How to determine that a cat has finished giving birth? - briefly
To determine if a cat has finished giving birth, observe her behavior and the kittens. If she appears calm and is not straining or meowing as if in pain, and all the kittens are present and accounted for, it's likely that the birthing process is complete. Additionally, the mother cat will typically begin cleaning and caring for her newborns immediately after birth.
How to determine that a cat has finished giving birth? - in detail
To determine if a cat has finished giving birth, several key indicators can be observed:
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No More Kittens: The most obvious sign is that no more kittens are being born. Cats typically give birth to their kittens one at a time, with intervals of about 30-60 minutes between each delivery. If there has been no new kitten for over an hour and the cat appears calm and settled, it may indicate that she has finished giving birth.
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Passage of Placenta: After each kitten is born, the mother cat will usually pass the placenta (afterbirth) soon after. If all the placentas have been passed, it suggests that the birthing process is complete. Normally, there should be as many placentas as there are kittens.
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Cleaning Behavior: Cats instinctively clean their newborns to stimulate breathing and bond with them. If the mother cat has cleaned all her kittens thoroughly and appears content, it may indicate that she has finished giving birth. However, if she is still licking and cleaning a particular kitten, there might be another on the way.
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Relaxed Posture: A relaxed posture where the cat lies down comfortably with her newborns can also suggest that the birthing process is over. If she seems restless or continues to pace and vocalize, it could mean more kittens are coming.
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Milk Production: After giving birth, cats start producing milk for their kittens. If you notice the cat's nipples becoming larger and possibly leaking milk, this can be another sign that she has finished giving birth.
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Vocalization Decrease: During labor, cats often vocalize more frequently due to contractions. If the vocalizations decrease significantly and the cat is quieter, it might indicate that the birthing process is complete.
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No More Contractions: If you can see or feel the cat's abdomen, watch for signs of contractions. Once the contractions stop completely, it’s a strong indication that she has finished giving birth.