Several hours (sometimes even a whole day) of restlessness, grooming, nesting, pacing, vocalizing, and contractions are all indicators that pre-labor has begun! Just like humans, pregnant moms have a hard time getting comfortable! 

Some cats prefer to give birth in a dark, quiet place away from human contact.  Others may prefer to have their human right beside them, offering comfort

When labor begins, mom will begin to push and there may be some brownish fluid and/or a small amount of blood.

Here we see our beautiful model Lily experiencing contractions and returning to her nesting box. 

It may take some time for the first kitten to be born, but the remaining kittens are usually born every 10 minutes to 1 hour 

Babies can be born head first or feet first. Both are normal! 

If mom has contractions for more than 2 hours between kittens with no birth or has very intense contractions for more than 1 hour with no birth, or if mom seems in distress at any time, please call our emergency line. (business hours: 512-466-0720; outside business hours: 888-733-8840 )

As soon as the kitten emerges from the birth canal, mom should immediately break the amniotic sac kittens are born in and begin cleaning the kitten to encourage them to breathe.

If she does not do this, you will need to step in. Break the sac and wipe away the casing and fluid from the kitten's nose and mouth. The kitten should start breathing and may cry out.  

This newborn is out of the amniotic sac and is currently being cleaned by mom. Both kitten and mom are doing great! 

Each kitten has its own placenta. The mother will chew through the umbilical cord connected to the placenta, either before or after delivering the placenta. Sometimes it might take her a while to chew threw the cord, especially if kittens are already out and nursing. 

Feel free to help her by tying the cord with string/floss and cutting it with a pair of scissors. Moms usually eat the placenta, but not always.

This kitten has been delivered, but is still attached to an undelivered placenta. 

Stillborn kittens are relatively common. If your foster cat gives birth to a stillborn kitten, please remove the kitten from the nest and contact your foster mentor for instructions. 

Sometimes moms may not deliver all of the placentas, which can cause a serious infection. If you notice in the days after birth that your mom is lethargic, feels warm to the touch/has a fever, is uninterested in eating and/or uninterested in caring for her kittens, please call the emergency number.   (business hours: 512-466-0720; outside business hours: 888-733-8840 )