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For many cat lovers, the pregnancy of these animals becomes an event, especially if this happens for the first time. This process causes a lot of questions from caring owners, because each catman is happy to help his pet, especially at such times. Many people wonder how it can be understood that a cat will give birth soon. After all, outwardly, the animal does not show any signs, and it will not be able to say about early births.
What you need to know about cats pregnancy?
The gestation period of a cat is not as long as that of a human. On average, it is about 65 days. Traditionally, it is customary to start the countdown from the day of mating the animal. However, in fact, conception occurs a couple of days after mating. It is also worth noting that the duration of gestation in cats may vary depending on the breed. For example, long-haired breeds have a longer gestation period, up to 72 days. Shorthair cats usually bear kittens no longer than 68 days. Moreover, the number of babies can affect the length of the gestation period. If a cat has more than three kittens, then the birth can occur prematurely. If the number of kittens does not exceed three, the gestation period, on the contrary, can be delayed.
During pregnancy, the cat, of course, must be looked after. The first thing to do is to equip the place where the animal lives. The cat should have a comfortable couch in which it will be warm and cozy. In addition, it is very important to choose the right diet for the animal. The food must necessarily contain all the necessary vitamins and mineral complexes, important for both the expectant mother and the kitten. Do not forget about regular examinations at the veterinarian. Often a veterinarian gives recommendations for taking vitamins and other beneficial substances.
At a later date, you can see that the cat’s tummy takes the form of a pear. Moreover, you can even see the kittens moving inside. By such simple signs, you can easily determine that the cat is pregnant. It is at this time that you should begin special care for the animal and take all necessary measures to ensure a comfortable pregnancy.
Often the owners of the cat in the early stages of pregnancy, noting the unusual behavior of the pet, cannot immediately understand what is happening to her. In this case, you can take the animal to a veterinarian who can determine if the cat is pregnant or not by palpation. However, it is important to understand that the presence of fruits can be probed only 20 days after conception. It is forbidden to try to feel pregnancy on your own, you can damage the fragile fetus with inexperienced movements, which can seriously harm the health of the future kitten and the cat itself.
Signs of an early birth
It will be quite difficult for a person who does not have a lot of experience in keeping cats to understand when the cat is ready to give birth. Of course, there are various signs and physiological manifestations, according to which it can be understood that labor will soon begin, however, not everyone knows about them. It is also worth considering that, like in humans, in animals the organism is also individual.For this reason, in some animals, signs of labor appear one week before delivery, while in others, a couple of hours. However, if you notice any manifestations, you should begin to prepare for an early birth.
The main signs of an approaching labor are considered:
- Strong changes in the mood of the cat. At your pet, you can note severe anxiety, nervousness, which can manifest itself in different ways. In some cats, even some aggression may appear before birth. Some cats before giving birth are very negative about the approach of people, especially if someone is trying to touch the stomach. In other cases, on the contrary, the animal simply does not depart from its owner and simply follows him absolutely everywhere. Such changes may appear one and a half to two weeks before labor.
- When the cat begins to feel that she will soon give birth, she begins to look for herself a cozy and hidden place from outsiders. You can notice how the animal climbs into various hidden corners or just rushes around the apartment. Often cats climb in such a period in cabinets, bedside tables, looking for a convenient place near the battery. Such behavior should be a signal for the owner about the need to help the pet. In such a situation, you can purchase a special bed for a cat in a pet store or independently prepare a cozy place from improvised materials. Many owners simply find a large, spacious cardboard box in which they put a blanket. In the box, the cat will feel comfortable, hidden from prying eyes. The main thing is that the place is soft, comfortable, warm and clean. It is important to periodically clean such a cat's corner so that garbage does not accumulate in it.
- Immediately before birth, you may notice a swollen chest in a cat. In addition, colostrum begins to stand out just before labor. Such signs are a sure signal that the cat will give birth very soon.
- Sometimes, on the eve of childbirth, the animal's appetite disappears, and then the body temperature decreases. This condition is easily confused with the disease. In addition, before birth, the activity of the animal is quite significantly reduced. Since it becomes difficult for a cat to move with a large belly, it becomes slow and inactive. Often, because of their clumsiness, cats walk past the tray during this period. However, do not scold the animal, because your pet is really hard to move around. It is better to surround the expectant mother with care during this period and relieve her of various stresses and nerves. Any stressful situations can provoke a premature birth.
- The most pronounced criterion, which indicates that childbirth is already beginning, is waste water. It’s possible to understand that the cat’s water has left its place if it has become wet. In addition, if the cat licks too often the area of her genitals, this also suggests that the future mother is leaving water.
By these signs, you can roughly understand when exactly the cat will give birth. In general, it is advisable to begin to monitor and care for the animal at the very beginning of pregnancy. This will help to prepare more thoroughly and avoid stress, both for the animal itself and for the owner, who will worry about the pet.
Video: how to find out that the cat began to give birth
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