My cat is due any day now - I am not sure exactly when she mated because it wasn't planned but sure her heat was over by 18/3 so guessing 64 days (+). I've experienced cat pregnancies and births through friends cats in the past but can't believe how worried I'm getting now it is my own. I know what labour signs to be looking for and she is showing most in a minor way although I don't think her milk is in although the glands under are enlarged.
Today she is still and then suddenly darts around like a little rocket with a worried expression on her face. She is pooing and cleaning herself a lot.

Really my question was - what did your cat do in the final lead up, what made you know labour was iminent - if you did?

Thanks Ems

Mine decided not to bother giving me any clues and then all of a sudden she was off. There was a clear discharge at 7.45am and by 8am she was contracting strongly, with the first one born just before 9am. They are all different. Try not to worry too much.

It's true that they are all different. Some of ours will go into their "nest" in my wardrobe to prepare, others will pace around the room, go totally off their food, or want to lie on my lap etc. Then there are others who act perfectly normal and next thing you know, labour has started lol.

I'm sure all will be fine and remember that the calmer you are, the less stressed mummy will be

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Kat
http://www.schimmelorientals.com

The toileting is a sign of getting ready, so is nesting. You may see a loss of fluid or a 'plug' (mucky blob) then you know birth is imminent. your girl will eventually settle down in her chosen bed and start contractions, sometimes accompanied with a panting, mouth open action. Hope this helps.

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She has a runny tum now.
I hope she doesn't sense my nerves - I am not squeamish or worried about the labour as such just her well being - she is a small, young cat and should not be pregnant. I have to remember all my friends cats were similar and came through it all fine but it was not my intention to be in this position. I am however terribly excited and can't wait to see how many she has and what colour they are.
Will keep you all posted.

Can't wait for your news lass, I am in the same position myself. First one is due tomorrow at the earliest. A few sleepless nights ahead me thinks, lol

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I get the feeling I may be waiting a bit longer - one minute she looks as though she's about to settle down and have them and the next she is barely acting pregnant although today she has taken to little crazy runs which is a new development.
We've had no show and I don't think she has milk although the area around her nipples is swollen. Which is why I was interested as to whether everyone gets a warning.
She is vocal and affectionate anyway so can't rely on those for signs.
I have put 3 boxes in different rooms in the hope she will nest in one - she has sniffed all but seems very fond of the cushion in front of the fire. She can have them there as long as she knows they can't stay there - I have children aged 2 and 4 so I can see a rather crazy few weeks ahead of me!

Pleased to have found like minded people as I am quite obsessed at the moment - my husband just says to leave her to get on with it - which of course is what I want to do but I would like to be there at a distance incase there is a complication and I need to whisk her to the vet.

Ems

I would keep her in one of your rooms away from the kids where it is quiet and calm. My two girls have been in the front room for a couple of weeks now getting adjusted to it and have a cardboard box each put down with a comfy bed in them. What do you bet the first one gives birth behind the telly?????? lol

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I am trying to but she likes to be around us - she has grown with children and seems unphased by them. I have a pet cage which I hope she will use so I can move her and the kittens into the back utility room. Unfortunately there are very few rooms the children don't get into - I was considering our bedroom but my 9yr old lady cat has made that her teritory so it wouldn't be fair. I have also made up an old travel cot with cardboard and newspaper at the bottom so when the kittens start to grow - hopefully I can mostly contain them there. I am a little clueless as to what to expect until it happens.

She has had a sniff behind the telly too and under both children's beds - oh dear!

Ems

If you don't 'contain' her somewhere she will have them in the most difficult place that you can keep an eye on her, but I wouldnt put her in a pen to be honest, that can stress them out if they are not used to it

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