How many days before giving birth does milk come in cats? - briefly
In cats, milk production typically begins about two to three days before delivery. This helps ensure that the kittens have immediate access to nutrient-rich milk upon birth.
How many days before giving birth does milk come in cats? - in detail
The process of lactation in cats, leading up to childbirth, is a well-orchestrated biological event. Typically, a cat's mammary glands begin to develop and prepare for lactation approximately two weeks before she gives birth. This preparation involves both physical changes and hormonal shifts that ensure the mother cat is ready to nurse her kittens immediately after they are born.
During this period, known as pseudopregnancy or false pregnancy, the mammary glands in the cat's body start to enlarge and become more prominent. This physical change is often accompanied by increased sensitivity and tenderness in the area. The hormonal changes involve a surge in progesterone levels, which stimulate the growth of milk ducts and alveoli (milk-producing cells) within the mammary glands.
As the due date approaches, usually around day 58 to 65 of the gestation period (which lasts about 64 days on average), the cat's body begins to produce colostrum—a pre-milk substance rich in antibodies and nutrients essential for the newborn kittens. This initial production of colostrum occurs approximately one week before labor, ensuring that the kittens receive immediate nourishment and immunity once they are born.
In summary, the precise timing can vary slightly among individual cats, but it is generally observed that the mammary glands start to prepare for lactation around two weeks prior to giving birth, with the production of colostrum beginning about one week before labor. This biological process ensures that the mother cat is well-equipped to provide her newborn kittens with the necessary nourishment and protection from the moment they enter the world.