How to understand that a cat no longer has kittens, that labor is over? - briefly
To determine if a cat's labor is over and she no longer has kittens, observe her behavior and physical changes. If there are no more contractions or signs of discomfort, and her nipples appear less swollen and engorged, it indicates that the birthing process is complete.
How to understand that a cat no longer has kittens, that labor is over? - in detail
To determine if a cat's labor is complete and she no longer has kittens, observe for several key signs:
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No More Contractions: After delivering her last kitten, the mother cat will stop having contractions. If you notice that the cat is no longer experiencing regular, strong contractions, it could indicate that labor is over.
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Passing of Placenta: Typically, a cat will pass the placenta (afterbirth) within an hour after each kitten is born. The placenta looks like a small, dark red sac. If you see the placenta being passed and there are no more signs of contractions, it's likely that labor has concluded.
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No More Kittens: Naturally, if you have counted all the kittens and none are left to be born, this is a clear sign that labor is complete. Cats usually give birth in intervals ranging from 10 minutes to an hour between each kitten. If more than two hours pass without any signs of new contractions or kittens being delivered, it may indicate that all kittens have been born.
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Nursing Behavior: After the last kitten is born, the mother cat will often start grooming and nursing her kittens. If you see her licking and caring for her newborns, this can be a strong indication that labor has finished.
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Relaxed Posture: A cat that has completed her labor will usually appear more relaxed compared to when she was in active labor. She may lie down next to her kittens and exhibit a calmer demeanor.
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Vocalization Changes: During labor, cats often vocalize loudly due to the pain of contractions. Once labor is over, you might notice a decrease or absence of these loud vocalizations. The mother cat may still make soft noises while caring for her kittens, but these will be different from the intense sounds made during active labor.
If you observe all or most of these signs, it is likely that the cat's labor has indeed come to an end and she no longer has any kittens left to deliver. However, if you are uncertain or notice any concerning symptoms, such as prolonged contractions without a kitten being born or excessive bleeding, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian immediately.