So you're having kittens! Well, your mama cat, or "Queen", as a pregnant cat is referred to, is. Our cat recently had kittens, and after extensive research on the net for tips on what to expect, I found that experience is the best teacher. With that said, hopefully these tips of our cats' birth will help with your own experience.

The Basics:

As mentioned, a pregnant cat is called a Queen. The gestation period for a Queen is approximately 56-63 days. A queen typically will have anywhere from two to six kittens, sometimes more. Our cat had three. Several factors determine the litter size including age of the Queen, body size, how many male cats mated with her, and heredity.

Provided your Queen has a normal pregnancy, caring for her should be as normal. Ensure she always has access to fresh water and plenty of food. It's recommended that she be offered kitten food as that has a higher calorie count and extra nutrition her body will need. As well, continue to offer kitten food while she is nursing.

Allow her plenty of space to exercise, especially outside, if possible. Keep her moving and in shape for the birth and nursing period.

If she has a favorite area of the house, prepare it beforehand with towels, old clothes and similiar. Her birthing area is subject to change, though, the closer she comes to beginning labor. With our cat, she chose her spot mere minutes before her first kitten was born. I'd prepared a space in my closet, and in a big box, but she chose under my bed and would not have her kittens elsewhere. Keep her litter box nearby and her food and water, if possible. Mother cats who are attentive and interested in their kittens will not be away from them for very long.

Pre-Labor:

Within a few days before active labor begins, your Queen's behavior may change. She may do a total one-eighty. If she seemed aloof and independant, she may become especially loving, clingy and needy, wanting to be held and be near you. If she was the cuddly type beforehand, she may become distant and want to be alone. You'll know birth is but a few days away if she changes her behaviors.

Her appetite may decrease. This is perfectly normal. Continue to offer food and fresh water.

Labor and Delivery:

The day of labor, you likely will see marked changes in your Queen's behavior. She may meow, or speak loudly and frequently, and may act a bit frantic. She'll also likely be searching for her nest. It's best to allow her to birth where she chooses, unless that area is not safe. Wherever she chooses, she'll likely keep the kittens there for several days to weeks, although, if she's like our cat, she may move them a few times.

Right before the birth of the first kitten, you'll see greenish liquid. This is normal, and she'll clean it up. When you see this, you'll know birth is but minutes or a few hours away. You'll know what she needs- if she wants to be left alone, or if she wants you near.

With our cat, I allowed her to give birth to the first kitten on my bed, with plenty of towels. She loved it when I gently stroked her belly. I talked to her and helped her if she needed it.

Prepare to be very excited if you've never witnessed a live birth before! Don't be away too long if you wish to see it, because once labor is in full force, the baby will come out fast! First you'll see a dark and wet ball. That is the kitten in the sac. Once the kitten is out, there's nothing you can do but watch. Mama will cut the sac open, eat it and lick the baby to stimulate it to breathe. Don't be alarmed when you don't see the baby breathing in the first few minutes. If more than 4-5 minutes pass and the baby is not responsive, immediately contact your vet.

The mother will sever the umbilical cord and deliver the placenta, which she will eat. It's rich in nutrients and there is nothing for you to do until she delivers her litter. Then, you can quietly clean up and let her be provided all is well.

After her litter is delivered, and you are certain kittens and mother are doing well, you can leave her be. The kittens will nurse on their own and mama will continue to make sure they remain alert and well. Stay nearby if possible for the first day or so, and keep her food and water close by.

Enjoy your new family and expect many changes in the coming weeks!