Childbirth in British cats - how to help your pet at home?

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All British cats purchased from a cattery have an individual pregnancy, the longest being 10 weeks (70 days). Often a British cat will give birth at 8-9 weeks. The beautiful short-haired creatures, anticipating an imminent event, are very worried and look for a suitable place in advance. And some realize what is happening already during contractions. This article describes in detail how to act correctly.

Before the onset of labor, literally a few days before, active movement begins in the tummy, even during the rest period.

How can you know for sure that a British mother is about to give birth? You must not miss the moment when the birth plug comes off . This is quite difficult, because she can lick it or bury it in the filler sand. But if, when cleaning the tray, you find a small white-pink clot, then it’s time to get ready. It is highly advisable to take a few days off from work, because she will need help.

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You also need to carefully monitor when her water breaks - this is the beginning of labor. By this time, a place for childbirth and further accommodation should be ready, as well as special food after childbirth.

If it has already happened, then you should expect the first contractions.

Prenatal period

Contrary to popular belief, it is necessary to prepare for the birth of your pet in advance.
First of all, it is worth thinking about the so-called “nest” where the cat will live with the kittens. As a rule, cats begin to look for it on their own, but in this case, this place can become any corner of your apartment: from a bed or a common sofa to a linen drawer.

That is why it is better for owners to think about where the cat and its offspring will be as comfortable as possible. The best option is a large box (it is better if it is equipped with a removable roof). This will allow owners to observe the birth even if the animal decides to give birth alone. From time to time you can lift the lid and check if everything is going as usual. It is better to cut a small hole on the side of the box, which will serve as an entrance. The bottom of the nest must be covered with something soft and warm, for example, an unnecessary blanket, which should be covered with sheets of clean paper or disposable diapers. However, there is no guarantee that the British Shorthair cat will approve of your choice of location and will not go looking for another one that, in her opinion, is more suitable. In such situations, you can try to be more persistent, for example, move the box to a place your pet likes.

If your cat is giving birth for the first time, there is a high chance that some complications will arise. That is why owners should prepare for them in advance. To do this they will need:

• contacts of a specialist who can visit your home;
• sterile gloves;
• nylon thread;
• standard antiseptic, for example, alcohol;
• disinfected scissors;
• petrolatum.

Mating

Only purebred animals can be bred. The cat will not give birth: it is necessary to choose a doctor to sterilize the animal. Usually the procedure is performed after the end of the acute period of estrus. The client is given sedative drops to alleviate the condition. Important: do not use hormonal drugs that cause serious disturbances in your pet’s fragile body without a veterinarian’s prescription.

14 days before the event, it is necessary to give the cat anti-worm medications and check the pets for all necessary vaccinations. It is necessary to carry out hygiene procedures: trim the claws. It is not recommended to wash it just before mating: a household product will remove the natural odor of the animal.

When to breed

After the first heat begins, they skip another one and then only find a British cat for mating. It is forbidden to bring a gentleman without waiting for the right time, the third heat. The consequences of non-compliance with the rule are sad: a miscarriage may occur, kittens will be born weak or dead.

Choosing a partner

One of the important points in choosing a partner for mating is whether the British cat has experience. The animal must be suitable in age and size. External characteristics, color and color, advantages and disadvantages of the individual, compliance with the breed standard, take into account all the data. Pay attention to the absence of diseases in the cat; strong offspring are born from healthy parents. It is better to choose a cat from your club.

A British Shorthair cat should be bred to a British Shorthair cat. It is most often not recommended to take a long-haired cat for mating. In most structures, offspring are considered marriage. To participate in exhibitions, they will find out in which system the pet is registered.

How does mating work?

The successful outcome of mating British cats depends largely on the behavior of the girl. The fluffy beauty is taken to the male’s house, or to neutral territory. In his own home, the cat behaves more confidently, and the process will go faster.

If the ward does not like the partner, the mating does not work out. A girl can show aggression, bite a cat, scratch a person who is nearby. Such problems do not always happen, but they do occur during the first experience. And the owner must be prepared for such a situation and not leave his pet immediately after arriving at the British cat for mating.

When the female's behavior does not cause concern, it is necessary to leave the pets alone. The total period that animals spend mating lasts 2-3 days. After this time, the male usually loses interest in his partner.

How to avoid miscarriage

The answer to the question of how long pregnancy lasts in a British cat is therefore clear. The cubs develop in the belly of such a furry mother for 9 weeks. But sometimes pregnancy in British women not only drags on or ends a little earlier, but is also terminated in the early stages.

This problem is quite common in young British breed cats. Sometimes owners of mature pets also encounter this problem. The causes of miscarriage in British breed cats can be different. But most often it is some kind of severe stress, illness or rough mechanical impact.

In any case, owners of a pregnant British cat, of course, definitely need to know how to properly handle her so as not to cause a miscarriage

For example, you need to take such a pet in your arms as carefully as possible, trying not to put pressure on the stomach. Of course, you cannot push an animal carrying kittens from a bed, armchair, chairs, etc., or greatly frighten it or force it to move very actively.

Term

The British Shorthair is considered mature when it is 8-9 months or older. The first heat occurs much earlier, but it is better to wait until mating until 1 year. Then the pet’s body will be completely ready for gestation and childbirth.

After mating, pregnancy will not yet be visible. First of all, the estrus will pass, and only then, after a few days, the first signs of fertilization will appear. The gestation period does not exceed 9 weeks .

The first fact that indicates that a British Shorthair is pregnant is swollen nipples that have turned pink. They are visible within 3 weeks (20-22 days) after fertilization. Meanwhile, the appetite noticeably increases, the animal becomes calm, rests and sleeps more.

Normal and abnormal course of labor

Prevention of all possible complications during childbirth begins with caring for a pregnant cat. As soon as you discover that your pet is pregnant, regardless of whether mating was planned, she must be shown to a veterinarian.

A cat's pregnancy can be determined from 2–3 weeks using a blood test. At 3–4 weeks, the expectant mother's mammary glands swell. As the gestation period increases, the following signs are observed:

• Increased hunger.
• Redness of the nipples.
• Toxicosis.
• Slight but constant weight gain.
• Behavioral changes - frequent meowing, restlessness, unusual affection or irritability.

During the normal course of pregnancy, by about 5–6 weeks, the pet’s belly becomes noticeably rounded. If gestation proceeds without complications, the cat receives decent care, has no genetic defects, and birth occurs from 64 to 71 days of pregnancy.

It will be easier for an inexperienced owner to cope with the situation if the nest for birth is prepared in advance. It is necessary to monitor the cat’s behavior; most often, she herself chooses a suitable (from her point of view) place. You can take the initiative and equip a nest for your cat from a spacious box. In order for the expectant mother to feel safe, the box must be closed (have a roof).

During the first contractions, you may find that the cat is restless, constantly entering the nest, or looking for a suitable place to give birth to kittens.

The pet can meow loudly and attract the attention of the owner, especially if she is about to give birth for the first time. The first contractions bring discomfort, but the cat successfully hides the pain

The owner may not notice the discharge of amniotic fluid and the rejection of the mucous plug, since the cat licks the genital area.

As the labor process progresses, contractions will intensify and the interval between them will decrease. When the interval is reduced to 20–30 seconds, the cat will lie down on its side and prepare to push.

The first kitten takes longer to be born than all the others; to expel it, the cat will need to make 3-4 strong attempts. The total duration of the process from the start of contractions to the appearance of the first kitten can take from 2 to 24 hours. Normally, contractions last up to 12 hours, and pushing at the birth of the first kitten lasts up to 1 hour.

As soon as the baby is born, the cat licks its face, gnaws the umbilical cord and eats the afterbirth. If the woman in labor does not pay attention to the kitten, and the expulsion occurs too quickly, the pet may be in rapid labor. This complication is associated with severe pain, so it is advisable to immediately remove the kittens from the nest, remove fluid from the respiratory tract, rub them and place them on a heating pad.

Three trimesters

Like women, pregnancy in cats is also divided into three trimesters, each of which undergoes its own important changes. Folds change during this period, so special care is important for them. We are talking not only about the nutrition of pregnant women, but also many other things that deserve attention.

So, the trimester is divided as follows:

• 1-3 weeks (first);
• 3-6 weeks (second);
• 6-9 weeks (third).

First trimester

In the first week, the cat’s behavior shows practically no signs of itself. A healthy animal is active and cheerful. From the second week, it may begin to sleep more and refuse to play. Obvious signs appear only in the third week. If you touch the nipples, you will notice that they are slightly rounded and change their color to bright pink. This is especially noticeable in young individuals who are faced with an interesting situation for the first time. Experienced breeders note that older cats often do not have this symptom. In addition, the purr can suffer from toxicosis, which lasts only a couple of days.

Second trimester

This trimester is the brightest of all. This is associated with obvious symptoms and changes in the cat’s behavior. The kittens in the mother’s belly can already be clearly felt, although their exact number is problematic to determine. Scottish and British cats become especially round at this stage, and the uterus is almost completely filled with fluid.

Third trimester

The seventh week is characterized by obvious changes, which is associated with the opportunity to feel the future babies. In addition, unborn pets are already beginning to move. Considering that the cat is becoming obese, it is difficult for her to walk, so she tries not to get up from her place once again. Cold and wayward animals become more affectionate and gentle. Many begin to poke at the owner and ask to be held.

Just before giving birth, a pregnant British cat walks incorrectly, its belly sags and its back seems to arch, which indicates an upcoming important event. In addition, you can pay attention to the animal’s anxiety. The purr can search for a place for hours, and then “nest” in it. Often preference is given to cabinets and beds.

If you don’t want your pet to give birth anywhere, it is advisable to put the cat in a box a week before giving birth and arrange it, showing the animal its place.

The main signs of labor in British cats

On the day of giving birth, British women become restless, they fuss, run around the entire apartment or, conversely, hide in the closet or under the bed. The first contractions begin 24-30 hours before birth, at which time pets, moving around the apartment, make loud, incomprehensible sounds. This can last from 12 to 14 hours, during this period the birth plug comes off, which is difficult to notice, since the cat licks it or buries it in the litter tray. During the prenatal period, it is necessary for the pet’s owner to be nearby, providing assistance if necessary. In cats of British and Scottish breeds, labor lasts about a day, from the moment of the first contractions. The duration of the process depends on the number of fetuses, as well as on the age of the cat.

Pregnancy calendar with a duration of 65 days

To read: Labrador variety description and breed standard

What owners should do and what not to do to preserve the gestation period of their offspring

In order for the cat to emerge within the prescribed period, the owners need to know several rules about what should be done and what should be avoided during this period, so that the duration does not change towards critical. Rules are not a panacea, because There is also a genetic predisposition, which “you can’t argue with.

What do we have to do:

1. Contact a specialist as soon as possible after the expected conception to identify possible risks to the life and health of the fetus and for the mother cat. It is wise to use an ultrasound to find out if the cat is pregnant at all.
2. Contact your veterinarian if Murka exhibits any strange behavior or changes in health (vomiting, fever, lack of appetite).
3. Protect the pet from children so that they do not squeeze, kick or make any sudden movements towards the animal.
4. Provide balanced and sufficient nutrition.
5. If necessary, give vitamins for pregnant women (veterinary).

What not to do:

1. Make Murka nervous. This includes purchasing new pets during this period, arranging noisy events indoors where the cat cannot hide, and allowing children in.
2. Press the stomach tightly, supposedly trying to determine how many babies should be born. It is almost impossible to do this with your hands, especially for a non-specialist, and it is easy to injure the abdomen!
3. Give any medications without consulting a veterinarian.
4. Allow Murka to jump from a height or climb there.
5. Washing or treating your home with strong and strong-smelling household chemical solutions is a direct path to poisoning.
6. Allow contact with sick and abandoned animals.
7. Do not follow the rules of hygiene (stroking with dirty hands after going outside or allowing you to sleep in the shoes you came in from the street in).

How many kittens can a pet produce?

Most often, a British litter contains approximately 3-6 kittens if the cat gives birth for the first time and 2-4 kittens if this is not the first birth.

Even if there is only 1 kitten in the litter, this is not a pathology. In this case, it is easier for the cat’s body to bear and give birth to only one healthy baby than several unhealthy ones.

A doctor will help you understand in advance how many kittens a British mother will have. This can be done using an ultrasound, most often at 15-20 days. It is better to find out the number of babies in advance, as this will help predict the scenario of future births and prepare the owner mentally.

First aid

But there are problems that can still be quickly solved without the presence of a specialist.

• Uterine atony is when the intensity of the contraction is not enough for the baby to come out. This happens when more than 4 kittens are about to be born. You may need to self-administer an oxytocin injection.
• The baby is born without problems, but the placenta does not come out. You will have to remove it yourself by hand, wearing sterile gloves.
• The head is visible, but the kitten does not come out for a long time. Lubricate the genitals with Vaseline ointment and then the process will normalize.
• The kitten is born in the amniotic sac, and the mother is in no hurry to release it. Then you need to carefully cut it and pull out the small body. Remove the remaining liquid in the nose using a pipette.

Unlike British cats, Scottish cats give birth at the same time each time. This can be verified by checking, recording how much time has passed since the day of conception. There is a high probability that subsequent labor will begin in the same number of weeks.

You may have to buy cat milk for feeding newborn kittens, which is obtained from British cats. Childbirth is a severe stress and it may happen that the new mother will refuse to feed her offspring at first.

This is actually all the necessary information that will be useful to every cat owner who has a beautiful short-haired British pet living in their home. You can also watch an educational video. The most important thing is not to leave her alone in such difficult moments, even if she herself asks for it, it’s better to be there, support her, and then the process “from” to “to” will go smoothly.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XDLZ6_6ahkA

There comes an exciting moment in the lives of many owners when their furry pet is ready to become a mother. Natural questions arise that not every owner can answer. How does a British cat’s pregnancy proceed, how many weeks does she carry kittens, how to properly prepare for childbirth at home, and how to identify signs of pregnancy in a “British cat”?

We will try to answer these and other questions in this article.

It is important to keep in mind that the pregnancy of a British cat is similar to the pregnancy of many other breeds popular with breeders.

ATTENTION, TEST! Answer a few simple questions and find out what kind of owner you are for your cat:

Does your cat have a name?

How often do you play with your pet?

Do you get your vaccinations and parasite treatment up to date?

Is your kitten spayed/neutered?

What do you feed your purr?

What kind of owner are you for your cat?

Your kitty is very happy

Congratulations! Your purr is healthy and happy, surrounded by care and love. You are a responsible and good owner for your kitty.

Your pussy could be happier

Hmm... with such an owner, even the cockroaches will all die. Maybe you should have gotten a cactus instead of a cat? Yes, you are not the best and most caring owner, but you still have a chance to fix everything. Start taking proper care of your pet.

Non-standard situations that may occur during mating

There are several non-standard situations that may arise for owners of British cats who are mating for the first time.

Error with heat time. The cat recognizes that the female is not ready to mate on her own. If he pointedly ignores her or turns away, it means the owners made a mistake with the timing.

The female may show increased interest not in the male, but in the surrounding environment. In this case, you just need to wait.

The female does not want to let the male in. A difficult situation that can be solved by a veterinarian by inserting a special probe into the vagina of a British cat. This will not affect the British woman’s pregnancy in any way after mating and will help complete the mating much faster.

Changing the female's position. During mating, she lies on her side. It is advisable that the owners keep her in her usual position.

Pet sizes vary greatly. In such situations, you will need the help of the owners.

If pregnancy is not progressing properly, you should not start giving your pet pills. It is necessary to take her to a specialist.

When is the best time to meet a cat?

Despite the rapid puberty of the pet, there is no need to rush into mating. The onset of the first heat only signals the physiological readiness of the cat’s body to perform the reproductive function. When a cat can become pregnant is decided first of all by the owners, unless, of course, the animal has free access to the street. Responsible breeders plan matings in advance. Before mating, the cat and male cat must be examined by a veterinarian for hidden infections, be vaccinated, and treated for worms and external parasites.

The task of the animal owner is first and foremost to preserve the health of the pet. That is why experienced breeders and veterinary specialists believe that the first estrus should under no circumstances result in the animal becoming pregnant. A young body must get stronger and take shape. Pregnancy, childbirth and feeding offspring require a lot of effort. Therefore, by the first conception, the female must be absolutely healthy, in good physical shape and fully developed physiologically. In this regard, the question often arises: when can a cat give birth for the first time?

Symptoms and signs

The pregnancy of a British cat is divided by weeks into three periods, in each of which certain symptoms are observed.

Your pet becomes less active

From 1 to 3 weeks of pregnancy:

• The cat's activity decreases and she begins to sleep more.
• The pet becomes more affectionate and strives to spend more time with its owner. Sometimes a cat's character can change, on the contrary, towards aggression.
• Toxicosis may occur: vomiting is observed, as a rule, in the first half of the day, and can be repeated several times a day. As a result, your cat's appetite may decrease. It should be noted that toxicosis does not always occur.
• Around the end of the third week, a sign such as a change in the color of the nipples appears: they become more pink, may increase in size and peel off.

Attention! The most reliable method for determining the onset of pregnancy is an ultrasound examination. Using an ultrasound, you can confirm pregnancy as early as 2-3 weeks.

From 4 to 6 weeks:

• The cat is gaining weight, the belly is noticeably enlarged.
• Appetite improves.
• The animal avoids jumping from heights and fast running.

The animal gains strength

In the last 2-3 weeks, the cat rests a lot, gaining strength. She is also looking for a secluded place in which the birth will take place.

Problems during childbirth that you can solve on your own

As soon as the second, most important phase of childbirth begins, the cat’s owner must be nearby at all times in order to notice possible pathologies in time and provide assistance to the animal. With regular contractions, you can give an injection of calcium gluconate (1 ml) at 3-4 different points on the cat’s body, and another injection after birth - this will help the cat endure contractions more easily and prevent eclampsia. The need to administer other drugs (Travmatin, Gamavit, etc.) depends on the condition of the animal, the presence or absence of problems during the delivery process.

Help for a giving birth cat is only necessary if there are complications.

What to do, if:

The kitten is stuck in the genital tract and comes out with its back or tail first. This happens when the fetus is malpresented or in situations where the kitten is quite large. If left to chance, the baby may suffocate in the birth canal, so the owner needs to put on disposable gloves, lubricate his fingertips with Vaseline and carefully pull him out. It is better to pull not by the paws (there is a high risk of breaking or damaging them), but by the skin on the withers, grabbing it with three fingers. The amniotic sac did not rupture. In such cases, the cat must rupture the membrane of the amniotic sac itself, but sometimes it cannot perform its functions due to inexperience or weakness, and then the “obstetrician” must release the kitten

The bubble should be broken close to the baby's nose, being extremely careful not to scratch its delicate skin. The cat did not bite the umbilical cord. Females do not bite the umbilical cord immediately - usually after the baby is completely cleansed of tissue and water residues

If this does not happen 15-20 minutes after the baby comes out, you need to cut it yourself. To do this, the umbilical cord is tied with a clean thread, 4-5 cm away from the kitten’s body, after which it is cut from the side of its abdomen next to the constriction. After completing the procedure, you should make sure that the cat begins to lick the incision site - if she refuses to do this, you need to cauterize it with an antiseptic.

Females do not immediately bite the umbilical cord

The cat does not care for newborns. Licking kittens immediately after their birth is necessary not for reasons of hygiene, but for the start of normal life of the offspring. If the cat has not started grooming the kitten, you need to rupture the amniotic sac, cut the umbilical cord, then wipe the baby with a clean cloth and use a syringe to remove mucus from the nose and mouth. Next, it is advisable to place it on the cat’s nipples - it will begin to drink colostrum, massaging the stomach and nipples with its paws, and the whole process will go faster. The kitten is breathing unevenly or not breathing at all. Most often this happens in cases where he inhales a certain amount of amniotic fluid.

The kitten should be picked up, held head down for a few seconds and gently shaken - after which it should squeak. To make sure that the baby is in normal condition, you can examine his tongue - it should be pink, which indicates normal saturation of the body with oxygen.

The kitten should be picked up and its viability checked

The placenta does not come out of the uterus. If at least one placenta remains in the genital tract and does not come out approximately an hour after the birth of all kittens, you need to carefully pull it out by wrapping your fingers in a clean bandage.

After all the kittens have been born, you need to remove all garbage and dirty diapers, cover the box with clean bedding if necessary, and make sure that all the babies have access to their mother's milk and are sufficiently active. If the cat is in no hurry to show maternal instinct, runs away from the kittens, does not want or for some reason cannot feed them, you should buy a special milk formula and a feeding device (sold in veterinary pharmacies).

After giving birth, you need to make sure that the cat and kittens are healthy

How to feed a newborn kitten if the mother cat refuses to do so

Caring for a cat and kittens

The cat is provided with food and clean drinking water. The cubs are placed closer to the nipple, making sure that each receives a portion of milk. If the mother does not lick the babies after birth, they are wiped with a clean napkin.

What to do with kittens

In the first month, the mother cares for, raises, and feeds British kittens. Therefore, you should not remove crumbs from your cat ahead of time. Breast milk contains everything necessary for the development of babies.

Complementary feeding should be started carefully; dishes with food and water should be placed next to the bed. Children will learn nutrition and hygiene skills from an adult animal.

Growing up, puberty of a British cat, the appearance of offspring is a natural physiological process. But the life and health of pets depends on how a person behaves throughout this period.

Recommended reading: names and nicknames for British kittens

General information about pregnancy

Pregnancy in a cat begins from the moment of fertilization and ends with the birth, as a rule, of several kittens.

When can a cat become pregnant?

Physiological maturity in cats occurs at approximately 5-9 months of age: by this time, the production and content of hormones responsible for the sexual instinct and fertility reaches the required level. Unambiguous evidence of this is estrus, or estrus. The pet’s behavior changes dramatically:

• she becomes restless;
• rolls on the floor;
• rubs against objects;
• urinates more often, sometimes even ignoring the tray;
• constantly and almost continuously meows loudly or screams, calling for cats.

However, no matter what discomfort this period creates, a responsible owner will not follow his pet’s lead, giving her the opportunity to mate. At the age of just over six months, a cat psychologically and physically remains a kitten: the final formation of the skeleton and the formation of internal organs have not occurred, representatives of large breeds still have an active growth phase, and only the established hormonal background indicates readiness for mating.

This is interesting! Kittens born as a result of pregnancy at such an early age of the mother are likely to be weak and non-viable.

And the cat itself, having given birth to offspring, is unlikely to become a full-fledged participant in breeding work in the future: the first mating and pregnancy of such a young mother lead to a slowdown, and sometimes even a complete cessation of growth. In addition, according to statistics, cats that were separated early and gave birth are more likely than others to abandon newborn kittens and suffer miscarriages.

Cat's age for pregnancy

A cat becomes truly sexually mature only at the time of her second or third heat. Breeders and veterinarians consider the age of 1.5 years optimal for the first mating, and for representatives of breeds that are characterized by slow development (British cats, Maine Coons), they strongly recommend that the first mating be carried out no earlier than the animal reaches the age of two years. This will help the cat avoid psychological trauma and hormonal problems and spinal diseases in the future. As a result of such a “planned” pregnancy, kittens are born strong and healthy.

There is no clear answer to the question up to what age a cat retains the ability to bear and give birth to offspring. In incredibly rare cases, some individuals retain reproductive function until they reach the ripe old age of 20. Of course, the older the animal, the more problems the pregnancy occurs. And although the birth itself can go quite well for the mother, kittens are often born sickly, weakened, and with congenital defects. Old pregnant cats often experience prolonged pregnancy, and in such cases the litter is doomed to death.

Therefore, even if an elderly pet, over the age of 8 years, still continues to feel like a maiden of marriageable age and is “walking around,” mating should not be arranged: late pregnancy poses a threat to the health of the mother and the life of the offspring.

How often do cats give birth?

Those who have the misfortune of being owned by indifferent “owners” and homeless cats may have up to 4-5 litters a year. A cycle consisting of uncontrolled mating, each time leading to pregnancy and childbirth, a week after which the cat is again ready for mating, completely exhausts the animal. It rarely survives even to 7 years.

If a cat is valuable for breeding, the breeder must be guided by the rules of the “Resolution on Breeding Work”, according to which mating cannot occur more often than 3 times every 2 years. This determines the eight-month interval between births, during which the pet’s body fully recovers and prepares for the next opportunity to give birth to kittens. A pause in childbearing is also reasonable from the point of view of the prospect of obtaining beautiful, viable offspring in the future.

Important! In much the same way, the owner, taking care of the health of his pet, must establish the frequency of childbirth, even if it is an ordinary cat that does not have an aristocratic origin. It should also be taken into account whether the mother has previously had complications when giving birth to kittens.

It should also be taken into account whether the mother has previously had complications when giving birth to kittens.

The interval between births should be increased to 10 months if the following were noted:

• weak labor activity;
• membranes that have not expelled on their own;
• postpartum metritis;
• mastitis;
• tetany - milk fever due to a sharp decrease in the amount of calcium in the circulating blood.

By what signs can you tell that a cat is about to give birth?

There are signs that indicate that the mother cat is preparing to give birth. Of these, it is worth highlighting the main one; you will notice how she toils in search of a nest. That is, she is looking for a suitable, safe place where she can produce offspring.

Here you can help her by providing a cozy corner and building a box with bedding in it. Soon the cat will appreciate this and take refuge there in anticipation of the birth.

Other signs indicating that labor is approaching are frequent urination and refusal to eat in the last hours.

How to equip a place for childbirth?

Find a cardboard box. It shouldn't be too small. Check that there is no smell of paint or other odorous substances, such as laundry detergents.

Kittens grow quickly, so the size of the box should not limit them in the future. But there is no need to provide them with too much living space. The top of this box can be covered with something. Unless of course it is already closed on all sides. This way it will turn out to be a real shelter with a side hole for the cat.

If necessary, you can remove the top part, observe the kittens and provide the necessary assistance. It will be very convenient.

Before laying a bedding on the bottom of the box, from some tattered sweater or old shirt, first crumble scraps of newspaper. This is done for a kind of insulation of the floor.

As mentioned above, the box should be located in a dark, quiet corner where the cat will not be disturbed every couple of minutes. After you have decided on a place and placed a shelter there, pick up the cat and place it there. Let her get comfortable there.

It is possible that the cat will get out of there and continue the search. This means that you did something wrong and she is not happy with this place. Try changing something in the interior decoration and moving the nest to another location.

How does the process of giving birth to kittens take place?

Depending on the breed, the birth process can occur differently. For example, in outbred cats it is much easier. And thoroughbreds often require the supervision of a veterinarian or an experienced expert.

In most cases, cats give birth at night. Don't worry about missing this moment. Most likely, you will be awakened by the meowing with which the cat will call you to her. They feel calmer when the owner is nearby, so they feel supported in the fact that they are not alone.

How to prepare for the moment of birth

Cases are different and you should be prepared for the fact that you may be required to help. To do this, prepare the following items in advance:

• Scissors. They must be sterile and have rounded ends.

Threads. If something happens, they will have to be pulled over the umbilical cord and they must be sterile.

Five percent solution of propolis in alcohol.

Clean rags.

Milk substitute. There are special cats. It is a rare case that a pet can die during childbirth. However, you have to keep it with you, you never know.

A small bottle from which you can feed kittens.

Pipette.

Hot water bottle for kittens.

About postpartum care

Many will agree with the statement that it is not as difficult to give birth as it is difficult to care for a cat and several of its children at the same time. Now it is no longer one organism, but 5 or 6 separate capricious representatives of the cat family.

A person should be patient and do the following:

• There is no need to be afraid of anything new and unusual and immediately start sounding the alarm. It is normal for a cat to eat its placenta. Discharge that can be observed in a cat for several days is also normal, even if it contains blood. It is not normal if they last more than 7 days.
• At first, it is necessary to keep the new mother at home so that she does not become pregnant again. The cat's body is designed in such a way that she can become pregnant almost immediately after giving birth. Such stress is not bearable for the body and, most likely, the pregnancy will not end well;
• The cat should produce milk, the quality of which is affected by feeding. Nutrition should be balanced. If a cat eats only industrial food, then it needs to be given food of the highest quality;
• The quality of milk also needs to be monitored. It should be of normal consistency, without shades or impurities;
• During the first week, it is better not to touch or disturb the babies unless absolutely necessary. The mother will cope with them on her own;
• You can give a British woman a nipple massage. This stimulates milk supply, relieves pain, and makes the feeding procedure more convenient for both mother and children;
• For the British, childbirth is a huge stress and it is more difficult for them not physically, but psychologically. Show the British woman that you are nearby and ready to help in any way. Stroke her, talk to her, but only in a calm and quiet voice.

Postpartum care

It is worth understanding that it is important not only to know how a cat of any breed, including the British, gives birth, but also to prepare for it mentally. This is a normal natural process that almost every girl goes through. Prepare well for childbirth and then it will go well!

What to prepare for childbirth: materials and tools

A day or two before the expected birth, you should acquire materials and tools that may be useful in the process:

• sterile gloves (2-3 pairs) and disposable diapers;
• a small syringe or large syringe for sucking out mucus from the mouth and nose of kittens;
• thick threads for tying the umbilical cord;
• scissors with sharp, disinfected blades in case the umbilical cord needs to be cut;
• clean and ironed pieces of cotton cloth for wiping kittens;
• Vaseline oil and pipette;
• water container;
• cotton buds;
• several disposable syringes with a volume of 2 and 5 ml;
• brilliant green or other antiseptic for cauterizing the umbilical cord.

A baby syringe is necessary for sucking out mucus from the mouth and nose of kittens

In addition to materials and tools, the owner is recommended to acquire medications that will help avoid problems and serious complications.

Table 1. Drugs that are recommended to be purchased before the birth of kittens.

In addition, you need to find out the coordinates of the nearest veterinary clinic and think about how to quickly get to it in an extraordinary situation.

Complications

If a British breed cat is about to give birth for the first time, you should prepare for possible complications. Therefore, you need to prepare everything in advance. So, for childbirth you will need:

• phone number of the veterinarian, because something could go wrong;
• sterile disposable gloves;
• scissors treated with alcohol;
• Vaseline oil;
• small oilcloth (several pieces, because it will need to be changed during the process if it gets dirty);
• antiseptic (alcohol);
• cotton pads;
• nylon thread;
• syringes 2 and 5 ml;
• calcium gluconate injection.

In addition to all this, you need to know how to prepare a cat for childbirth.

It is important to know

After the birth of each baby, the birth of the placenta continues, which some eat. Here you need to be very careful, not to miss the moment, in order to protect yourself from possible infections and postpartum complications.

Then they resume and the rest of the babies are born.

There are times when giving birth to a British cat at home requires contacting an experienced veterinarian, for example:

• bleeding;
• pelvic fracture;
• severe obesity;
• newborn stuck in the birth canal.

Mechanical blockage - the fetus is too large or is in the wrong position. Here, stimulant drugs are strictly prohibited, as they can lead to rupture of internal organs.

Second phase

The second stage is the natural birth of British babies. They should come out head first (it rarely happens the other way around), in the amniotic sac, which the new mother bites through and at the same time gnaws through the umbilical cord.

If there are more than 3-4 kittens, it is quite possible that she will not be able to take all the necessary steps on time. This is where a person will have to take responsibility.

How to give birth to a British cat? It is necessary to carefully release the kitten from the amniotic sac, wipe it, cut the umbilical cord, leaving up to 2 cm from the abdomen. Carefully treat the edge of the umbilical cord with an antiseptic. You need to carefully examine the newborn, make sure that breathing is uniform , if not, then you need to lower him head down and hold him in this position until he squeaks. The tongue should be pink.

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Place all the kittens in one place. As soon as the stages of labor for the British cat are over, bring a spacious box of kittens to the British cat so that she lies down next to them and feeds them.

Preparing for childbirth

It is necessary to prepare for the birth of your pet in advance. To do this, you need to prepare a cozy place where the cat can calmly give birth and feed her offspring. A box lined with a soft blanket is perfect for this purpose. Now there are special houses for cats on sale.

You can tell by your cat's behavior that birth is approaching. Before giving birth, the cat becomes more restless, licks itself for a long time and rushes around the house in search of a secluded place. It is necessary to take into account that the cat may not like the place that you have prepared for her. There is no need to insist if she wants to give birth in another place. You can then move the cat and her offspring into the house.

How long does pregnancy last in British breed cats?

It is important to know how long pregnant cats walk and when the day of delivery occurs. According to veterinarians, a British cat's pregnancy lasts 63–65 days, but in some cases labor may begin earlier.

You should not think that labor will begin exactly on time, since many factors influence the length of pregnancy of a British Shorthair cat.

In females with low weight (up to 2.5 kg), offspring can be born in 50–60 days. In British women weighing up to 6 kg or more, pregnancy lasts longer and labor may begin later than 65 days.

The duration of pregnancy is strongly influenced by hormonal processes occurring in the animal’s body. This also applies to diseases of the uterus.

In the first pregnancy, labor begins on days 62–64. When a British cat is pregnant again, birth occurs on days 50–55.

Signs of pregnancy in a British breed cat

There are certain signs of pregnancy in a British cat that allow you to establish this fact at an early stage:

1. Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting. To maintain the functioning of your pet’s body, the animal needs to be given vitamins for pregnant cats.
2. The nipples become bright pink. This is the first sign of pregnancy in females.
3. Decreased activity. In the initial stages of pregnancy, the cat sleeps constantly and does not play with its owners.

Gradually, her stomach swells, her nipples become larger, and her appetite increases. Shortly before giving birth, the female will look for a “nest” in which she will give birth.

5 stages of pregnancy in a British cat

It is very easy to calculate the pregnancy of a British cat by week or stage. Scientifically speaking, the first stage is considered to be proestrus. After this, estrus begins, then metestrus and the last stage is anestrus, which lasts until childbirth.

It is not necessary to know the official British terminology for pregnancy and childbirth. It is enough to correctly calculate the gestational age of a British cat and divide it into 5 parts. This is necessary to calculate the approximate day of birth.

On average, British women are pregnant for 63–65 days. However, it may last 5-10 days longer or, conversely, be reduced to 50–55 days. Even under such conditions, the pregnancy period can be divided into 5 stages and the day of birth can be calculated.

1. The first stage of pregnancy lasts from 20 to 25 days. At the same time, the animal’s appetite decreases, nausea and vomiting, excessive drowsiness, and a slight enlargement of the abdomen are possible.
2. At the second stage of pregnancy, the pet can walk pregnant from 6 to 11 days. The total gestation period will be about 31 days. At the same time, the British cat’s belly increases and its appetite appears.
3. The duration of the third phase of pregnancy is 7–10 days. The belly is getting bigger. When you touch it, you can feel the kittens move.
4. The fourth stage of pregnancy lasts from 42 to 50 days of the total period. The female is preparing for childbirth and begins to look for a “nest”, hides from her owners, sleeps little, eats a lot.
5. The last stage of pregnancy begins at day 50 and ends with childbirth. During this period, owners need to be prepared for the onset of labor at any moment.

Why can there be many kittens?

A lot of kittens is also not bad, but it is very difficult for both the mother and the owner. Many babies appear when the cat has reached 3-5 years of age and her body and health are simply excellent.

British women very rarely have more than 5-6 kittens in a litter, but in history there is a known case when a British woman managed to bear 9 babies. A large number of children may occur due to genetic factors. If the mother of the woman in labor also gave birth to 6 children at once, then the girl will bear fruit in approximately the same quantity.

Pregnant cat

A mother with many children requires special care: as a rule, they do not tolerate pregnancy well, become very tired, and lack strength and energy.

General information about the duration of gestation

On average, the question “how long does a cat stay pregnant?” The most frequently heard answer is 2 months. However, this is a rather loose concept - some individuals barely carry their offspring to term for up to 60 days, and for some the process can last up to 70.

According to general estimates, the minimum gestation period for cats is from 56 to 60 days, the maximum normal is considered to be 71 days (some sources give 72 days). These are periods when the birth of viable offspring is allowed. Most often - 64-67 days (roughly rounded, it comes out to 9 weeks).

The entire “pregnant” period is conventionally divided into 3 phases of development, each of which on average includes 3 weeks.

1 phase

This period lasts from the moment of expected conception to 21 days. During this period, eggs are fertilized and embryos develop. By the 15th day, the embryo already becomes up to 1 cm in size, by the 18th day the paws appear, and by the end of the period the internal organs are already formed. It is in this phase that active pinking of the nipples is observed.

2 phase

During this period (from 22 to 42 days), the brain, skeletal structure, muscles and endocrine system are actively formed and developed. From this point on, the kittens are called fetuses, taking on the classic feline appearance with a clearly defined muzzle and genitals. Only after a month of pregnancy the cat’s belly begins to grow a little.

3 phase

On days 43-63 from the moment of conception, kittens, growing to 8-10 cm, acquire a tail and acquire a coat with a certain color. By the middle of the period, their size reaches 13 cm, by the 57th day they are already fully formed and developed babies who are ready to be born at any moment. The maximum size of a newborn depends on the constitution of its parents.

There are exceptions to all rules. The duration may vary depending on many factors:

• offspring of purebred individuals born before 60 days are most often non-viable;
• cats with a slender constitution (subtle) usually never go pregnant longer than 65 days (on average it is 60-65 days), and fat and well-fed ones usually carry a pregnancy and the period can reach 70-72 days;
• primiparous cats, especially those who become pregnant during their first heat before the age of 1 year, in most cases give birth earlier than the expected average period (up to 60 days). Kittens are not always born viable and are often weak and small. That is why experienced breeders do not recommend mating a cat to produce offspring in the first heat and under the age of one year;
• primiparous middle-aged cats bear their offspring somewhat longer than their female peers who have given birth;
• yard outbred cats bear less fruit than domestic and special breed cats. Sometimes healthy babies are born on the 55th day - this indicates better endurance and higher adaptability of street individuals compared to domestic ones;
• in a fold cat (British, Scottish), kittens are gestated for an average of 63-67 days, but almost never less than 60 days;
• cases of nursing up to 75 days have been recorded. The course of the entire period was without complications, and the newborns were all alive and well. The reasons for such a long but safe gestation are still a mystery to veterinarians;
• Pregnancy of the Maine Coon breed is usually longer than that of other breeds - up to 68 days or 9 full weeks + preparation for the birth of the cat herself;
• long-haired cats stay pregnant longer (up to 70 days) than smooth-haired or completely hairless cats (around 65 days);
• the fewer fruits there are in the litter, the longer the cat can go pregnant and, conversely, the more, the faster and more often the birth will occur before the due date;
• weather conditions affect the onset of labor - sudden changes in temperature and environmental humidity can suddenly trigger premature birth;
• The pregnancy of a Scottish cat is usually shorter than that of a British cat, in which the pregnancy period can sometimes increase to 70-72 days. Therefore, there is no clear answer to the questions of how long pregnancy lasts in a Scottish cat or how long pregnancy lasts in a British cat - variations in duration are present here too.

What you need to have on hand to help

A non-specialist is unlikely to be able to accurately determine whether in a given specific situation the help of a specialist is needed or whether independent participation will be sufficient. But if it is definitely decided to control the birth without a veterinarian, then the list of available materials should be as follows:

• surgical gloves (disposable or sterile) – 2-3 pairs;
• moisture-absorbing medical diapers (unscented) – 4-6 pieces, depending on size;
• a small waffle towel (clean, intensively ironed) - may be needed for resuscitation of a weak newborn baby;
• gauze or bandage wipes (sterile) – up to 2 packs;
• good cutting blunt scissors;
• surgical silk, catgut or any other surgical thread for tying the umbilical cord - sterile initially or soaked in alcohol on the eve of the expected birth;
• a small rubber bulb (syringe) – for pumping out mucus from the kitten’s airways;
• sterile petroleum jelly;
• hydrogen peroxide 3%, betadine or brilliant green solution;
• ammonia;
• a heating pad or electric sheet if the room is cool.

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Only after consultation with a veterinarian (!) the following are added to the list:

• oxytocin;
• lauritin;
• calcium gluconate;
• disposable syringes - insulin and regular, 2 ml volume.

In general, consultation with a veterinarian is required! If a decision has been made to perform obstetric care on your own, then there must be a clear understanding of what is needed, why, and when the use of this or that material/drug will be appropriate.