What Are a Cat's Contractions Like?

Cats typically have a gestation period of 61 to 70 days, following the date of conception. However, even your veterinarian cannot accurately predict the exact date when the birth will occur. When you know what to expect, including how the contractions look, you can better take care of your pet and ensure a healthy birth.

Early Signs

Cats typically show signs of labor and contractions up to 48 hours before labor starts. The cat will start wandering around, showing signs of restlessness or anxiety. Some cats will even identify a nesting spot, or the place where they intend to have the kittens. Most cats lick their vagina and abdomen and you may notice some signs of a discharge. In the hours before labor starts, she will focus more on the licking and stop trying to eat or drink.

Contractions

Once the contractions begin, the cat's breathing rate increases. She may start pacing the room or howl in a loud tone. Watch for her to lie down on one side, which indicates that contractions are starting. Cats often alternate between lying on one side and squatting in place. When the cat squats, she forces down and tries to push out the kittens.

Kittens

Following labor, it usually only takes about an hour for the first kitten to appear. Following the first kitten, the mother cat continues delivering babies every 10 to 60 minutes. Kittens have an amniotic sac wrapped around them, which resembles a thick jelly. The mother cat pushes off the sac by licking the kitten. Sometimes, the mother cat doesn't completely remove the sac. When this occurs, quickly rub the kitten with a dry towel and force off the sac. The cat should start nursing the kittens as soon as the sac is gone.

Warning

Contact a veterinarian if labor lasts seven hours or more. Take the cat to a doctor if one of the kittens is trapped in the birth canal for longer than 10 minutes, or if you cannot remove the kitten on your own. Call the vet if the cat shows signs of labor or contractions for longer than four hours without delivering a kitten. It is dangerous for the mother cat to go five hours or longer without delivering a kitten.