Kitten to Cat 63
● Increased self-grooming, especially the anogenital area and around the nipples.
Newborn kittens use olfactory (scent) cues to help them locate the teats and the
mother’s saliva might provide an additional scent that helps to attract them to the
correct area to feed (Raihani et al., 2009; Bradshaw et al., 2012).
Parturition (giving birth – sometimes referred to as ‘queening’)
● During the first stage of labour the queen starts breathing through her mouth,
becomes increasingly restless and continues to groom herself. Purring is also very
common. This stage might only last a few hours or might continue for 24 hours
or more.
● The kittens are delivered during stage two of labour. The time between delivery of
each kitten is usually around 30–60 minutes but it can be up to 2 hours.
● Stage three is the expulsion of the placenta. This may occur immediately after
each kitten is born or it might be passed along with the next kitten.
● As each kitten is born the queen cleans away the birth membranes and cuts the
umbilical cord with her teeth. Both the umbilical cord and placenta are usually
eaten. This not only helps to keep the nest site clean and decreases the risk of
attracting predators, it also provides her with a source of nutrition. Although this
is not necessary for a well-fed pet, it can be essential for a wild or feral cat that,
in the first few days after giving birth, may have limited opportunity to leave the
nest to hunt. Occasionally an inexperienced or incompetent mother might not be
able to differentiate between a newborn kitten and the placenta and may kill
and eat the kitten as well (Baerends-van Roon and Baerends, 1979, cited in Deag
et al., 2000).
Box 5.1. Changes during pregnancy
Physical changes
Weight gain – usually around 1–3 lbs (0.5–1.5 kg) by the end of pregnancy.
Abdominal swelling.
Increased appetite.
Vomiting, but this does not happen with all pregnancies and if vomiting is frequent or
prolonged veterinary advice must be sought.
Swelling and reddening of the nipples from around 3–4 weeks into gestation. This is
known as ‘pinking up’. Rapid swelling of the mammary glands during the final week of
pregnancy.Behavioural changes
Reduction in activity and agility, increased sleeping.
Alterations in behaviour towards people and other animals may be seen during late
pregnancy, either becoming more docile and friendly and seeking more contact and
attention or showing an increase in agitated and aggressive behaviour. This might not
be a complete change in behaviour but an exaggeration of the cat’s normal temperament
and her relationship with other individuals.