Time between delivery of kittens is usually 10 to 60 minutes and stages two and three are repeated. The birth is usually complete within six hours after the start of the second stage, but can last up to 12 hours.Large or deformed kittens can become stuck in the pelvis. Sometimes they come halfway and sometimes they don't even get that far. If your cat has a kitten stuck inside her, call your vet for advice immediately, do not pull the kitten.Abnormal vaginal discharge (brown, green, black, or pus-colored) at any time during pregnancy, abdominal pain, and fever are all potential signs of miscarriage or infection. Additionally, some cats experiencing a miscarriage will begin to have contractions and deliver stillborn kittens.If you have found out that your cat is pregnant, then the next step is finding out what you need to do to prepare for the arrival of kittens. You will also need to know what to do to while your pet is in labor, and what after care you will have to provide. Here is our guide to what you need to know about the birth of kittens.

Ahead of the birth
Around a week before the expected arrival of your kittens you should prepare a safe place for your cat to go and labor. This is a cupboard, box or bed where your pet can go to before, during and after labor. An old cardboard box with the side or front cut out will work just fine. Ensure the sides are high enough to keep warmth in and you may want to put her favorite toy or blanket inside for her. That said, cats are notoriously independent and she may not use the space you have prepared for her at all!

If you need to move the kittens away from their mom at any point, then we recommend a blanket with a heating pad or a microwavable bean bag to help keep them warm.

Other things you may need include clean towels, some rubber gloves, sterile scissors and plenty of antiseptic. You may also need to have some strong string or something similar nearby in case you need to tie off any umbilical cords.

We also recommend that you have the telephone numbers of your own veterinary surgery and an emergency out-of- hours service, as just like humans, there is no telling when those babies are going to arrive!

Signs of Labor
Around 62 days into the pregnancy your cat is considered to be ‘full term’. There are a number of signs of early labor that you can look out for, and these include:

She may start nesting by rearranging or fussing over her bedding

She may become very restless and pace around the house

She may become very vocal

She may experience vaginal discharge

She may make repeated trips to the litter box without producing anything