How long do a cat's first labors last? - briefly
The duration of a cat's first labor can vary, but typically it lasts between 6 to 12 hours. It is important to note that if labor continues for more than 24 hours without any progress or signs of distress, such as excessive meowing, lethargy, or lack of appetite, immediate veterinary attention should be sought.
How long do a cat's first labors last? - in detail
The duration of a cat's first labor can vary significantly, depending on several factors such as the number of kittens and the individual cat's physiology. On average, the entire process from the beginning of contractions to the delivery of the last kitten can take anywhere from two to twelve hours.
In the initial stages, the cat may exhibit signs of restlessness or nesting behavior as her body prepares for labor. This phase typically lasts around one to two hours. Once active labor begins, contractions become stronger and more frequent, occurring approximately every five to thirty minutes. The first stage of labor, which involves the cervix dilating and effacing, can take several hours, usually between three to six hours.
The second stage of labor is the most intense and involves the actual delivery of the kittens. This phase typically lasts around two to four hours for each kitten, with the first kitten usually taking the longest to deliver. The interval between the birth of one kitten and the start of contractions for the next can range from ten minutes to an hour.
The final stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta, which occurs shortly after the birth of each kitten. This process should be relatively quick, taking only a few minutes per placenta. Once all the kittens and placentas have been delivered, the cat will focus on caring for her newborns, including cleaning them and stimulating their breathing if necessary.
It is essential to monitor the cat closely during labor, ensuring that each stage progresses normally and that there are no signs of distress or complications. If more than four hours pass without any kittens being delivered, or if the cat experiences excessive bleeding or shows signs of severe pain, immediate veterinary attention should be sought.