My cat is 68 days pregnant and not in labor. Should I be concerned?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 11th, 2019

  If she is that overdue she really should see a vet. Cats are pretty consistent when it comes to giving birth - average 63-65 days so if she is that far over then there may be something wrong. So, if you are sure of the breeding dates then I suggest you have her examined by your vet.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 25th, 2018

  Gestation of a cat averages 64 days. It is generally between 62 and 67 days or about 9-10 weeks so I would not be concerned about her not showing signs of labor right now if she is just 60 days pregnant.
  
  One to two days before labor begins your cat will seem more anxious and restless. She will start looking for somewhere to have her kittens. At this point confine her to the room you want her to give birth in. It should be a fairly dark room that is quiet with a temperature that is not too hot or too cold. It is not recommended that you allow the other cats to be present or around the kittens after they are born. Be sure to place her food, water and litter box in the room with her.
  
  Cats that are about to go into labor will usually lick their abdomen and vagina persistently. There is often a discharge that precedes birthing, but the mother will lick it away as rapidly as it appears so you may not see it. She will lose interest in eating at this time. You may see an increase in her respiratory rate. It is quite common for the mother to sit with her mouth open and yowl loudly or pace around the room. As her labor progresses and uterine contractions begin she will lay on her side and intermittently squat and press downward to expel the kittens. It is best to not interfere or interrupt her. The first kitten should arrive within an hour after the onset of labor. Sometimes labor lasts only a few minutes before the kitten arrives. Other kittens should arrive with an interval of ten minutes to an hour between them. If this does not happen you will need to get her to a vet for an exam.
  
  Hope this helps. Best wishes.
  
  

  

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• Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 12th, 2020

  Hello. Since cats are pregnant an average of 63 days, she is a bit overdue. I would have her evaluated to first make sure she is pregnant, & then to make sure her kittens are still viable. An ultrasound is the best way to assess the health of a litter by listening to the heartbeats of the babies. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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• Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 14th, 2018

  If Pulgosa is pregnant her abdomen might be distended but you also might notice that her mammary glands are starting to look developed. If you think she may be at least 45 days pregnant your veterinarian might be able to take an x-ray to determine whether or not she is pregnant, and could also perform a physical exam which would be the first step to determine whether or not she may have a medical condition.

  

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