What is the name for giving birth in a cat? - briefly
The process of a cat giving birth is called "queening," derived from the term "queen" used to describe a female cat.
What is the name for giving birth in a cat? - in detail
The process of a cat giving birth is scientifically termed "parturition." Parturition in cats is a natural biological event that marks the culmination of the gestation period, which typically lasts around 63 to 65 days. During this process, the queen, or female cat, undergoes a series of physiological changes to deliver her kittens. The stages of parturition include pre-labor, active labor, and the delivery of the kittens, followed by the expulsion of the placenta. Pre-labor is characterized by behavioral changes such as restlessness, nesting behavior, and a decrease in body temperature. Active labor involves strong uterine contractions that facilitate the passage of the kittens through the birth canal. Each kitten is usually born within 30 minutes to an hour of active labor, and the queen may take short breaks between deliveries. After each kitten is born, the queen will typically clean the newborn by licking it to remove the amniotic sac and stimulate breathing. The placenta is expelled shortly after each kitten, and the queen may consume it, a behavior believed to provide nutritional benefits and reduce the risk of attracting predators. While parturition is generally a straightforward process, complications such as dystocia (difficult birth) can occur, requiring veterinary intervention. Understanding the stages and signs of parturition is essential for ensuring the health and safety of both the queen and her kittens.