Signs of the onset of labor in a cat: how to prepare, main stages

• Fact:
  Healthy cats cope remarkably well even with their first birth.
• Fact 2:
  The first signal of impending labor is the cat's rushing around the apartment in search of a place for the kittens.
• Fact 3:
  The best age for a cat to give birth is 1.5-6 years. During this period, the body is as strong and resilient as possible, and the hormonal background is stable.
• Fact 4:
  Labor should end within 2-4 hours

Procreation is one of the natural wonders and the main task for every living organism. But any important process, even a completely natural one, is not always easy. Cat owners often experience the birth of their pet. Some people blithely rely on nature and do not even interfere with the process. But if a cat is surrounded by caring and caring household members, she has a greater chance of a successful, safe birth and healthy offspring.

Should owners help a cat give birth?

Furry angels are often born in the home environment where the cat feels most safe. If the pregnancy proceeded favorably and the cat feels well, she will cope on her own - the owner can only quietly control the process. Healthy cats cope remarkably well even with the first birth, producing beautiful, strong offspring. But if there is the slightest risk for the cat or her cubs, it is recommended to take the “mommy” to the veterinarian - experienced doctors know how to minimize problems.

It’s great when the owners control the entire pregnancy and know the due date. Typically, the cat's “position” lasts 60-70 days - this is enough time to read all the important information and prepare for the birth process.

Attentive owners notice all the important changes in the pet’s condition a week before giving birth and are already prepared. These are the most important days on which the cat should not be left unattended. If these are not the pet’s first kittens, then the owner, who has already gained experience, can easily notice the signs of an imminent birth. But how can you determine that a cat is about to give birth if she has never given birth to kittens? How should the owner behave and what should he do for the benefit of his pet, who is facing a difficult test?

First of all, you need to calm down the panic so that the animal does not become nervous and does not think that some kind of trouble has come to the house. The first signal of impending labor is the cat's rushing around the apartment in search of a place for the kittens. Usually the pet searches for 1-2 days, after which contractions begin.

First signs of labor

How a cat behaves before giving birth can be understood from its behavior. The very first signs are the removal of the animal’s plug. It is called a traffic jam in a figurative sense. It is a natural beige-pinkish lubricant that comes out of the genital opening. In this way, the body clears the path for the animal’s fetuses to exit.

The surest sign is that your water is breaking. Therefore, the animal must be in a place prepared for lambing so as not to stain the sterile areas of the apartments. To prevent the cat or litter from being in danger, the area designated for cat birth should be fenced off. For example, you can take a spacious box and put disposable sheets inside.

Newborn kittens

Labor can be considered to have begun when the genital opening opens and the kittens are gradually born. The last kittens (1-2) may be born slowly. That is, there is no need to rush if it seems that lambing is already over.

Can there be false births?

Can a cat have false contractions? Can and should be present for facilitated real childbirth. False contractions begin several hours before real labor. Contractions are spasms of the uterine walls that cause the kittens to turn over in preparation for lambing. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon that prepares not only the animal, but also the owner. After false contractions, it is necessary to monitor the cat’s behavior; you should not allow activity, although the animal is unlikely to get out of its bed.

Possible complications are milk fever or eclampsia. It may not occur during the first birth, but during the second and subsequent births it may appear. But if it happened the first time, then you should expect it to happen again next time. Does a cat always have false contractions? No, but in most cases they happen. The absence of false labor can aggravate the situation. During false contractions and real lambing, the owner can consult a veterinarian by telephone. And in order to relieve himself of the difficult responsibility of delivering a baby, he can give the animal to the clinic so that professionals can deliver the baby. False contractions last on average 1.5 hours, and real labor lasts up to 4-5 hours.

Harbingers of imminent birth

On the day the cat gives birth, you can observe signs of labor in the cat:

• No appetite. The cat is limited to water or milk, and prefers liquid dishes (broth, for example) from food. This is the very first sign that the body is preparing for lambing.
• The female spends all her time in the place she has chosen for childbirth. She doesn't go out for walks at all.
• The cat will constantly lick the genital opening, where birth will take place. They do this to remove the discharge so that there is no discharge during childbirth. The presence of discharge can cause infection.
• During sleep and rest, the kittens will constantly move in the stomach. Before giving birth, they take positions that are convenient for lambing. The larger the kittens and the more of them, the more pronounced the movements will be.
• The plug comes off. Cork is a thick pinkish mixture that is released literally an hour and a half before lambing.
• The nipples swell and colostrum is released. This can be checked by gently pressing on the nipple. It will come out with a white mixture.
• About 5 hours before the real birth, false contractions appear, the cat becomes hunched over, as if preparing a comfortable position before lambing. This is one way to understand contractions in a cat. False contractions are needed to prepare kittens for birth. At the same time, the uterus does not open, the cat behaves restlessly.
• The waters break about an hour before lambing; in primiparous cats, they may break with the birth of the first kitten.

False contractions

All of the above symptoms will help to accurately determine imminent labor. Childbirth must be monitored. It is better to prepare the place and sterile unnecessary rags in advance. For example, you can buy several disposable diapers at the pharmacy.

How many kittens can a cat give birth to at one time?

It is impossible to telepathically predict how many babies a furry pet will bring. Usually there are 1-6 kittens in one litter, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s the first birth or the fifth. It is impossible to say for sure what exactly will affect the number of cubs. It could be anything:

• individual characteristics of the cat's body;
• health of the “mother in labor”;
• hormonal balance;
• weight of the animal;
• age.

Already at 7-8 months, the cat is considered sexually mature and can become pregnant. However, this is too early an age to safely carry all fertilized eggs and produce healthy kittens. Therefore, at such a young age, a cat’s pregnancy may fail, and among the cubs born, alas, not all may be alive.

The best age for cat birth is 1.5-6 years. During this period, the body is as strong and resilient as possible, and the hormonal background is stable. “Older” cats sometimes also give birth, but generally no more than 2-3 babies at a time. Moreover, childbirth in older individuals occurs with complications, and the ability to conceive gradually disappears. By the age of 9, many cats cross the threshold of “fertility” and no longer bear offspring.

No matter how old the woman in labor is, the owners are not just worried about the number of new household members. Not everyone can leave their children in an apartment, and finding new owners is not so easy. That’s why the owners are fussing, not knowing how many kind hands they will have to look for, and what to do next.

Signs and symptoms of impending labor

When a cat's pregnancy begins to reach 2 months, tension increases in the house. The owners are worried: when will it be? You should take a close look at the pet. Only careful observation of the expectant mother will help determine that labor is about to begin. The signs of this are as follows:

• The cat begins to lose its appetite, its movements become sluggish and limited. This is the clearest sign that labor will begin soon.
• The furry mommy is looking for a secluded place, looking around the entire apartment, sniffing corners, even opening cabinets with her paw. Some owners prepare a box in advance for the woman in labor with a piece of a warm blanket inside, but the animal may not approve of it and continue searching.
• A couple of hours before the birth process begins, the cat’s mucous plug comes out and vaginal discharge appears.
• If you closely examine the belly of the expectant mother, you will notice how the nipples are swollen, as well as the colostrum that appears from them.

It is easier for women to put themselves in the place of a cat giving birth and imagine how she feels and how she is going through. But male owners usually have no idea what will happen and how. It is advisable for them to read special literature in advance, become familiar with the physiology of the cat, and then errors during obstetric care will be reduced to a minimum.

Cat before birth

So, as we have already said, the first signs of impending birth are observed 7-10 days in advance.
From this period, the owner should pay special attention to his cat. If she goes for a walk outside the house, take her from the street and try not to leave her alone for a long time

You can tell that a cat is ready to give birth by the following signs:

• often lie down in a prepared box on your back;
• in the stomach you can visually notice the active movement of kittens;
• the cat begins to actively wash itself, lick the genitals, even to the point of licking off all the fur under the tail;
• a day before giving birth, she is constantly in the birth box, from where she comes out to drink water or milk;
• does not eat anything on the last day before giving birth;
• The animal's genitals become noticeably swollen, and redness of the nipples and skin under the tail is also observed.

Have you noticed these signs in your cat? Then you no longer have to wonder how long it will take for her to give birth. Here everything is already extremely clear - childbirth can take place at any minute within the next 24 hours! Be prepared for this process and purchase everything you need in advance in case complications arise during labor.

How can you tell if your cat has started giving birth? Before giving birth, a mucus plug comes out of the cat’s genitals, then the birth process begins, during which the cat can meow loudly and pitifully. At this moment, the owner should be nearby and calm his pet with gentle stroking and kind words of support.

To make it easier for you to navigate this difficult matter, consult in advance with a veterinarian who will answer all your questions in detail. Childbirth can happen differently for each animal.

For example, ordinary cats that do not have pedigree roots often give birth on their own. The owner may not even notice this process and see already born kittens affectionately eating their mother's milk.

It is impossible to predict how the birth will go. This depends on the individuality of the animal’s body and whether the cat has given birth before. Young individuals bearing offspring for the first time take longer than usual to give birth and often scream loudly. Due to lack of experience, such cats often try to run out of the box, which is not at all recommended.

It is also not advisable to allow rollovers and squats. In such positions, a cat can seriously harm her kittens. To eliminate such risks, the owner needs to control the birth process and prevent such positions of the animal’s body. It is better to carefully turn her on her side and gently stroke her stomach and back. This will calm the frightened mother cat a little.

Even an inexperienced owner will notice that the cat has begun to give birth. The first kitten will emerge from the genitals of the expectant mother. At this moment, the woman in labor will strain and push very hard, thereby trying to quickly push the baby to the light.

The first kitten may be in the amniotic sac, which occurs if it does not burst during birth. The cat will be able to free the baby from the bubble by carefully gnawing the shell.

If this does not happen, take the initiative and free the newborn from the bladder using sterile scissors. When cutting the shell, be extremely careful and attentive so as not to harm the kitten.

How can you tell if your cat is no longer giving birth? The frequency of birth of each kitten is 15-40 minutes. This means that you won’t have to expect a quick birth. After the kitten is born, the placenta emerges from the genitals, which she must eat. This will allow the woman in labor to quickly realize motherhood and speed up the lactation process.

As a rule, the owner does not have to persuade the cat; it eats the placenta by force of natural instinct.

After the placenta is delivered, you can understand that she gave birth to all the kittens and has already finished giving birth. It is very good if the birth was successful for both the mother cat and her offspring. But sometimes complications occur, which we will now talk about!

Labor has begun!

When your cat has her first contractions, she may scream loudly. This means the process has begun. But before the first newborn furbaby is born, the kitty has a lot to deal with. Much also depends on the behavior of the owner. The animal is already helpless and scared, and if household members run around and loudly discuss what is happening, this will cause great discomfort and suffering to the cat.

Childbirth in a cat goes through several stages:

• The waters are receding.
• The cervix and birth canal open.
• The first cub appears (each next kitten will come out after 15-30 minutes).
• The placenta emerges from the uterine cavity.

Cat birth is not uncommon, but the pet needs to be taken seriously. A loving owner will definitely go to the pharmacy in advance and buy the following products:

• sterile gauze;
• small towel;
• scissors;
• pipette;
• warmer;
• baby cream or Vaseline.

How is childbirth different for pets?

Childbirth in cats

Cats usually give birth faster than dogs.

The harbingers of labor take only a few hours for them; the birth itself and the intervals between babies pass faster. However, if there are complications or abnormal births, they are more likely to end in caesarean section in cats than in dogs.

An important point to know!

Remember that even normal childbirth is extremely stressful for the body. But it is your pet who is giving birth, not you, so you should not increase stress by infecting your pet with your nervousness. No matter how much what is happening scares you, control yourself, talk to the animal in a calm and confident voice, know that it is from you that it expects support. Prepare for childbirth in advance: read the literature, enlist the help of a doctor, find out the number of a 24-hour clinic to be fully prepared.

Do not panic! Animals sense your condition and may become frightened, which can lead to them hiding from you. Create the most calm and comfortable environment for the animal. You shouldn’t grab it and rush to the clinic to give birth if there is no reason for this. Traveling is an additional stress, which, especially in cats, can lead to the cessation of labor. If you are very worried and unsure of your abilities, it is better to invite a doctor to your home. You can call the clinic and get doctor's advice.

We will tell you how a normal, uncomplicated birth proceeds.

How do you know when an animal is due to give birth?

There are even special online calendars on the Internet that are very convenient. Enter the mating date and get the estimated due date. If you are not sure or do not know the exact date, you can do an ultrasound to determine the date. A good diagnostician uses ultrasound to determine the period with an accuracy of up to a week.

However, even the best doctor can make a mistake with the number of fetuses. The fact is that the uterus in animals is two-horned, shaped like the letter V, so during research you can easily make a mistake by counting the same fetus twice. The exact number of babies can only be determined by x-rays, but this method is not recommended for pregnant women. If the owner insists, then he takes the risks for the consequences.

Beginning of labor

Even the most experienced owner must understand: sometimes unforeseen situations happen, and a seemingly healthy cat has to be called to the house by a doctor. You must take this into account and have a phone number at hand, or better yet, arrange a meeting with the veterinarian in advance at home. Feline labor lasts up to 12 hours. And if this is the first birth, the pet, like a woman, will worry more and feel pain more acutely. Plus, the process itself may take a long time.

The onset of contractions frightens the cat: she begins to fuss, breathe quickly, and may scream in fright. The most important thing: under no circumstances should you scold a cat, even if it begins to behave inappropriately. In a calm tone, you should call the pet by name several times, stroke it (if the cat allows it), try to calm it down or distract it with a toy. The animal must feel human protection.

What to do if the labor process is very weak?

If half an hour has passed after your water breaks and labor has not begun, this is a cause for alarm. The cat needs urgent help, but you can’t rush too much - careless and thoughtless actions can only cause more harm.

The owner can carry out a number of the following actions:

• lubricate your fingers with Vaseline (baby cream);
• very carefully insert your fingers into the pet’s vagina and try to pull the kitten by the shoulders with weak, screw-like movements (you can’t pull by the head, you can inadvertently break the baby’s neck and kill him);
• support the pet’s abdomen with your other hand;
• if the contractions have stopped, knead the pet’s back and tummy to stimulate a new effort.

These measures should be resorted to only in extreme cases! If 30 minutes have not yet passed after contractions, you cannot induce labor yourself.

And here comes the baby

As soon as the amniotic sac ruptures, it is time to wait for the arrival of your first baby. First, amniotic fluid comes out, which softens the birth canal. In a few minutes the first kitten should appear. Some pets give birth to their entire litter within 5 minutes of each other. Others need half an hour for each furry angel. It is impossible to predict how long it will take a cat to cope. But if 30 minutes have passed after the birth of the first kitten, and the brothers still do not leave the womb, you need to urgently take action.

The birth should end within 2-4 hours; after the birth of each baby, the cat, armed with natural instincts, begins to play the role of mother. She meets the kitten, sniffs it, and immediately licks its face. After which it gnaws the umbilical cord and eats all unnecessary amniotic membranes. The placenta leaves the uterus on its own. Owners should not be frightened by the fact that the cat eats the afterbirth. But it is important to know that if your pet has a gastrointestinal disorder, the placenta in the stomach may be to blame.

Complications during childbirth in cats

The saying “only cats give birth quickly” is usually true. But even in cats, the course of labor can be difficult for various reasons:

1. Some cats, due to poor health or a violation of the parental instinct, completely ignore the newborn and in this case, removal of the membranes, cleansing the oral cavity of amniotic fluid, cutting and tying the umbilical cord must be carried out by the owners.
2. Prolonged labor. If the expulsion phase is prolonged (the cat pushes fruitlessly for half an hour or more), a mechanical problem is most likely. This may be large fetuses, congenital narrowness of the pelvic opening in the mother, abnormal position of the fetus (for example, the fetal head thrown back, bending of the limb, transverse presentation, etc.).
3. Generic weakness. Primary birth weakness can be congenital, secondary weakness is more often caused by external causes: exhaustion, systemic disease of the mother, calcium or glucose deficiency in the cat’s body. In this case, stimulation infusions can lead to successful spontaneous labor.
4. Weakness of uterine contractions. The cat does not show signs of labor 60 or even 70 days after mating, or labor begins and stops completely after a short time. In case of postmaturity, it is important to monitor the viability of the fetuses, since over time the placenta, through which the kittens receive nutrients, wears out and begins to function worse, leading to intrauterine death and decomposition of the fetuses.

If not all babies are born, what should I do?

If your cat’s labor suddenly takes too long, you don’t need to immediately think about the bad. But it’s also not worth waiting until everything resolves itself. The first birth can be very long. If there are many kittens in the womb, the process may also take longer. But how can you tell if all the babies have come out? What if 1 or 2 are left inside, and the animal is not going to continue labor? So, when an owner should be wary:

• The cat has strange behavior.
• If you palpate the abdomen, you will notice a lump in it approximately the size of a kitten.
• The cat's tummy does not "deflate".
• The temperature increased to 39 degrees.
• Greenish discharge appeared from the vagina.

It also happens that a mother simply decides to “rest” a little, having already produced 4-5 babies. And during the break, the cat calmly goes about her maternal business: licking the kittens, feeding them, eliminating the remains of the placenta. If the cat looks calm and content, everything is fine; after some time, the remaining kittens will definitely be born.

But if one or more of the above symptoms are present, then having kittens in the womb can lead to big problems. The owner who notices something is wrong should urgently call a specialist. Every minute is worth it. Not only unborn kittens are at risk, but also the cat herself.

A cat in labor - what should the owner do?

In each of the 3 stages, the cat needs the owner in different ways.
If at the beginning the person is a direct support and participant, then stages 2 and 3 require only observation. You can understand which stage has begun by the behavior of the animal. The onset of labor is characterized by prolapse of the abdomen and discharge from the animal’s vagina. Vomiting or diarrhea may occur. But this rarely happens, because the body of the expectant mother will tell the pet in time to go on a hunger strike. But drinking in the form of clean, fresh water should be available around the clock.

The first stage ends with an increase in uterine contractions. The owner's help is to calm the animal. You need to talk and pet the animal.

You can tell that a cat is giving birth to her first kitten by the tension in her body. Contractions give way to pushing. In between, the cat will clean the newborn baby from the film. This period does not require the help of the owner - the woman in labor can handle it herself. If the woman in labor is indifferent (no more than 1 minute), it is necessary to help the kitten get out of her.

There can be anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes between kittens being born. You can help the cat give birth and calm down by performing a little obstetric assistance - patting the belly. This will ease the pet's suffering.

The final stage of labor will be the delivery of the placenta. The owner needs to monitor the very fact of the exit of the place. Do not be alarmed if a cat eats the placenta - this is what nature forces it to do - to remove all traces of unprotected babies.

It is impossible to calculate the duration of labor and how many kittens for the first time - it is the sum of many factors. Simple representatives of cats bring up to 8 fluffy balls in their litter. Pedigree up to 3-4 cats. It is also impossible to know in advance at what time of day labor will begin. But the pet will definitely notify its owner.

Giving birth to a cat is not as difficult as it seems. The main thing is not to overdo it. Nature itself will tell the cat what and when to do. But it cannot be ignored either. It is necessary to help a cat during childbirth. Especially if it is the first birth. All subsequent ones are much easier and faster. The pet knows what is happening to it, and the owner is already familiar with everything.

The exception is difficult childbirth. If one of the periods is prolonged, it is better to contact a veterinarian. Symptoms – the animal takes a long time, breathes frequently, and during breaks lies down exhausted. Kittens do not appear even with attempts. The baby's head is visible, but he is not born. It is highly not recommended to carry out independent manipulations without the consent of a veterinarian. This can provoke the death of the offspring and the mother in labor.

If you are completely confident that contractions are “sluggish”, a slow process, you can inject 0.2 ml of oxytocin into the thigh muscle before the doctor arrives. The doctor will determine whether labor needs to be further stimulated after a thorough examination.

Maternal instinct

If the birth went well, the cat is happy, and the kittens are healthy, there is no reason to worry. Nature has built into the pet a program for caring for the offspring, which the cat will carry out within the allotted time. No one can take care of the little ones better than the mother herself.

But it wouldn’t hurt to take care of the cat. The pet was very tired and spent a lot of energy and nerves on the difficult process of childbirth. Now she faces an equally difficult task - to produce all her offspring. A cat needs a rich, complete diet that contains as much protein as possible and all the beneficial vitamins. The pet will share all this wealth with the kittens, feeding them with milk. By 3 weeks of life, babies can already eat on their own, and they can be placed in new hands.

How to prepare for childbirth?

About two to three weeks before giving birth, once again inform all members of your family that you need to handle your pregnant pet carefully and try not to disturb her again. If there are small children in the house who, due to their age, find it difficult to explain this, be sure to isolate the cat from them! Active games at such a time will probably not end too well.

Talk to your pet more often, calm and pet your cat. She will feel your care and participation, and therefore she herself will be much calmer. Your most important task is to be sure to accustom the animal to the basket or box in which, in your opinion, she should give birth.

Remember that the more time you spend training your cat to use the birthing basket, the less likely she is to choose to give birth on your bed. However, this possibility cannot be completely ruled out: always be on guard, unless, of course, you want to pull kittens out from under the bed or bathtub (or from even more exotic places that your cat likes).

Important facts

An owner planning to breed offspring from his pet should know that:

1. The standard gestation time is approximately two months (65 days +/-2). In some cats (for example, the Siamese breed), pregnancy can reach 70 days. Childbirth before 60 days is very dangerous; premature babies have very little chance of surviving.

1. A pregnant cat cannot be treated with antibiotics, anthelmintics and drugs against ectoparasites; it is unacceptable to vaccinate the animal. All these activities must be carried out before the planned mating. In general, any medications for a pregnant pussy are given only according to the doctor’s decision and if it is vitally necessary.

1. A cat giving birth for the first time can produce litters of 1 to 7 cubs . These are characteristics of the breed, heredity and other factors.

Useful rules

There are several tips that, if followed, will not only help you carry and give birth to healthy babies for the first time, but will also keep you calm and on your nerves:

• A cat's pregnancy must be planned. And during the preparatory period, you need to consult a doctor, check for contraindications, possibly do a pelvic ultrasound and undergo some tests.
• A primiparous cat should maintain good physical activity , but without excessive stress. The objects she needs should be within reach so that the pet does not try to jump too high. There is no need to let a pregnant animal go outside unaccompanied.
• The future mother's nutrition should be complete and balanced . Deficiency of important elements should not be allowed: calcium, proteins, vitamins. Meat products and dairy products are required in the diet. Perhaps your doctor will recommend a vitamin complex. Do not neglect the recommendations if you want to get healthy offspring and keep your cat healthy.
• In the last days of pregnancy, purchase medications that may be needed during labor : Oxytocin to stimulate contractions, Gamavit to support the mother's body, Ringer's solution to prevent dehydration.
• If you are as inexperienced in feline birth as your pet, then you should think about professional help. If contractions occur, you can call the veterinarian at home, this will help prevent the occurrence of unforeseen complications.
• When assisting yourself during childbirth, carefully study the entire theoretical basis so that you are ready to provide assistance and do not panic at all. If health or life-threatening situations arise, seek medical help immediately.

Although labor is a natural process established by nature, the first time is always the most difficult, be it for a cat or for a person. After a couple of litters, your pet will become experienced enough to manage on her own. But it is better for a first-time mother not to be left without the support of a loving owner. And your task is to remain completely calm so that the inexperienced animal does not become even more nervous.

Complications and how to help?

The cat's behavior after giving birth indicates its general well-being.

If the female is engaged in licking the emerging offspring, then there is no need to rush to the doctor.
If the pet has lambed, feeds and licks the kittens, then she can be taken to the veterinarian within 2-3 days. Otherwise, you should immediately consult a doctor. The veterinarian will give advice and prescribe treatment for the cat. Ignoring the fact that a cat breathes quickly and intermittently, eats poorly and strains has a serious impact on its health. Veterinarians name cases when a woman in labor died due to the irresponsibility of the owner.

During childbirth

Obstetrics of first-time cats requires careful monitoring by a doctor. Multiparous women have experience and the animal tolerates contractions more easily. During a home birth, you should prepare for possible difficulties:

• A common occurrence is that the afterbirth does not come out. To prevent it, it is necessary to control their intake.
• You should intervene when two kittens climb at once. It is recommended to carefully adjust the amniotic sacs and push them towards the exit of the baby. At the same time, the second one “rolls” along the fallopian tubes and gradually comes out.
• If the babies died during labor, and the bladder is sticking out from the cat, you should immediately remove it. All movements become soft, guaranteeing maximum care.
• The amniotic space without kittens inside does not pose a health hazard. If she wants, the woman in labor can eat the contents between contractions. Vitamins will help the animal prepare for the birth of the baby, and their smell will provoke acceptance of children.
• If contractions started, but stopped after some time. In this case, induce labor in the cat using medication. Your veterinarian will tell you what the medications are called.
• The attempts last for more than 26 hours, and not a single kitten appears - a dangerous symptom. The likely cause is false contractions, the large size of the babies, or incorrect position of the amniotic sac.

After childbirth

Sometimes it happens that a pet does not perceive her babies, which is why they may not survive.
Severe complications plague the animal during delivery and after the birth of kittens. Possible problems with the body may include:

• Difficulty breathing caused by the release of hormones.
• After giving birth, a cat does not eat for the first 1-2 days. Lack of appetite in the immediate hours after delivery is not dangerous. If the cat has lost a lot of weight after giving birth, constantly meows and refuses to eat, you should show your pet to a veterinarian. The reason may be pain and health problems.
• Aggression towards cubs is more common in first-time mothers. This is a purely psychological problem (especially typical for British mothers), which leads to the death of kittens due to the lack of maternal warmth and milk. The owner helps with treatment and a special regime. The veterinarian determines how to treat.
• The cat limps after giving birth due to pain. It should be treated by a doctor with painkillers.