The Birth of Your Indoor Cat: Welcoming New Kittens 

How Long is a Cat Pregnant For? 

When a cat becomes pregnant, it typically takes about nine weeks until the kittens are born. The exact gestation period varies, though, ranging between 61 and 72 days. If the kittens still haven’t arrived after day 72, it’s advisable to visit a vet. 

During this time, cats usually reduce their general activities—except for those involving the food bowl. After all, they now need to eat for their upcoming litter. Consequently, the expectant mother will noticeably gain weight, appearing rounder by the day. 

What Do You Need for the Cat Birth? 

Cats generally handle the birthing process on their own. Complications are fortunately rare. So, just observe quietly, stay calm, and ensure your feline friend feels comfortable. Any stress should be avoided both in the final stages of pregnancy and after the birth. 

As the birth approaches, provide your cat with cosy boxes or crates as a birthing nest. However, not every cat will appreciate these offerings. Some future mums might prefer retreating to a wardrobe or laundry basket to give birth. 

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Further Important Preparations 

• Keep your vet’s number handy, just in case 
• Have scales ready to weigh the kittens 
• Note down the progress of the birth, including times and weights of the kittens. This will help the vet if complications arise later 
• Prepare a small, clean towel to dry the newborn kittens if necessary. Usually, the mother does this herself 
• Purchase feeding bottles and specialised kitten milk formula. Sometimes, the mother can’t supply enough milk for her babies 
• Heating pads, an infrared lamp, or grain pillows are also recommended to keep the kittens’ nesting area warm 

How to Recognise an Impending Cat Birth? 

There are several signs that indicate an approaching cat birth. The most important ones are: 

• Restlessness: In the days before the birth, the cat becomes increasingly restless. It tends to wander around, meow more frequently, or groom incessantly 
• Loss of Appetite: The cat eats less or refuses food entirely, opting to drink more instead 
• Seeking a Retreat: To give birth, the expectant mother looks for a quiet and protected spot 
• Mother’s milk: leaking from the nipples 
• Faster breathing while lying on its side 

If you notice these signs, it’s best to stay at home to comfort your feline friend and help with any potential complications. 

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How Does the Birth of Kittens Proceed? 

Just like humans, cats experience labour pains before the birth. Your cat will breathe quickly and loudly, potentially purring and being very affectionate. Many indoor cats prefer not to be left alone during this stage. If this is the case, talk soothingly to your cat and give it gentle strokes. 

It usually takes about two hours from the onset of labour pains to the birth of the first kitten. Just before the birth begins, the cat will start pushing visibly. The kitten will then arrive quickly. There can be up to an hour between each kitten’s birth, during which the mother might take a short rest. 

Cleaning the Kittens 

Immediately after the birth, the cat will remove the amniotic sac, bite through the umbilical cord, and clean the kitten. This somewhat rough licking is essential to stimulate the kitten’s breathing. 

If your cat is too exhausted or doesn’t start the process itself, you can gently help. Place the kitten face down and rub it gently against the grain. The goal is to clear the airways and stimulate breathing. 

Don’t be surprised if your cat eats the afterbirth of its litter. This is a natural behaviour to prevent predators from being attracted. 

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What are the Signs of Complications During the Cat Birth? 

Cats generally give birth to their babies without needing human assistance. Just check on your feline friend regularly. Do not intervene unless absolutely necessary; doing so might cause additional stress. 

However, there are warning signs during and after birth that necessitate calling a vet: 

• The cat has been pushing for two hours but no kitten has been born 
• You can see the baby, but despite prolonged pushing, it doesn’t come out 
• There is too much time between births. More than one and a half hours should not pass between the births 
• The amniotic fluid has a very bad smell 
• The cat keeps pushing, even though all kittens are born 
• The mother seems lethargic and has severe bleeding 
• After birth, the cat appears very uneasy, shivers, or stops eating 
• You notice blood or brownish, foul-smelling discharge from the mother’s nipples 
• The kittens appear very weak, lifeless, do not drink milk, or gain very little weight 

After the Cat Birth: What Next? 

Shortly after birth, the kittens will search for the mother’s nipples and start drinking the first milk. This is extremely important as the newborns receive essential antibodies for their immune system and other nutrients through this first mother’s milk. The kitten can only absorb these in the first few hours after birth. 

It’s also possible that cat mothers will move their babies to a new location after birth to protect them from potential predators. This is an entirely normal, instinctive behaviour. Let your cat choose the right spot.