Pregnant cat hasn't given birth yet - should I be worried?

S
Stnn95 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

My 10-month-old cat has been pregnant since 21st April. On Wednesday 16th June, we took her for an X-ray to make sure everything was okay, and the vet told us she’d give birth within the next 8 days. However, it’s been nearly 2 weeks now and still nothing. She isn’t looking for a place to nest; we’ve set up a cardboard box with blankets for her, but she won't go near it. We’ve also set up a little den for her, but nothing there either. She’s spending the whole day in the bathroom, whereas normally she’s very affectionate and always stays close to us.

On Friday, she had some contractions (I'm not 100% sure that's what they were), but then they stopped! I contacted the vet who told me to come back in a week if she still hadn't given birth, but I feel like that is a very long time to wait!

I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else? And is it normal that she isn’t looking for a nesting spot yet?

This wasn’t a planned pregnancy; we wanted to have her spayed, but the vet told us to wait for her first heat, and she managed to get out exactly when she was calling!

I’ve attached a photo of her belly – I really hope you can help!

Thanks.

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    • S
    Stnn95 Icon representing the flag French
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    I did actually switch vets because the original one didn't do ultrasounds, and the new vet confirmed what you said! Thanks for your reply.
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    S
    Stnn95 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, Thanks for your replies! I'm mostly stressed because I've looked after a pregnant cat in the past (she wasn't mine) and she nearly died during labour and needed an emergency operation. Now that mine is nearly due, I'm really, really scared for her and I'm worrying about everything! 😬 As for the mating date, it was between the 21st and 23rd of April! I thought she'd probably want to give birth in the bathroom, so I've set up a cardboard box in there, but she prefers just staying on the floor. Thanks for your answers, it's really put my mind at ease!
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    Blue_Cat
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    Hi there,

    Quick bit of advice: change your vet immediately!

    This one is absolutely useless. Where on earth did they get the idea that you 'have to wait for the first season'???? Most female cats have silent first heats, so following that rubbish advice is a surefire way to end up with a pregnancy. She’s far too young, with all the risks that implies for both her and the kittens. It’s disgraceful.

    As for the rest, she seems to be on track, but it shouldn't be much longer now. If she feels safe in the bathroom, set up a nesting box for her in there.

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    X
    Xchtu Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    Maybe she isn't looking for a spot because she's actually decided she wants to give birth in the bathroom? That’s one possibility, or she might just head over to her nesting box when the time is right.

    Regarding the due date, your vet might have got it slightly wrong – it happens. Aside from waiting, I don't think there's much else you can do. Just keep a close eye out to see if she’s lost her mucus plug; it’s a weird yellowish-green, slimy thing (clue's in the name! 😁), and she should start labouring a few hours after losing it.

    She should normally be due either today or tomorrow (if I’ve got my dates right), assuming she’s definitely been pregnant since 21st April.

    Don’t worry, if she hasn't given birth yet, it’s just because it isn't quite time. I hope everything goes well for her :) Please do keep us updated! 😄

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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, it’s been ages since I last had a pregnant cat, but nothing seems too alarming just yet. Are you sure about the mating date? She doesn’t look particularly big to me. Either way, she’s still within the normal range (gestation can last up to 69 days). Since it’s her first litter, she might not have that nesting instinct to look for a spot yet—unless she’s already picked the bathroom! Other members on here will probably be able to give you some better advice. If the vet told you to wait a few more days, try not to worry too much. Nicole
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    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    The photo was not published by Wamiz.

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    S
    Stnn95 Icon representing the flag French
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    Here’s the photo!
    Translated from French

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