes providing warm water, clean towels, gloves, and other necessary supplies.

Understanding the ins and outs of a cat's labor and the necessary precautions is essential for the safety and wellbeing of both the mother and her kittens. The effort and care pet owners invest in this process are truly worthwhile.