Hi all,

Today is the 67th day of my Lulu's pregnancy. She is still showing no sign of labour... I am worried sick! I have been expecting her babies since Monday and ... today is Friday!

I can feel her babies moving inside ... and yesterday, I slept on the floor beside her birthing box, as Lulu is somehow very clingy to me ... she follows me everywhere. I woke up at 5am, I went to bed (my room), and yes, she followed me to bed!

She is also a bit vocal today.... but not the "labour" vocal, rather just the "talking" vocal. I thought of letting her have the whole house tomorrow, I go shopping, and she if she gives birth. I could be her distraction???

Any advice will be much appreciated. Oh ya, when should I BE REALLY WORRIED???

Rgds, Bina

A few things:

1. Are you really sure of the day of mating? If not, your counting may be off.

2. If you are, you can wait until 70 days or if it were me, send to the vet asap for a check up.

3. Do not allow her to roam the house - keep her secluded in one room and make sure everything is ready - birthing box, litter tray, etc. is in one location. And yes, your stress could be making her stressed!

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Abymummy,

Thanks so much for replying...

1. She is usually indoor but one fine day during the mating season, she managed to get out through the window at about 7am and returned at about 8pm the same day.... on 28-Apr-08. So, can I consider that 28-Apr-08 as day of mating? So using a chart from the internet, her due date is 30-Jun-08.

2. What if she is the type that don't travel well in cars? Will I stress her during the journey to the vet?

3. OMG, I am the cause of her stress! Aiyo.... OK, if still no sign of labour today, I will leave her in her room all by herself tomorrow... or maybe tonight...

Another thing, is it advisable to send mommy and kitties to boarding if they are less than a week? I am travelling for four days next week and I was just wondering if I should / can move them to my brother's place for four days ... OR leave her at home with ample water and food for four days.....

OK

1. That would be the date of mating - if there are no other entire males in your house.

2. Better to stress her with a short journey and find out what happens rather than having a bad or complicated delivery

3. You MAY be the cause of some stress, or she may just be not yet ready to deliver.

4. Better for your brother to come to your place daily rather than moving them all there. But if that is not possible, then best option is to move them all to your brother's place. Make sure he has a separate place away from any or all other cats/children.

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Hi Bina,

I totally agree with Abymummy that it's best if your brother could go to your home daily for Lulu, or if not, put her and babies in your brother's home. She should be familiar with your brother, right? This will help lessen the stress for Lulu.

I think if she's not in pain, it should be alright. Some articles mentioned that it's quite normal for a cat to be pregnant for up to 71 days. Here's the article. But for your own peace of mind, you might want to take her to a vet, especially since you have the date of mating nailed down.

As ever, I tend to agree. However, I'll add the following:

a) Much as books say 65 days is gestation period for cats, not all cats read books. And it can take up to 72 hours from mating to conception.

b) On that basis, I personally wouldn't wait 70 days, but there you go - I'm a radical conservative! AT all times let the cat dictate the terms. If she's in any sort of distress, then yes.......vet time.

c) No problems about you not being there soon after the event! I think most females would become really stressed to be moved to a strange environment soon after birth - I'd certainly opt for the familiar person coming around and feeding, changing litter trays and keeping an eye on her and the family. Peace and quiet is what she needs in the early stages and the kittens need it too. Stressed mum = less manja kittens! (How'm I doing with my Malay, Abymummy?) 4 days is nothing at that stage. Most girls will spend those days almost totally communicating with and loving their new family.

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Lesley (Tasmania)

Thank you Abymummy,
Thank you Blackie,
Thank you Lesley

for the kind advice, really appreciate them....

I didn't know about the possible delay in hours in between mating and conception...

I think Lulu is showing the first stage of labour - she is quite restless today, clingy, following me wherever I go and been in and out of the birthing box. Noticed that she is purring and breathing heavily too...
So, reading from the internet, it may take up to 24 hours before stage two....

Please tuned in for her next progress report. If she still don't go into labour by tomorrow evening, I am sending her to the vet on Sunday!

Hi all,

Would like to share a joyful news of 3 little kitties arrived today, at about 3 a.m.

Thank you all for the guidance.

Lulu meows alot, whenever I am out of sight, she will come looking for me? Is that normal? or is she feeling discomfort? Other than that, she is still breathing heavily and panting (like a dog?)... Should I be worried?

Many thanks again

There you go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All's well that ends well.............

I wonder if she may have another kitten inside? You shouldn't be unduly worried, but keep a VERY close eye on her. Theoretically (but cats don't read the text books) she should be staying with her kittens and not interested in you at all. (That makes me wonder, along with panting, etc) if there's another on the way.)

How old is she? I assume this is a first litter?

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Lesley (Tasmania)

Most likely 1 or 2 kittens are still inside,try to feel for any bulging and possible movement inside on her abdomen with your hand,if you still not sure better bring her for proper check-up by a vet,may be she needs an Oxytocin injection.

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