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For many cat lovers, the pregnancy of these animals becomes a complete event, especially if this happens for the first time. This process raises a lot of questions from caring owners, because every cat owner is happy to help his pet, especially at such moments. Many are wondering how can one understand that a cat will give birth soon? After all, outwardly, the animal does not show any signs, and it will not be able to tell about the soon birth.
What you need to know about pregnancy cats?
The gestation period of a cat is not as long as that of a person. On average, it is about 65 days. Traditionally, it is customary to start counting from the day of mating an animal. However, in fact, conception occurs a couple of days after mating. It is also worth noting that the duration of gestation in the fetus of cats may differ depending on the breed. For example, long-haired breeds have a longer gestation period, up to 72 days.Shorthair cats usually carry kittens for no longer than 68 days. Moreover, the number of babies can affect the duration of the gestation period. If the cat has more than three kittens, then the birth may come prematurely. If the number of kittens does not exceed three, the period of gestation, on the contrary, may be delayed.
During pregnancy, a cat, of course, must be looked after. The first thing to do is to equip the place where the animal lives. A cat should have a comfortable couch in which it will be warm and cozy. In addition, it is very important to choose the right diet for the animal. Food must contain all the necessary vitamins and mineral complexes, which are important both for the expectant mother and for the kitten. Do not forget about regular checkups at the vet. Often a veterinarian makes recommendations for taking vitamins and other beneficial substances.
At a later date, you can see that the cat's tummy takes the form of a pear. Moreover, you can even see the movement of the kittens inside. It is easy to determine from such simple signs that the cat is pregnant. It is at this time that special care should be started for the animals and all necessary measures should be taken to ensure a comfortable pregnancy.
Often the owners in the early gestation period of the cat, noting the unusual behavior of the pet, cannot immediately understand what is happening to her. In this case, you can take the animal to the veterinarian, who can determine whether the cat is pregnant or not by palpation. However, it is important to understand that the presence of fruits can be felt only 20 days after conception. It is forbidden to try to feel the pregnancy yourself, it is possible to injure an immature fetus with inexperienced movements, which will seriously harm the health of the future kitten and the cat itself.
Signs of imminent labor
A person who does not have much experience in keeping cats will have a hard time understanding when the cat is ready to give birth.Of course, there are various signs and physiological manifestations by which it can be understood that labor activity will soon come, however, not everyone knows about them. It should also be borne in mind that, like in humans, animals also have an individual organism. For this reason, in some animals, signs of labor appear a week before delivery, while others show a couple of hours. However, if you notice any manifestations, you should begin to prepare for early childbirth.
The main signs of impending labor activity are:
- Strong changes in the mood of the cat. At your pet, you can note the expressed anxiety, nervousness, which can manifest itself in different ways. Some cats may even have some aggressiveness before giving birth. Some cats before childbirth are very negative about the approach of people, especially if someone tries to touch the stomach. In other cases, on the contrary, the animal simply does not move away from its owner and simply goes after it absolutely everywhere. Such changes may occur even a half to two weeks before the labor.
- When the cat begins to feel that she will soon give birth, she begins to look for a place that is cozy and hidden from prying eyes. You can see how the animal climbs into various hidden corners or just rushing around the apartment. Often, during such a period, cats will climb into cabinets, bedside tables, and look for a convenient place near the battery. Such behavior should be for the owner to signal the need to assist the pet. In such a situation, you can purchase a special bed for the cat in the pet store or independently prepare a cozy place from scrap materials. Many owners simply find a large spacious cardboard box in which a blanket is placed. In the box, the cat will feel cozy, hidden from prying eyes. The main thing that the place was soft, cozy, warm and clean. It is important to periodically clean such a cat's corner so that it does not accumulate debris.
- Immediately before giving birth, you can see a swollen chest in a cat. In addition, before the very generic activity begins to stand out colostrum. Such signs are a sure signal that the cat will give birth very soon.
- Sometimes, on the eve of childbirth, the animal loses its appetite, and then the body temperature drops. This condition is easily confused with the disease.In addition, before childbirth, the activity of the animal decreases quite strongly. As it becomes difficult for a cat to move with a big belly, it becomes slow and inactive. Often because of their clumsiness during this period, cats walk past the tray. However, do not scold the animal, because your pet is really hard to move. It is better during this period to surround the future mother with care and save her from various stresses and nerves. Any stressful situation can provoke premature birth.
- The most pronounced criterion, which indicates that childbirth is already beginning, are wastewater. Understand that the cat's water is gone, you can on her stove, if she became wet. In addition, if the cat too often licks the region of its genitals, it also says that the future mom has water.
By these signs, you can roughly understand when exactly the cat will give birth. In general, it is desirable to begin to monitor and care for the animals at the very beginning of pregnancy. This will help to prepare more thoroughly and avoid stress, both for the animal itself and for the owner who will be worried about the animal.
Video: how to know that the cat began to give birth
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