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
Stray cat not sure
Pumpkin
1 Year
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Labor
I think my cats in labor or at least the beginning of it. For 5 days now she’s been licking her lady parts, had rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, and she’s had contractions but nothing consistent. I see babies are still moving around in there but it seems as though sometimes it stops then it starts up hours or a day later. Is this normal in the beginning!
Aug. 28, 2018
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Calico
Kat
2 Years
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0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lots Of Meowing.
So I am fostering a cat and she seems to be a month pregnant. I’ve had her for only three days and she’s been spotting blood here and there and by the third day it looked like her water broke. She’s still bleeding and gave birth to two stillborn. Will there be more? I’m confuse cause I can still feel some lump and her stomach is hard too. I’m kind of stressed at the moment. She is still spotting as of right now. She keeps crying but when I go and sit next to her she stops.
Aug. 26, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Kat and seeing the two stillborn I cannot determine whether she is still pregnant, aborted two kittens and will carry others to term or give you an indication of how far along she is in pregnancy; in these cases when there has been stillborn kittens you should visit a Veterinarian for an examination to determine the cause for the stillborn kittens and to ensure that Kat is otherwise in good health. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 26, 2018
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Calico
Luna
2 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleepy
Very Hungry
Wants A Lot Of Attention
Bulging Tum
I am wondering when my cat while give her baby’s she has been pregnant for who knows how long we rescued her from outside when she was a stray and decided no animal deserves to live in this Arizona Heat! Please help me find a close estimate of when she will be due. She has a big tummy and her nipples are showing!
Aug. 13, 2018
0 Recommendations
It can be difficult to determine how far along a cat is without a thorough examination and/or ultrasound, but you may get an idea or a day or two warning prior to queening due to behavioural changes and her core body temperature may drop below 100℉. Keep an eye on her and look for nesting behaviour etc… Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.purina.co.uk/cats/key-life-stages/pregnancy/cat-labour-and-giving-birth
Aug. 14, 2018
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Unknown
Nova
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Labor
There was a cat left behind after the owners moved I have had her for a few weeks at about week 2 I noticed her getting larger. She is sweet so I petted her and felt her tummy and I can feel the babies moving. No vet can get her in for 2 weeks but I was wondering how can I estimate how far along she is? Her teets have gotten larger and she is showing signs of nesting but like I said she is new and I am unsure if this is her nesting or her still being cautious.
Aug. 3, 2018
0 Recommendations
If you’re able to easily palpate the kittens she will be well over six weeks pregnant but for exactly how far along is difficult to tell even for Veterinarians and takes some experience and practice. The article below is somewhat useful and should be read through as it will go over some signs of impending queening. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.purina.co.uk/cats/key-life-stages/pregnancy/spotting-the-signs-of-cat-pregnancy
Aug. 3, 2018
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domestic short hair
Frieda
1 Year
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleepy
Lazy
Big Nipples
Likes Belly Rubs
Is my cat close to labor? She is sleeping a lot and getting pretty lazy. She’s usually up and wandering around and she like the outside and she tends to be inside now. She likes human food a lot, but isn’t really eating her own now. She also cleans herself quiet a lot but she usually does that.
July 29, 2018
0 Recommendations
It is possible that she is nearing queening since behavioural changes, loss of appetite, drop in body temperature among other signs are good indicators; gestation is around nine weeks (58-67 days) so if you know the mating date you have a good idea of when she’ll be due. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 30, 2018
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Turkish Angora
Nala
9 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Eating Alot, Sleeping Alot, Nesting
Took my cat to the vet 2 weeks ago. Only to find out she was 4 weeks pregnant,expecting a small litter of 3. Here lately she has been nonstop begging for attention, and nesting in the large box I set aside for her. Not to much longer now! She is so big. I can see the kittens kicking in her belly. So I know the time is coming any day now.
mixed
Miri Bella
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vocalizations, Dropped, Licking
Miri came to us unspayed, unknown to us. We were also told she is afraid of doors and outside, but she snuck out the dog door. If she didn't sneak out sooner, she is early. Lots of vocalizations, lots of licking, and she has dropped, but she is still hungry. We tried to get her to the vet yesterday, but we couldn't get her in ANY container, any way. I was crying on the bed, and she laid on me. I felt movement for first time in 2-3 days. My daughter slipped her hand under her and felt it too. She seems fine. I believe she only has one or two kittens. She is a very small cat also. Can they continue to develop in the new position. Also, she does lots of stretching and somersaults. She still prefers our company, too. We were expecting about the 4th of July for birth.
Early Contractions and Labor Average Cost
From 460 quotes ranging from $400 - $1,000
Average Cost
$650
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
