Precursors of imminent labor in cats: signs that cannot be missed

Cat behavior, problems and causes

Among the pets there are both silent and talkative ones. Some of them isolate themselves with their problem and lie quietly in a corner, while the owner puzzles over what could have happened. And others loudly report an uncomfortable state, however, this situation also drives people crazy.

The main thing is to know that a cat screams for a reason. It is important to detect it and help your pet cope with it. Even if it’s just a whim, you need to evaluate why she’s capricious and show maximum attention.

Necessary materials for childbirth

Usually a cat can cope with childbirth on its own, but if this is the first birth, then of course it is better to help her with this. You should first prepare the necessary materials, such as:

sterile gloves;
napkins;
any antiseptic;
medical thread;
petrolatum;
oxytocin in ampoules and syringe;
sterile scissors with round ends.

Not all cats need our help, so you should use the materials we have prepared only when necessary.

“At that moment, when contractions have already begun, but they are very weak and last quite a long time, then you need to give the cat an injection of oxytocin.”

Why do kittens scream?

It is difficult for small children to explain what they want, and all demands result in screaming and crying. The same thing happens in the world of cats. Kittens express their feelings by meowing. There may be no reason for this, but most often there are several reasons why a little murka screams. Note that as long as the kittens are close to the mother cat, they are calm . Problems may arise after moving to another family.

First of all, there is hunger. Kittens grow and develop quite quickly and their bodies require nutrition. It has been noticed that kittens are constantly hungry. Therefore, it is necessary to leave a sufficient amount of food in the bowl and place it in a permanent place so that the baby learns to eat there. Another important point is to always have a bowl of clean water. It should never be empty.
The second reason for a cat’s cry is a change of environment. Adaptation is a mandatory stage after a kitten arrives in a new home. Even an adult needs to get used to a new place. Everything around is unfamiliar: the atmosphere, the smells. Show more attention to your pet during this period and soon he will stop screaming. Young kittens get used to it faster than adults.
A kitten may scream, simply asking for attention and affection. Take him in your arms, sit him on your lap and stroke his back. He will calm down and his mood will improve. If he keeps you from sleeping with his screams, then this may be a simple whim; let him go to bed with you and you will sleep peacefully. The kitten can be awakened by hunger. Leave some food in the bowl in the evening.
The kitten may get scared and scream if it is trapped. Curiosity often leads him to the most secluded places, for example, to a sofa, a duvet cover, or a dark corner. Help him get out and calm him down by picking him up, petting him and talking gently. Believe me, he will understand you.

COMPLICATIONS DURING CHILDREN

The above describes a normal birth without complications. But this doesn't always happen. In case of complications, you must be fully prepared. Let's list the most frequently encountered problems.

"Dead" kittens

If the kitten shows no signs of life, resuscitation is necessary. You need to gently squeeze it between your palms and shake it like a thermometer, then pull out the mucus from your nose. This is also done if the kitten was born alive.

After this, if the first method does not help, you need to cover the kitten’s nose and mouth with your lips and blow lightly to stimulate breathing. There is no need to breathe heavily, because... you could tear your kitten's lungs. To avoid swallowing mucus, you can do this through a handkerchief. After artificial respiration, pinch the kitten's ribs with your thumb and forefinger at the level of the heart and press not hard, but very quickly (the kitten's heart beats at a frequency of 150 beats per minute) to start the heart. Alternate artificial respiration and massage every 15 seconds until the kitten begins to breathe confidently. The cat's nose and tongue should turn pink.

If these measures do not help within 5 minutes, bring a cotton swab with ammonia to the kitten. If this doesn’t help, there’s nothing to lose: first dip the kitten in very warm water and then in cold water. This shock therapy should stimulate the heartbeat.

No matter how bad the kitten looks, do not consider it dead until you have spent 10 minutes trying to revive it in every possible way. The video below demonstrates basic techniques for resuscitating a kitten.

The cat cannot give birth to her first kitten

If, 7 hours after your water breaks, the kittens do not appear or you see that the kitten is stuck in the birth canal, you need to call a veterinarian, because The cat needs professional help. You can handle it yourself only if a sufficiently large part of the kitten has already come out - and you pick it up by the skin with your fingers and pull it out, as described above. In other cases, call a doctor.

The placenta did not come out

A placenta stuck inside a cat will certainly lead to inflammation and intoxication. If help is not provided in time, the animal may die. Here, too, you cannot help yourself and you need to call a veterinarian to your home, who will take action.

Prolonged labor

If labor does not begin, although the first phase seems to have already begun, think that maybe something frightened your cat and she delayed her birth, sensing danger. In this case, you need to create a favorable environment and let the cat calm down, encouraging it.

If you see that the woman in labor is suffering, the pushing is strong, but the kittens are not coming out, perhaps the problem is different: the fetus is too large. In this case, the cat may not give birth on its own - this requires the help of a veterinarian. If the birth is delayed and you don’t see the first kitten, you will most likely have to go to the clinic, because... You will need an x-ray.

Summarize. The following situations definitely require calling a veterinarian:

When a cat has strong contractions, and the kittens do not appear for more than 2-3 hours.
When the kitten is in the birth canal for 10 minutes, but does not appear outside.
When bleeding occurs and does not stop for more than 10 minutes.
When a cat develops sudden weakness with a temperature above 40°C or below 36.1°C.
When the birth is over, and the cat is rushing around and worrying, or she is tired and completely weak that she cannot even accept the food brought to her.

Why do adult cats scream?

Don't think that your cat is yelling for no reason. It definitely exists and there can be quite a lot of reasons for restless behavior. Of these, the most common ones can be identified.

Lack of attention is the most common reason when a furry lady meows constantly and follows her owner around. Most often, this situation arises if another pet appears in the house. That's when she perceives him as a competitor. Moreover, the owners themselves begin to devote a lot of time and care to the new one, slightly relegating Murka, who was always alone and received all the affection individually, to the background. Over time, this may pass, but don’t forget about it, pay attention too. If she is the only pet in the house and the cat screams at night, then there is no need to indulge these demands.

Buy her a cozy soft house or arrange a seat in an armchair and she will probably understand that you don’t want to play at all in the dark. This is the only way to stop a cat from yelling at night.

With the onset of heat, the cat may scream for the cat. The cat's body is designed in such a way that estrus can happen at any time of the year and the mating instinct cannot be extinguished. There are, however, special supplements that can be bought at a veterinary pharmacy. They will be a good option if the animal is domestic, and you do not want to regularly invite the cat to her, and then mess with the offspring.

And the last reason that a cat yells lies in its upbringing . But here only the owners are to blame, who indulged all the whims of the fluffy beauty. It has been noticed that often the cause of screaming can be a transition to a different diet. There are specimens that completely refuse new food, scream, but starve. Here the breeders themselves are late with education, they will have to give in. It is impossible to change an adult cat.

What to do after childbirth

After babies are born, it is necessary to ensure the necessary temperature in their home so that they do not freeze. Normal temperature is twenty-nine degrees, no less.

Also monitor the animal’s diet. Your cat should eat a balanced diet. When the cat is feeding her kittens, she needs to be given a little more food than usual. If it is dry food, then buy a special one for nursing cats.

Remember that even an experienced veterinarian cannot always determine the exact date of birth. Therefore, it is imperative to know how a cat behaves before giving birth, and, if necessary, be sure to help her with this. Don’t forget to always be with her in the last days and not leave her alone at home. Someone, but must be next to her.

Of course, in most cases, cats themselves can give birth to healthy and beautiful kittens without any problems, but being with them is simply necessary. Treat the birth of your beloved cat with full responsibility. Do not neglect her health, the cat is also a living creature, and she really relies on you. She has no one else relatives besides you.

Old cat screams

Cats live much shorter than humans and inevitably reach an age when they are considered elderly. Everyone knows how people's character changes with age, and the same thing happens in the cat world. There comes a time when an old cat constantly screams, and the owners begin to panic. Let's understand this behavior.

Most often, an older individual meows from a feeling of loneliness, which worsens just in advanced years. Hormonal levels change, increasing feelings such as melancholy, despondency, the feeling that nothing around is pleasing, and both physical and emotional tone decreases. Right now the pet needs more attention, she demands it with her voice . Accept that you will have to forget about good nights.

An older cat becomes less independent and increasingly requires you to make decisions for her. She screams and makes it clear that she doesn't know if she wants to play. Try to occupy her with her favorite toy; if she doesn’t respond, then calm her down with affection.

It happens that she yells out of spite, manipulating you. By meowing she calls her owners, expecting that someone will definitely come and fulfill her wishes.

The cat is constantly yelling. What to do?

It’s not pleasant that your pet is constantly yelling. But what to do in this case? Fight or let it slide? First you need to find out the reason, maybe you will find it after all. In fact, cats have few needs: feed her if she’s hungry, cuddle her if she’s bored, play if she’s in a playful mood. It's nothing big for you, but it means so much to the animal.

On your part, of course, attention and a little patience are required. It just seems that she is indignant constantly and for no reason. They exist, but they are probably not on the surface. Start with yourself; screams and high-pitched meows may be the result of the upbringing that you have instilled in the animal from the age of a kitten. A spoiled pet behaves no better than a spoiled child.

Preparing for childbirth

To help during childbirth, you need not only to know the cat’s behavior before giving birth, but also to prepare a nest for her.
In order to build a special place for childbirth, a simple box will do, but it must be clean and odorless. It should also be large enough to accommodate the entire cat family. It should also have high walls and a lid at the top. It’s better that the box is completely closed; just make a small hole on the side so that the cat can easily get in and out. Be sure to place a soft cloth inside so that the kittens cannot accidentally get entangled in it. If the cat has not yet given birth, place a stiff cloth in the box. Since in a normal state she simply will not want to lie in it, and when labor begins, she will no longer care where or what to lie on. This way, you will be able to understand that it is time to deliver the baby and deliver the babies.

Or maybe health problems?

However, health problems can lead to constant meowing. They can occur at any age, and the difficulty is that you won’t be able to figure them out on your own. Only a consultation with a veterinarian will help here. Therefore, if your cat is yelling, take her to the clinic first, talk to a doctor and get the necessary tests. This will help avoid serious complications. What can cause a high-pitched meow?

Viral infections that can affect a cat at any age. They are accompanied by external signs: wheezing, lacrimation, nasal discharge. The body temperature rises, other symptoms cause her discomfort and she tries to tell the owner that she feels bad.
Poisoning and parasites are very unpleasant for a furry pet. In this case, loss of appetite, stool disturbance, abdominal pain, and vomiting are noted. Parasites can be not only inside, but also on the skin and fur of the animal. Then he begins to itch and scream to tell his owner that he feels bad and unpleasant.
Domestic cats are rarely injured, but no one is immune. These can be minor injuries to the paws, as well as serious fractures. Older cats are especially susceptible to them when joints and bones become fragile. Examine and feel your pet carefully and contact your veterinarian.
Cats, like humans, can develop sand and stones in their kidneys. They cause a lot of unpleasant sensations for your pet when going to the litter box. He tries to inform the owner about this. Pay attention if your cat cries during this time and consult your doctor. It is difficult to go to the litter box even if you have cystitis.

Many cat owners notice that sometimes their pet does not leave them for a minute and literally follows on their heels. This is called separation anxiety. Until recently, experts thought that only dogs were susceptible to this, but recent research has confirmed that felines can also develop this fear.

After all, cats are social animals and can become very attached to both humans and other pets. Let's learn more about what separation anxiety is, what causes this problem and how to solve it.

Causes of a hard belly in cats

The appearance of a hard belly in a cat before giving birth is a physiological phenomenon. Thus, the uterus is preparing for the birth process and a hard belly means the beginning of contractions. But there are a number of complications that occur in cats during pregnancy. If not treated in a timely manner, the animal and its offspring may die.

The main causes of stone belly in cats are:

Beginning self-abortion (in the early stages);
Beginning fetal rejection (late terms);
Constipation and intestinal obstruction;
Inflammatory processes in internal organs.

The owner of the animal must be very careful about his animal, especially in the last stages of pregnancy. This will allow you to promptly contact a veterinarian in case of possible complications and save the cat and her kittens.

Signs of separation anxiety in cats

Cat separation anxiety appears only in cases where they try to separate the pet from a person or other animals to which the cat is strongly attached. As a result, the cat will do everything possible to stay near the owner as much as possible, which answers the question: Why is the cat chasing me?

If your pet notices that you are about to leave the house, he will get angry, hide, or simply stand between you and the door. Upon the owner's return, the cat will literally go crazy with happiness.

Separation syndrome occurs just as easily in cats as it does in dogs. So, the pet will vocalize loudly and may even make a pile or puddle near the door or on things that belong to its owner. In some cases, subtle signs may indicate the development of separation anxiety. For example, if a cat is left alone, it stops eating or vomits.

The most rare symptom is excessive licking to the point that bald spots appear on the pet's body.

Why does a cat follow its owner's heels?

It is impossible to accurately answer the question: experts suggest that genetic factors, as well as the environment, play an important role in this situation. So, if a kitten was orphaned early or was taken from its mother, then it has a predisposition to developing such a disease.

If you suspect this type of abnormality in your pet, then the best solution would be to contact a veterinarian and subsequently conduct a full examination of the cat’s health. After all, the main task is to make sure that all this did not arise due to health problems.

For example, if a cat constantly and vigorously licks itself, then it may be allergic to a particular product. The specialist will be able to recommend that you do a urine test, a blood test, a test for thyroid hormones, biochemistry, and also check your blood pressure.

How to cure separation anxiety?

The most effective therapy for cats is to ignore your pet for 10 minutes before and after you leave the house. You can distract your cat with some interesting toy. So, a great solution would be to order a toy with treats inside, which will spill out when playing with it.

Try to distract your pet by hiding goodies in different parts of the apartment. In addition, all your cat’s favorite toys must be taken out before you leave and hidden after returning home.

Make the environment as interesting and fun as possible. Set up a comfortable place where you can look out the window or at the birds, and also order a scratching post or some kind of entertaining climbing frame.

Determination of the duration and quantity of offspring

The gestational age of Maine Coon cats can only be determined by a veterinarian using an ultrasound machine. The veterinarian can find out the number of kittens inside by palpating the abdomen of the four-legged patient.

However, it is better not to touch the pet’s belly, since palpating increases the likelihood of miscarriage or abnormalities in the intrauterine development of the cubs.

How long pregnancy lasts in Maine Coon cats is determined by the number of embryos. The more kittens, the shorter the wait for birth. Typically pregnancy lasts 9–10 weeks. In some cases, birth in representatives of the Maine Coon breed begins after 10.5 weeks of gestation.

On average, a female Maine Coon gives birth to 4–6 babies. But there can be up to 10 kittens in a litter.

Let's sum it up

A cat is a social animal that requires attention and will not tolerate separation from its owner or the pet to which it has become attached. To prevent fear, make your pet’s life as rich, interesting and filled with care as possible.

Signs about cats are very popular among people, because they have lived next to humans for centuries. Superstitions are often associated with the colors and behavior of animals. Some are considered lucky, bringing profit, luck or happiness. Other signs are dangerous, promising trouble and even a funeral in a cemetery. Whether or not to believe in superstitions is up to everyone to decide for themselves. We will tell you what folk rumors have told us over the centuries.

Signs about cats

Place for birth

Prepare the area for the cat's birth in advance. A large cardboard box will serve as a “nest” for mom and kittens. Its dimensions should be comfortable for a Maine cat: height more than 50 cm, width and length approximately 90 cm * 90 cm. When building a house, trim one wall a little. Its height must meet two requirements:

Ensure that when the cat jumps into the family house, she sees where the kittens are and does not crush them.
Be tall enough so that small kittens cannot crawl out and get lost in the apartment.

Place special bedding or sheets of paper (old newspapers) in the box. The cat needs to be introduced to the “nest” in advance. Try to put it in a quiet and calm place.

Example: Homemade “Nest” for a pregnant Maine Coon cat

Cat colors

Many folk signs and superstitions are associated with colored cats. These pets boast a variety of colors. Color is often associated with the influence of cats on a person and his fate. Signs may differ in different countries and among different peoples.

Calico cat

It is quite rare to find a three-colored or four-colored cat. She has a combination of white, black and red tones on her coat, and there may also be inclusions of gray shades. Sometimes the color even resembles embroidery patterns. It is believed that a pet with such flowers brings happiness to its owners. Each shade has its own meaning:

White is purity and innocence
Black – reliable protection from dark forces and evil demons
Red – attracts wealth and wards off illnesses

The Japanese believe that a cat with three colors is the most reliable talisman that brings prosperity and material wealth to the house. In Islam, tricolored pussycats are considered reliable protectors from fire. And the British are happy to bring even stray colorful cats into their homes, and believe that such animals will protect the home from all troubles.

White cat

Snow-white pets are able to absorb negative energy, relieve stress, prevent diseases and other troubles, and protect against the evil eye. When a white cat crosses the path of a woman or man, it is good luck. If she lambed at home and brought the same snow-white kittens, it means that luck will never leave them.

There is a belief that the white pussy can arrange the personal life of its owners. Unmarried girls must adopt 7 white female kittens, and boys must adopt 7 male kittens. If the newlyweds met a white animal at a wedding, it means their life will be happy and their marriage will be successful.

Black cat

Folk signs have endowed the black cat with many negative traits. It seems to me that such prejudices arose in the distant Middle Ages. After all, at night the black beauty hunts completely silently, and in the dark her eyes sparkle frighteningly. At the same time, there are also positive signs for animals with the following colors:

The black cat must be allowed into the house first so that he can “agree” with the brownie living there
During a thunderstorm, a black pet should be expelled from the room, it attracts lightning
Black pussy - reliable protection against thieves
The British believe that a black animal attracts lovers
Crossing the road is not good, and if you meet a person on the way to the cemetery, it means death
Sneezes near the bride at a wedding - fortunately
Hit a black cat with a car - expect serious trouble

In some countries, they believe that a black pet is reliable protection against the evil eye, evil spirits and other troubles. It's up to you to decide what you can believe and what you can't.

Positive signs are associated with ginger cats. Their fur shines like the sun, which cannot bring evil. So, here's what our ancestors believed:

When the owner is sick, a saffron milk cap perched next to him can bring him recovery
The ginger cat is a peacemaker, he can reduce quarrels between spouses
Ryzhik protects newlyweds from damage and envy of strangers
Rubbing against a person’s legs – takes away all the negative energy and bad mood
Golden wool attracts money and other wealth to the family

Many people experiencing financial difficulties are advised to take a ginger kitten or puppy into their home. After this, you can forget about your problems. In addition to the above-mentioned colors of cats, there are smoky, brindle, Siamese, and a two-color range is often found. They are not remembered so vividly, which is why the superstitions associated with them are little known.

The cat comes or leaves the house

Various signs about cats are often associated with home. After all, these animals live next to a person, in his apartment, often without even going outside. How are cute furries connected to housing? What does a cat at the door promise?

A cat appears near the house

What is the cat nailed to? If one day you find a kitten at your front door, do not drive it away under any circumstances. And it doesn’t matter whether the animal was planted or the baby killed himself. An abandoned kitten will help solve many problems. Perhaps someone knew about your misfortunes and is thus helping you. The baby definitely needs to be sheltered; if this is not done, you can bring trouble to everyone.

If a cat strays towards the newlyweds, it means that a baby will soon be born in their family. When not a stray cat, but a neighbor’s cat comes into the house, it should also not be left at the doorstep. She knows why she comes. You probably need her help to scare off intruders. Feed the animal, when it wants, it will go away on its own. If someone else's cat gives birth in the house, she has gained trust in her owners and wants to give them good luck.

If a stray or someone else's cat runs up on the street and follows you all the way to your apartment, it means he wants to tell you something. Not a cat lover? Then just feed the baby and try to place him in good hands. You cannot throw it away; it will attract bad luck for 7 years. Some believe that along with the cat come the souls of those who have been buried in the cemetery for a long time. In this way they want to convey a message or warning about danger.

The cat leaves the house

When a cat comes into the house, it is fortunate. What happens if he leaves? Such signs are almost always associated with negativity. If your pet is missing, you need to find it quickly so as not to cause misfortune. There are several reasons why animals leave their owners:

The pet is constantly bullied and treated poorly
The cat does not want to be near a sick person who will soon die
When a pussy jumps out of the window, it means misfortune is inevitable
The pet itself is sick and does not want to die in the owners’ house; animal instinct forces it to leave a pleasant place and die alone.

The death of a cat in the house is a very bad omen; it attracts troubles and failures. It goes without saying that killing cats or drowning kittens is prohibited, especially in your own home. This can not only bring misfortune to the killer, but also harm the entire family, including future generations of children and grandchildren.

It is important to take a closer look at how animals settle into the house. The cat shits and yells, which means they gave it to you in vain. Brings dead mice - pleases the owners. Lying at the threshold - think about what thing she might not like; at the bed - trust is at its best. Cats break dishes - good luck leaves the house. They try to take the place where the person was sitting as soon as he leaves - they consider themselves to be in charge. When the cat is alone, he jumps out onto the curtains - pay more attention to him.

Delayed birth in a cat

The typical gestation period for cats is sixty-five days. But there is also a delay of several days. It is considered normal if childbirth is delayed by a week, no more.

The delay may be due to stress or irritability. If the pet is not satisfied with the situation in the house, the cat may deliberately begin to delay the process. For example, such a delay is often observed in British cats. Breeds such as Scottish or British are very prone to worry. Therefore, the duration of gestation in such breeds is seventy days.

Cats and weather

Many beliefs are associated with cats and the weather. Since ancient times, people have tried to guess the vagaries of nature, focusing on the behavior of their pets. The following signs are associated with the weather:

Sleeps soundly with his stomach turned up - for warm and hot weather
Hiding his muzzle between his paws while sleeping means bad weather
Curled up in a ball on my lap - it will be bitterly cold
Sitting on the stove or radiator - to the cold
Unfolds or licks its tail - wait for a snowstorm
Hides his head - you can wait for a thunderstorm or rain
He washes himself, licks his paws, strokes his head - there will be sunshine
Licking the skin - most likely the day will be rainy
If your ear scratches, it means it will snow or rain
Scraping on glass, on a wall or floor - wait for the wind or blizzard
Sharpening his claws on a table leg means a change in weather
Sneezes - wait for precipitation

Of course, many of these signs are simple superstitions. But sometimes the behavior of animals is due to the fact that they better sense changes in the atmosphere that precede certain weather phenomena. For example, before a thunderstorm, a cat may become nervous. In the heat it tries to open up as much as possible, and in the cold it curls up into a ball to keep warm. Even scientists talk about predicting earthquakes based on animal behavior.

Signs associated with death

Leaving for another world has always been associated with mysticism and evil spirits. It is not for nothing that many people still experience fear in the cemetery. At the same time, a person wants to guess when his last hour will come, whether he will soon be separated from his loved ones. Here are some cat signs that people have kept that warn of illness and death:

Sniffs the air right next to my nose - a sign of illness
She came up on the street and sat down near my feet, or she was riding on my pants - she wanted to warn me that I was feeling unwell.
If a cat marks a sick person’s clothes, it means recovery
Bite a pregnant woman - there will be a miscarriage
If the pussy lies at the feet of a seriously ill person, he will recover; if he leaves the bed, he will end up in the grave
If a pet sits on a patient’s lap, it takes away the disease and promotes healing.
Don't tell your cat, "Sleep at the head of the bed." She will “survive” the owner from bed, who will soon “sleep” in a grave in the cemetery
The cat lies down and sleeps on the table - one of the family members will soon die
Meows constantly - also signifies illness or death of a loved one

People often tried to prevent death. For example, it is considered bad luck to look in the mirror when there is a dead person in the house. Whoever does this first will be the first to go to the cemetery for the deceased. To prevent this from happening, you need to bring the cat to the mirror. The British believe that a cat jumping over a coffin or ending up in an open grave can cause the death of one of the family members. To prevent misfortune from happening to a person, the animal must be killed.

Other signs associated with cats

Pets are often associated with guests. It is believed that cold paws foretell the arrival of an unpleasant visitor. If the cat shits itself, it means a person will come into the house and offend the owners. The cat ran in and wrote - expect a visit from an ill-wisher. Washing too often means distant relatives from the outback will come. A cat on a window or windowsill means a close and long-awaited guest will arrive.

Many folk superstitions are associated with the road. If a cat crosses the road before a long journey, it means the path will be difficult. Hitting a cat with a car is a very bad omen. If you kill an animal, bury it and ask that no evil fate befall you. Pussy gave birth before the road - it’s better not to go anywhere. A dead kitty is found, and the traveler is in mortal danger. The missing cat returned before the trip, which means the journey will be easy, successful, and the one leaving will return home safely.

Sailors left many signs associated with their tailed friends. If your cat follows you before fishing, you can safely take him with you. The catch will be plentiful. If a dead cat gets caught in the net, you need to immediately swim to the shore, the ship will face misfortune. If a cat lifts its hind legs up and sneezes, there will be a storm at sea. To see a cat that accidentally got on a ship, unfortunately during the voyage. If she is huddled in a corner in a cabin, death awaits its resident, she ends up on her back or throws herself on her leg, the person at sea will get sick.

You can choose to trust or not in cat omens. But the tradition of guessing the future by the behavior of cats has taken root. Therefore, it seems to me that it is worth paying tribute to her and, just in case, listening to folk wisdom. After all, if a person is forewarned, he is forearmed. And picking up a stray kitten is far from a sign of superstition, but ordinary human mercy.

Pregnancy and childbirth of a cat.

During childbirth, a cat practically does not need any special care or restriction of mobility. Moderate physical activity is useful to avoid obesity and increase muscle tone. In the later stages of pregnancy, the cat should not be allowed to climb at heights, since the weight of the uterus shifts the center of gravity and it is difficult for her to maintain balance. If a cat likes to climb, jump, and play with children and other animals, you will have to protect her from this.

For the first four weeks of pregnancy, feed your cat commercial kitten food. It is suitable for pregnant and lactating women and cats as it contains more calcium, protein and other

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Cat giving birth

A cat's uterus has two horns that meet in the central cavity of the uterus. The cervix is at the end of the central cavity and remains closed during pregnancy. The embryos of the kittens are inside the horns and are connected to the mother through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is attached to the placenta, which connects the cat and kitten. The placenta acts as a conduit for nutrients from mother to fetus and collects fetal waste.

The birth of kittens begins from the uterus. At this stage, the cervix begins to open. An odorless discharge appears from the vagina. They are called a mucus plug and are located in the cervix during pregnancy, protecting the uterus from the vagina. The cat's breathing quickens and she may purr. This stage lasts up to 6 hours.

Contractions become stronger and more frequent and the cervix opens completely. The cat is ready to give birth. The kitten moves down the birth canal. Pressure on the cervix causes the cat to push. She can be seen trying hard to push the kitten out. An amniotic sac appears with a kitten inside. The cat chews the bubble, releases the kitten and begins to lick it, stimulating the breathing process. In about one out of three cases, kittens are born with their hind legs first, this is normal. The second stage takes from 5 minutes to 1 hour. If the kitten is still not born after an hour, contact your veterinarian.

Immediately after the birth of a kitten, the placenta comes out, as soon as the cat has licked the kitten and it begins to breathe, the cat gnaws the umbilical cord. Very often she eats the placenta, which contains a large amount of nutrients and helps the cat produce milk.

Once the kitten is born, monitor the delivery of the placenta. Have paper and pen ready and note the number of placentas delivered. From excitement you may not remember, and this is very important, because retained placenta can

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The cat is shaking before giving birth - what could it be?

In this situation, there are several options:

It is known that before the onset of labor, cats breathe faster, so much that it will seem to you that she is trembling and cold.
Yes, the cat is really shaking. But if there are no more bad signs, then there is no need to worry, since during contractions there may be temperature changes. But if strong discharge begins or the animal is already very weak and loss of consciousness is observed, then it is better to consult a specialist, as this is an indicator of a complicated birth.

A cat came into the apartment, what does this mean?

Yesterday there was a cat sitting under the door, an ordinary tabby cat. but quite well-fed. when I opened the doors, she ran in like a bullet, I didn’t even have time to understand anything. She immediately ran around the apartment, sniffed everything everywhere and climbed into my arms. I didn’t want to eat anything. all evening she followed me around, rubbed herself, purred, and climbed on top of me. I tried to push her out the door - there was a wild scream behind the door until she let me back in. In general, I left her to spend the night in the kitchen, because... I have a parrot, and she is a hunter after all. She slept in the kitchen until the morning, it seems she didn’t shit anywhere. It was really funny to me - I was washing my face - she was behind me and sitting on top of the bathtub. in general, in the morning she perked up, began to actively climb between the bars of the cage towards the parrot, he screamed, of course. So, on my way to work, I took it out into the entrance and left. It turns out that the cat just came to me and immediately behaved in its own way. I don’t know what to do - I can’t leave it, she’ll eat the parrot. It’s a pity, but I don’t know what would have happened all day if I had left her there alone. what if she comes again in the evening? what to do? what do you think?

Such a kind creature will bring you happiness and joy without any signs. Get used to the tray instantly, just plant it a couple of times. Cats are clean animals. If there is no tray yet, lay down newspaper, then put the tray in this place. I need to think about the parrot. Maybe some kind people could adopt a cat? It's difficult though.

the apartment is a small one-room Khrushchev-era apartment; it’s unlikely that you can close the room all the time, and you might even miss it; the yard cat, apparently, is used to catching birds, and she was already hunting for him; I punched her in the nose and she calmed down for an hour or two. The cat doesn’t look old, about a year or so. but this is not a kitten, she has her own habits. She behaved quietly, but somehow like a master at once. I looked everywhere, sniffed, and this evening I couldn’t get my hands on it.

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Signs of pregnancy in cats

Let's look at the signs that let you understand that your cat is expecting kittens. One of the first pregnancy symptoms you may notice is that you are not going into heat again. The cat does not howl, does not roll on the floor, does not ask to go outside. If this is the case, then it is quite possible that your cat is pregnant.

It happens that a cat eats a little less than usual in the early stages of pregnancy. But, unsurprisingly, as the pregnancy progresses, the cat will eat more and more. Some cats eat a lot towards the end of pregnancy.

Your cat's nipples will swell slightly and change color. They will turn coral red. You can see this in the picture. This redness will be especially noticeable if the cat is pregnant for the first time. Sometimes not all nipples turn pink, but only some.

If you haven't noticed any early pregnancy symptoms, your cat's noticeably bloated belly will dispel any doubts that your cat is expecting at week five.

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, you won't notice much change in your cat. However, over time, her behavior may change. She does not go into regular heat, she completely loses interest in cats, and she can also become unfriendly towards any cat with whom she lives in the same house.

It is possible that your cat will give you extra attention and demand extra attention from you in the later weeks of pregnancy. If your cat has access to the outdoors, she will still prefer to stay indoors and nap during the later stages of pregnancy. A pregnant cat spends most of its time sleeping.

During the later stages of pregnancy, your cat's appetite will be very active and she will eat often, very often. Many veterinarians recommend feeding pregnant cats

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Kotovasiya Online magazine about pets

Signs of the onset of labor in a furry beauty and help during the process

If there is a pregnant furry beauty in the house, then the loving owner is looking forward to the birth of the babies. How to understand that a cat is giving birth, so as not to miss this, although natural, but such an exciting moment? Awareness will allow you to properly prepare and competently provide assistance if necessary.

Childbirth in cats is a natural process and most often occurs without any outside help. However, situations arise when the owner’s intervention is still necessary: the animal’s first birth, low maternal instinct, labor complications. It is important for the owner to know and understand in a timely manner that the cat will give birth soon. This will allow you to prepare for the upcoming event.

Be sure to ensure that you have the following items and things:

disposable baby diapers (unscented);

sterile surgical gloves;

clean, ironed pieces of fabric;

scissors with rounded ends;

catgut thread (can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy);

antiseptics (solution of brilliant green, potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, sterile petroleum jelly);

In addition to preparing the necessary equipment, you must first agree with a veterinarian to provide assistance to the animal in the event of a pathological birth.

If Murka appeared in the house for the purpose of breeding kittens, the owners will have to be puzzled by information. It is advisable to clearly know the first signs of the onset of labor in a cat, so as not to miss the birth of furry offspring.

As soon as it becomes known that the cat is expecting kittens, the owners themselves need to prepare mentally, preparing the mother in labor at the same time.

increased affection;
swelling of the mammary glands, redness of the nipples;
rounding in establishing the timing of the abdomen;
the appearance of active movements on the surface of the abdomen.

First-time cats are more emotional and excited than those who have already given birth - such individuals need to be given maximum attention and care.

Preparing the site

Preparing for childbirth refers to arranging a place for the birth of kittens, ensuring a comfortable state for the cat in terms of psychological peace.

You need to prepare 2-3 places in advance where the cat could potentially bring kittens.

It is best if it is a spacious cardboard box with the bottom lined with something soft and covered with a moisture-absorbing medical diaper on top.

This is done in advance so that the animal has time to visit all the places and make a choice where it is more comfortable. This also eliminates the birth of babies in undesirable places.

All selected places must be dark, isolated, and free from drafts.

Precursors of labor in primiparous cats usually begin earlier than in those who have already given birth. Therefore, if the pet is young and has not given birth to kittens, there is no need to panic if the prenatal condition changes; it is likely that there is still some time before giving birth.

From the point of view of feline physiology, the following signs of beginning labor are distinguished:

within 1-3 days, the cat’s body temperature drops to an average of 37°C;
within 1-2 days, the external genitalia become red and slightly swollen, and begin to constantly lick themselves. Mucous-pink discharge may appear without a pungent odor - sometimes it seems that the cat is licking the genitals without stopping;
activity decreases, apathy appears;
the mammary glands visually noticeably swell, the local temperature rises noticeably (the abdomen becomes hot, but there are no signs of illness);
the appearance of colostrum in the nipples - if you press the nipple a little, a white, barely yellowish liquid appears;
she drinks water as usual, her appetite is preserved, but she eats very little and mostly soft or liquid food;
approximately 2 expected days before birth, active movements are observed in the abdomen, especially when the cat is sleeping. This is explained by the fact that kittens literally turn over in the womb, taking a comfortable position for birth. This continues almost until childbirth.

Harbingers of imminent birth are visual changes in the body that are observed literally a day before the kittens are born.

the cat begins to “hump” from time to time - this is a sign of “training” contractions, which usually appear 4-8 hours before the start of delivery;
suddenly hides, does not come out, or, on the contrary, meows purringly and does not leave the owner. By the way, the Scottish Fold is characterized by increased anxiety right before the onset of labor;
complete lack of appetite, constant drinking;
An attentive owner should notice the release of the mucus plug before contractions occur. It looks like a transparent clot of greenish-yellowish color with red-brown inclusions. It usually leaves 1-2 hours before the start of active labor. Don’t worry if this moment is not recorded - cats usually lick themselves vigorously before giving birth, so they can lick her unnoticed;
at the moment the very first contractions begin, there is an increase in the active movement of the kittens in the stomach, because they need to turn their heads towards the exit (kittens are usually located in the uterus according to the rule of compactness). The contractions themselves are not visible outwardly, but active movement of the kittens occurs reflexively. This is already starting to cause inconvenience for the mother cat; she cannot find a comfortable position for childbirth - she gets up and lies down one by one because of this;
By placing your hand on the cat's belly, you can feel the first uterine contractions. After they begin, up to 8 hours can pass before the cervix dilates (in the Scottish Fold, the period can last up to 12-20 hours);
the discharge of amniotic fluid is a clear sign that labor is approaching; the first kitten should appear in the next 1-2 hours. The symptom is not indicative; sometimes the water breaks already at the time of the birth of the first child.

Readiness No. 1 (the first signs of labor in a cat): strong contractions, visible even without a hand on the stomach; Murka lies on his side or sits, strongly arching his back - in time from 5 to 50 minutes, and the first kitten will be born.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most effective drops for cats during estrus: reviews

The owner of Murka should know how labor begins in a cat - the signs of its onset and the process itself. Everything that happens is divided into 3 main stages:

discharge of amniotic fluid;
birth of kittens;
“birth” of amniotic membranes.

After giving birth, the lochia disappears over the next few days - during this period the animal should not be allowed outside, because there is a high risk of infection of the genital organs.

What should owners do when the first signs of labor are noticed in a cat? Ideally, the best help would be non-interference. Nature originally intended the birth process to be unassisted.

be present next to your pet, talk to her in a soft, calm voice. This has been proven to calm cats, but only when they have complete trust in their owner or owner;
prohibit children and adult family members from shouting, slamming doors, or making any sudden loud sounds, so as not to frighten the woman in labor and not to disrupt the physiological mood for the birth process;
As soon as signs of labor have been noted in your cat, protect her from any contact with other pets, if any. This can harm the process of producing kittens due to the extreme stress of the mother in labor. A cat, perceiving any animal as a mortal danger to itself and its babies, may behave inappropriately;
make sure there is fresh air in the maternity area;
be prepared to give her something to drink by having clean drinking water on hand;
Consult your veterinarian first about unusual situations if the birth process suddenly goes wrong.

Many novice cat owners feel that it is quite difficult to diagnose the approach of labor at first, before the first physiological signs have appeared. Nevertheless, the behavioral characteristics of the expectant mother also speak volumes.

If during the last week of pregnancy cats tend to become detached and even a little lethargic, before they begin to give birth, they show unprecedented activity.

The pets rush around the apartment, behave restlessly, and set up a “nest”. It is very important to take care in advance of organizing a quiet and cozy corner for the woman in labor.

Otherwise, she will find a place she likes on her own, but don’t be surprised if the linen closet or other things of yours are used.

Changes in a cat’s behavior largely depend on its character: some pets become almost aggressive, while others, on the contrary, become affectionate and require constant attention.

Knowing exactly how a cat behaves before giving birth, the onset of contractions will not take you by surprise.

As the birth process approaches, it's time to pay attention to some physiological changes.

Belly shape

You can also determine the imminent onset of labor by looking at your pet’s belly.

Watch her when she sleeps: kittens are often already actively moving in their stomachs, taking a comfortable position before they are born.

This happens about two days before lambing, especially if your cat has large babies. This is why you may notice how the expectant mother's stomach drops.

Similar article: Description of the main signs of pregnancy in a cat

Nipple enlargement

A harbinger of an imminent birth is also swollen nipples in a cat. As a rule, immediately before lambing she no longer leaves her shelter. At the same time, the nipples on her stomach noticeably enlarge and turn red. You may also notice some discharge appearing. This is colostrum, which is released just before birth.

First of all, you need to find out how the cat behaves before the imminent start of lambing. However, physiological signs also need to be paid attention to. They indicate the immediate onset of contractions, which means you can complete all the important preparations and take time to be near your pet at this difficult moment for her.

For example, the cat’s rectal temperature decreases significantly and is about 36 °C, which is, in principle, normal. That is why many experts recommend that cat owners measure their pet’s temperature twice a day a few days before lambing. As soon as it has decreased, this will be a clear signal for the start of labor.

Mucus discharge

How to choose a British kitten

To acquire real affectionate happiness, and not a bunch of troubles and disappointments, you need to be guided by the rules for choosing purebred kittens.

You need to know the rules like two times two , then unscrupulous sellers will not be able to deceive you, and doing this is easier than you think.

How to avoid being deceived

Immediately drive away the idea that a real British kitten can be bought at a pet store, at the market, at randomly organized sales points or in dubious establishments such as shelters for abandoned animals.

A real British dog should be purchased from breeders who specialize in this breed. Only then will the purchase make you happy.

As a rule, it all starts with searching for advertisements for the sale of British kittens on the Internet or in the newspaper. Then you call up and ask how old the kittens are, if they have a pedigree, what vaccinations they have received, and what they already know how to do.

Ideally, kittens should be about 3 months old (although feeding a two-month-old kitten is not a problem). By this time, they should have already received the necessary vaccinations recorded in the veterinary passport.

It will not be superfluous to ask whether the breeder has a certificate or other document confirming his professional skills and experience in breeding the British cat breed.

Under no circumstances agree to have a kitten delivered to your home. Otherwise, buy a pig in a poke. Be sure to visit the nursery or apartment where the kittens were born and live with their mother cat.

It is important to see that the babies are kept clean, fed properly and not locked in cages. Kittens should be loved, ok

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the cat follows me around and meows for no reason

Why does a cat meow often: learning to understand your pets

Cats meowing is completely natural. However, it often happens that your pet begins to meow, demanding affection, begging for food, or just like that, preventing you from sleeping at night. If a cat has learned to blackmail you by meowing and screaming, what should you do?

Most often, young cats between 0.5 and one year old suffer from behavioral problems associated with persistent meowing. Cats aged 7-8 years bother their owners much less. Older animals get used to the daily routine, they perfectly sense your mood.

If an elderly animal meows at night, this may mean that it has some kind of illness. But the main cause of behavioral problems in older cats is lack of attention. As a cat ages, it needs more and more attention and affection from its owner. How does the animal achieve this? Of course, meowing at night, meowing near a closed door.

Adult or young cats can annoy their owners with their meowing because they cannot get used to the rules of behavior or the daily routine, perhaps the animal is under stress. However, they solve this problem quite quickly.

Older cats most often disturb their owners with their nighttime screams, which prevent them from falling asleep. At first you will stand up to the animal, worrying that something is wrong with it. However, as a rule, it soon turns out that nothing bothers the cat, that nothing hurts. She just wants to be approached, stroked, and given attention. At such moments, your pet is simply lonely.

Why does a cat meow for no reason?

Are you surprised that your cat can meow for days in a row for no reason? When you

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All about pets - feeding, treatment, care

What happens to the animal

In order to know when your pet will give birth to kittens, you need to closely monitor her, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy. But the main signs appear about a few days before this process. Severe pain begins in the uterine area, and such pain can also occur if labor begins a little earlier or if a rejection process has occurred, that is, a miscarriage. When the animal’s pregnancy proceeded normally, the birth process will go very quickly, without complications. In order to help your pet give birth normally, you need to know how cats behave before giving birth and what happens to them at this moment.
The very first signs are a mucus plug, it comes out first, but it is very difficult to see, since this happens when the cat went to the toilet. She also begins to lick herself very often, but many also do not pay attention to such a trifle, since animals lick themselves quite often. Well, the last sign is contractions. They can be noticed without palpation. And then somewhere, half an hour later, the first kitten appears. Also, before the babies are born, the expectant mother may develop a fever and begin vomiting. At this time, the body is experiencing a strong emotional shock, so do not worry, as this is a natural process.