Cat Pregnancy and Birth

Introduce your queen to the maternity box two weeks before delivery. It should be large enough for the cat to stretch out and nurse the kittens comfortably.The sides should he high enough to keep the kittens inside, but low enough for the mother to get in and out. Line the bottom with several layers of newspaper, towels,or sheets, but whatever is used, clean the box regularly. Be sure that any material that lines the bottom goes to the edge of the box so that the newborn kittens will not get caught underneath and smother.

The temperature in the maternity box should be about 80°F, because chilling is a frequent cause of kitten mortality. Since newborn kittens have a difficult time regulating their own temperature, a 250-watt infrared (heat) bulb can be placed above the box, so that half of the box is heated. (Otherwise, a nearby radiator or electric heater may be adequate.) Attach a thermometer to the box to monitor the temperature. The "delivery room" should be a familiar area - perhaps the cat's regular sleeping area - as long as it's warm and draft-free. Place the maternity boxthere.

After all your preparations, the mother cat may just decide that your own bedor closet is the best choice! If this happens, gently place it back in the maternity box. If the cat still insists on delivering else where, let it. You can move mother and kittens back to the box later.

After delivery, do not disturb the maternity box, especially if it's the cat's first pregnancy. Some mother cats, if they are disturbed, will attack those in the room or even eat their own young during the first few days after birth. Of course, each cat is an individual and many will be happy to have you around as long as you are quiet and gentle, so play it by ear. Clean the box after the third day.