After how many hours does a cat give birth to kittens? - briefly
The gestation period for cats typically lasts between 58 and 67 days. After this time frame, the cat will go into labor, which can take several hours until the first kitten is born.
After how many hours does a cat give birth to kittens? - in detail
The birthing process for cats, known as queening, typically lasts between one to several hours. Here's a detailed breakdown of the timeline:
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Onset of Labor: The initial signs that labor is beginning usually include restlessness, loss of appetite, and nesting behavior, where the cat seeks out a quiet, secluded spot to give birth. This stage can last for several hours or even a day before active labor begins.
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Active Labor: During this phase, which can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, the cat will start to pant and may vocalize more frequently. Contractions become stronger and closer together, with the uterus contracting every 5-30 minutes. The cat's body temperature may drop slightly during this stage.
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Delivery of Kittens: The actual delivery process can take several hours, as each kitten is birthed individually. A typical litter size for cats ranges from 1 to 8 kittens, with an average of about 4 kittens per litter. The time between the birth of each kitten can vary greatly, ranging from a few minutes to over an hour.
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Afterbirth: After delivering all the kittens, the cat will then give birth to the placenta, which usually takes place within a few hours after the last kitten is born. The entire birthing process, including the delivery of the afterbirth, can take up to 12 hours or more in some cases.
It's important to note that while most cats deliver their kittens without any complications, it's always a good idea to have a veterinarian on hand for guidance and support during the birthing process. If labor seems to be taking too long, or if there are signs of distress, immediate veterinary care should be sought.