Advice for Breeders 123
● The nest site should contain clean, soft comfortable bedding that is also safe for
the kittens.
● Avoid loose knit or material containing holes that the kittens could get entan-
gled in.
● Avoid material that could easily disintegrate or release loose fibres.
● Avoid any material that could potentially contain chemical toxins, for exam-
ple if it has previously been used for other purposes such as cleaning or been
stored close to harmful chemicals, such as in a garage or garden shed (ISFM,
2017).
Parturition
Signs that giving birth is imminent
● Decreased appetite.
● Increased grooming of the ventrum and anogenital area.
● Panting.
● Increased vocalizing, including purring.
During parturition
● Keep a close watch to ensure that there are no problems; if concerned contact
your veterinary surgery, otherwise keep disturbances to a minimum.
● Keep the area in semi-darkness, warm and quiet.
Pre-weaning Period
● The mother will be reluctant to leave the kittens at this stage so ensure that her
important resources, i.e. food, water and litter trays, are close by and can be easily
accessed.
Fig. 8.2. Ensure good
provision of nest sites (at
least two) that are warm,
quiet, away from bright light
and semi-enclosed without
restricting the queen’s
movements.