What is Early Contractions and Labor?
While a kitten born on or after the 61st day of gestation has good survival odds, contractions and labor before then can endanger both the kitten and its mother.
Pregnancy in cats usually goes smoothly, but premature contractions and labor do happen from time to time. In an ideal situation, a cat would give birth after 63 days of pregnancy. However, factors ranging from stress to bacterial infections can cause a pregnant cat to go into labor too early.
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Symptoms of Early Contractions and Labor in Cats
Before a cat fully goes into labor, there are a few tell-tale signs. If a cat is showing these signs before the 61st day of pregnancy, it is likely that the cat is going into premature labor:
- Bloody vaginal discharge
- Lack of appetite
- Loud and frequent vocalizing
- Hiding
- Unexplained affection
Causes of Early Contractions and Labor in Cats
The causes of early labor in cats are particularly varied, but can be put into two different categories: stress-related and medical.
Medical
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Genetic disorders
- Ovarian cysts
- Malnutrition
- Death of a fetus
- Hormonal imbalances, specifically a sudden drop in progesterone
- Lyme disease
Stress-Related
- Loud noises
- Emotional disturbances like screaming or fighting owners
- Excessively cold temperatures
- A recent move
- Receiving vaccinations while pregnant
Diagnosis of Early Contractions and Labor in Cats
If a cat starts displaying symptoms of early contractions, it is vital that it is brought to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will require a complete medical history of the cat, as well as some information regarding the pregnancy. This includes things like the cat's general health before and during the pregnancy, information about the symptoms being displayed and any stressful incidents that could have contributed to premature labor.
Once the veterinarian has this information, they will begin a physical examination of the cat, while being careful not to cause further stress. Depending upon the results of the physical examination, the veterinarian may need to run any of the following tests: a blood chemical profile, an electrolyte panel or urinalysis.
The blood profile will reveal any issues with progesterone levels, while the urinalysis will show any disorders or diseases that may be causing the early labor. After these tests have been performed, the veterinarian will perform an ultrasound to see if fetal death or abnormal positioning of the fetus could be causing the early labor.
If the kittens are stillborn or die shortly after birth, they may need to be necropsied by the veterinarian to identify the cause of death. This will help determine if the issue could affect the cat later in life as well as ensure the viability of any future pregnancies.
Treatment of Early Contractions and Labor in Cats
At this stage, the cat will most likely require medical treatment either for the underlying disease causing the problem or the stillborn kittens.
Stillborn Kittens: Stillborn kittens will typically need to be surgically removed. The procedure is quite low-risk for the cat, but if other undamaged fetuses are still in the womb, it may prove dangerous for them.
Other Treatments: Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to stop early labor once it has started. The veterinarian will likely give the cat and any surviving kittens medical attention for any complications, but may not be able to halt the process of the early labor.
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Recovery of Early Contractions and Labor in Cats
After the delivery, it is important to keep the cat isolated from other animals for a period of three weeks, with exceptions being made for any surviving kittens, of course. Even animals that live in the home and that the cat knows should be kept at a distance, as the cat will need time to recover from going through labor. As much as possible, the cat should be kept in a warm and quiet room by itself.
After a cat has gone through early labor, it is important to bring it in for a checkup after the three week period. At this point, the cat should be returning to normal, and it can be a sign of other diseases if the cat is still weak or sick after the first three weeks.
While a cat is nursing its kittens, it is important not to give it any medication without approval from a veterinarian. Many medications can affect the cat's milk and be harmful to kittens.
Early contractions and labor in cats can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of going into labor early, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Early Contractions and Labor Average Cost
From 460 quotes ranging from $400 - $1,000
Average Cost
$650
Top
Early Contractions and Labor Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Domestic short hair cat
One Year
20 found this helpful
20 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Labor
My barn cat went into labor last night or early this morning. I found one kitten laying on the cement in the barn, it was cleaned and breathing but sack still attached and cold. We put the cat in an enclosed area. She seems to have no interest in the kitten. She is not currently contracting but has some bloody discharge. Should we be concerned about her right now or just wait and see. The first kitten we are keeping warm and are getting kitten formula until mom is ready for it because it is cool outside
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
20 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
Cats will often not nurse a kitten if they know that something is wrong with the kitten, and that may be the case with this kitten. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 17, 2020
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Cat
About 15-16 months
36 found this helpful
36 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Spotting Blood
My cat, Baby, is a little over a year old and having her first litter of kittens. Apparently she has had a little bit of a bloody discharge today. Aug. 11th mark's day 63 for her pregnancy, so really close. Is her spotting a sign of trouble or is this normal for cats...? I'm a little worried as I've never witnessed an animal of any kind give birth...
Aug. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
36 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
She should be having kittens very soon, and the spotting may be normal. It would probably be a good idea to do a little research to prepare your self for what to expect. If this is something that you are not comfortable with, it may be a good idea to have her spayed after she has these kittens. This is one website that I found with fairly accurate information: https://icatcare.org/advice/cat-birth/, there are many others.
I hope that all goes well for her!
Aug. 8, 2020
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Persian mix
8 months
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pregnant
My cat is pregnant and it's been exactly 48 days after she mated. When can we expect her birthing/delivery? And what are the symptoms of labor?
Aug. 2, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Cats are pregnant for approximately 60 days.
There are many videos and websites that go into great detail on what to expect during labor that can cover it much better than I can in an email, this is one: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-5-stages-cat-pregnancy
You may want to have a veterinary visit before she gives birth so that they can take an xray and tell you how many kittens there are, as that is always helpful when you are waiting to see if there is another kitten coming.
I hope that all goes well!
Aug. 2, 2020
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Domestic shorthair
Jupiter
2 Years
18 found this helpful
18 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
A Little More Vocal Than Normal
My cat seemed to be in labor last night. Had a water filled sack hanging out of her. But she was not trying to push at all. After about 4 hours of me keeping an eye on her, the bag was gone. I don't know if it popped or what. I did move her to our bathroom. I left her alone all night and it seems Labor has stopped and still no attempt at pushing. She doesn't seem to be in distress at all. Meowing a little more than normal but she is using the litter box and eating. Shall I just continue to wait? She has had one litter before, zero problems. She got outside on accident. She will be getting spayed as soon as the babies are 8 weeks.
Sept. 17, 2018
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Grey
Smokey
1 Year
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Not Eating
Throwing Up
Sleeping A Lot
Moving Belly
My cat is pregnant not sure how far along. But far enough along that we can see multiple kittens moving on both sides. She doesnt seem to to be digesting her food it coming back up in chunks of almost the same way it goes down.
Aug. 31, 2018
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DOMESTIC
Duchess
8 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Contractions
My cats not showing any of these symptoms,but she is having contractions. Her moods are speratic and she's going from a drawer to her bow to the kitchen and repeating. We can pet her if she wants us too but not touch her belly. The thing is we just figured out she was pregnant about three weeks ago and she's big but not very big. What does this sound like?
Tuxedo
Mommas
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bloody Discharge Very Affectionate
My cat Mommas lost her mucus plug Tuesday around 10am and lost a little bit more yesterday and she still not had her kittens yet. Me and my husband keep checking on her and checking her stomach and now we don't feel the kittens heart beats now. And we can't afford the vet bill to get a ultrasound done.
Calico
Artemis
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Brownish Blood
My cat is pregnant with her first litter. She is 65 days along and had brownish red discharge last night and today. No imminent contractions yet. Does this mean she won't be able to deliver them. I have no way to pay a vet to do a csection
Early Contractions and Labor Average Cost
From 460 quotes ranging from $400 - $1,000
Average Cost
$650
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
