See how a cat gives birth? - briefly
The birthing process for cats typically begins with the queen (pregnant female cat) showing signs of discomfort and restlessness. She will then find a secluded spot to give birth, usually pushing out one kitten at a time over the course of several hours.
See how a cat gives birth? - in detail
The process of a cat giving birth, known as queening, is a fascinating and intricate biological event. Here's a detailed look into this natural phenomenon:
Cats are induced ovulators, meaning they only release their eggs once mating has occurred. This ensures that the female is ready to reproduce when a male is available. After mating, it typically takes about 63-65 days for the kittens to be born, although this can vary slightly.
As the due date approaches, the queen (female cat) will start to exhibit certain behaviors indicating that she's about to give birth. These may include nesting behavior, where she looks for a quiet and safe place to have her kittens; increased vocalization; restlessness; and decreased appetite. Some queens may also experience a slight drop in body temperature, usually by about 1-2°F (0.5-1°C).
The birthing process itself can be divided into several stages:
-
First Stage - Dilation: The queen's cervix begins to dilate, or open up, to allow the kittens to pass through. This stage may last for a few hours to a day. During this time, the queen might appear restless and may vocalize more frequently.
-
Second Stage - Delivery: Once the cervix is fully dilated, the delivery of the kittens can begin. The queen will lie on her side and push with her abdominal muscles to expel each kitten. This stage usually lasts for 1-3 hours per kitten. Kittens are typically born headfirst, although breech births (tail or hindquarters first) can also occur.
-
Third Stage - Expulsion of Fetal Membranes: After all the kittens have been born and their placentas delivered, the queen will expel the fetal membranes (the sacs that surrounded each kitten in the womb). This stage usually lasts for 1-3 hours.
Throughout the birthing process, it's essential to provide a quiet, safe environment for the queen and her newborn kittens. Ensure she has access to clean water and high-quality food, as she will need extra energy and nutrients to support lactation. It's also crucial to monitor the queen and her kittens closely during this time to ensure that everything is progressing normally and to intervene if necessary.
In most cases, cats are excellent mothers and will care for their newborns instinctively. They will clean each kitten thoroughly to stimulate breathing and remove any remaining amniotic fluid or membranes. The queen will also lick the kittens' genital and anal areas to stimulate urination and defecation.
After birth, the kittens will nurse frequently to obtain their mother's rich, nutritious milk, which contains essential antibodies and nutrients to support their rapid growth and development. The queen will continue to care for her kittens until they are weaned at around 8-12 weeks of age.
Witnessing a cat give birth is an incredible experience that showcases the remarkable capabilities of these animals. By understanding the intricacies of the queening process, we can better appreciate and support our feline friends during this critical time in their lives.