Cat stops giving birth: 12 signs that your cat is still pregnant after giving birth.

When a mother cat begins labor, many owners worry about whether she has finished giving birth or if she still has fetuses inside . This is a very common concern, especially for first-time caregivers. Failing to recognize the signs of continued pregnancy can lead to missed opportunities for timely assistance, endangering both the mother and kittens. This article will help you identify signs indicating that the birth is not yet complete , understand the typical number of kittens, and know what to do to safely assist the mother cat during childbirth.

Sign 1: If the cat is breathing heavily during childbirth, does that mean she's still pregnant?

The mother cat is breathing heavily and rapidly.

• During childbirth, it's perfectly normal for a cat to breathe rapidly or heavily . At this time, the mother cat is expending a lot of energy and experiencing discomfort during labor.

• After giving birth to all the kittens , the mother cat usually calms down noticeably , her breathing slows, her body relaxes, and she focuses on licking and caring for her offspring.

• If you notice your cat is still breathing heavily after giving birth to several kittens , this is a sign that she is still pregnant and the birthing process is not yet complete.

When is close monitoring necessary and should you call a veterinarian?

• A cat that is breathing rapidly and exhibiting the following symptoms should be monitored:

  • Constantly pacing, lying down and then standing up, appearing restless.

  • Licking the abdomen or genitals more often than usual.

  • There were no clear signs of labor despite the prolonged labor time.

• If the cat's rapid breathing, restlessness, and constant licking persist for more than 24 hours but no kittens are born , you should contact your veterinarian for advice on appropriate treatment.

• Cats usually give birth naturally and require little intervention , so you should not attempt to assist or interfere without professional guidance, as this could endanger both the mother cat and her kittens.

Sign 2: Is it normal for a cat to meow a lot during childbirth?

The mother cat meows loudly and frequently.

• During labor, mother cats often meow, whimper, or howl due to pain and discomfort, similar to how humans give birth.

• This is a completely normal reaction during childbirth, especially as the kittens are moving through the birth canal.

• You might hear sounds like:

  • The sound was short and rapid.

  • A soft, high-pitched hiss.

  • The meowing or "screaming" is louder than usual.

• A cat's meowing during childbirth typically indicates that the birthing process is still underway , and in many cases, it's a sign that the cat is still pregnant .

When is a noise a sign of danger?

• You need to pay special attention if your cat:

  • She meowed continuously for over an hour but didn't give birth to any kittens .

  • Loud crying accompanied by signs of panic, lethargy, or exhaustion.

• In this case, the meowing could be a sign that the cat is experiencing unusual pain or difficulty during childbirth , and is no longer a normal physiological response.

• At this point, you should contact a veterinarian immediately for guidance on how to handle the situation promptly, avoiding danger to the mother cat and her kittens.

Sign 3: Is a cat straining during labor a sign that it is still pregnant?

The mother cat strained hard, putting all her strength into it.

• During stages 2 and 3 of the birthing process , the mother cat will strain to push the kittens out. From the outside, it may look like the cat is trying to relieve herself .

• Although kittens look small, pushing each one through the birth canal requires a great deal of strain , so the mother cat has to exert herself continuously for a short period of time.

• After each litter, cats typically:

  • Lick the kitten clean.

  • Take care of the baby for a short while.

  • Then continue pushing for about 10–15 minutes for the next kitten.

• This is normal behavior and also a sign that the cat is still pregnant if the birthing process is not yet complete.

The spacing between kitten births

• After the first kitten was born:

  • Subsequent kittens are usually born 10 minutes to 1 hour apart.

• If the mother cat is still straining regularly but hasn't given birth yet, you should continue to monitor her and not intervene prematurely.

When is pushing during labor a dangerous sign?

• You should contact a veterinarian immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • The cat strains continuously for over 25-30 minutes but no kittens are born → this could be due to a birth canal obstruction .

  • The cat has gone into labor but has not given birth to its first kitten after 16–24 hours .

• A typical cat birth lasts from 4 to 16 hours . Exceeding this timeframe significantly increases the risk of complications.

Intermittent birth is a phenomenon that needs attention.

• In rare cases, cats may experience interrupted labor:

  • The cat has stopped pushing and shows no more signs of labor.

  • Turn to take care of the newborn kittens.

  • Rest for 24–36 hours , then try to give birth again.

• Therefore, even if your cat appears to have finished giving birth , you should still monitor her closely , as this could still be a sign that she hasn't finished giving birth and is still pregnant .

Sign 4: The appearance of fluid-filled sacs in the cat's vagina during childbirth.

There is a fluid-filled sac protruding from the birth canal.

• When you see a swollen, dark-colored fluid-filled sac protruding from a cat's vagina , that means the kittens are about to be born . This stage is also known as "head emergence."

• This sign indicates that the cat is still pregnant and the birthing process is in its final stages.

Time to be closely monitored

• After the blister appeared:

  • Kittens are usually born within 10 minutes .

• If after 10 minutes the sac of fluid is still visible but the kitten hasn't come out , it's very likely the kitten is stuck in the birth canal .

Never try to pull a kitten out yourself.

• In case a kitten gets trapped:

  • Do not attempt to pull or shake the kitten out , even if you can clearly see the water sac.

  • Incorrect intervention can:

    • It causes serious pain and injury to the mother cat .

    • This can cause suffocation, injury, or death to kittens .

• This is a dangerous situation; it's no longer normal physiological behavior.

When should you call a veterinarian immediately?

• You should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if:

  • The amniotic sac had been visible for over 10 minutes, but no kittens were born .

  • The mother cat's straining weakens, she becomes exhausted, or shows signs of unusual pain.

• The veterinarian will provide instructions on how to handle the situation safely , or recommend taking the cat to a veterinary clinic for prompt intervention.

Sign 5: What does it mean if a cat licks its genitals during childbirth?

The mother cat licks the genital area frequently.

• During labor, mother cats often lick their genitals continuously . This is a completely natural reflex during childbirth.

• Licking helps:

  • Dissolve the thin membrane surrounding the kitten.

  • Assists in breaking down the double-layered amniotic sac containing mucus.

• This fluid helps kittens slide easily through the birth canal , reducing friction and pain for the mother cat.

Signs that your cat is still pregnant

• When a mother cat senses her kittens moving in her womb , her instincts will make her:

  • Licking the genitals more often and continuously than usual .

• Therefore, this is often a sign that the cat is still pregnant and the birthing process is not yet complete.

When is closer monitoring needed?

• Licking the genitals is normal during childbirth, but you should be mindful if:

  • The cat licked for too long but showed no signs of straining or giving birth .

  • This is accompanied by unusual symptoms such as extreme fatigue and significant pain.

• In these cases, close monitoring or consultation with a veterinarian is necessary to ensure safety.

Sign 6: Placenta not visible after the cat gives birth.

The placenta hasn't come out yet, even after the last kitten.

• Typically, the placenta will be expelled within about 15 minutes of each kitten being born.

• The placenta is a soft, reddish-brown mass that is easily recognizable if you look closely.

• If, after your kittens have been born, you have to wait longer than usual and still haven't seen the placenta , it's possible that:

  • The cat is still pregnant and hasn't finished giving birth yet.

  • Or the placenta may not have been expelled at the right time .

Why might the placenta be delivered late?

• In reality, there are cases like this:

  • Two to three kittens are born in quick succession , and then the placenta is expelled.

• Cat births don't always follow a fixed sequence , so you should:

  • Try to keep track of the number of kittens that have been born .

  • Observe to see if the corresponding placenta is visible for more accurate monitoring.

Is it normal for cats to eat the placenta?

• After the placenta is expelled, the mother cat often eats it .

• This is perfectly normal behavior and helps to:

  • Replenish energy.

  • Keep the nesting area clean to avoid attracting insects.

When does the placenta become a risk?

• You should contact a veterinarian immediately if:

  • One or more kittens have been born, but the placenta is not seen to be expelled shortly afterward .

• Retained placental tissue in the uterus can cause:

  • Infection.

  • Fever, stomach ache.

  • Dangerous to the mother cat's health.

Sign 7: Aggressive or overly protective cat at birth.

The mother cat becomes aggressive and highly vigilant.

• During childbirth, mother cats may become irritable, easily angered, or react strongly when someone approaches.

• This is a natural, instinctive reaction, as the cat's top priority at this time is self-preservation and protecting its newborn kittens .

• The labor process is stressful and painful , and the cat hasn't had time to adapt physically or hormonally.

• After giving birth to all the kittens , the mother cat usually calms down and her mood stabilizes.

What not to do when a cat becomes aggressive.

• Never yell at, scold, or spray water on your cat to "discipline" it.

• These actions may include:

  • This makes cats stressed and more defensive of their territory .

  • This increases the risk of cats attacking or abandoning their kittens .

• Instead, keep the space quiet and limit the number of people passing through.

Postpartum aggression can last for a long time.

• In some cats, aggressive behavior may include:

  • This lasts for 3–4 weeks after birth , until hormones gradually stabilize.

  • This is more common if the cat already showed signs of aggression during pregnancy .

• This is not unusual , but it needs to be monitored.

When should you consult with a veterinarian?

• You should:

  • Note any changes in the mother cat's behavior and mood .

  • Talk to your veterinarian for advice on how to help your cat feel safer during this period.

• According to feline behavior experts, cats can also become aggressive when they are in pain because they don't want to be touched .

Proper behavior when a cat is giving birth.

• You can stay in the room to observe , but you should:

  • Avoid touching the mother cat.

  • Do not intrude on the private space of the birthing nest.

• Respecting social distancing will help reduce stress in cats and lead to safer births.

Sign 8: The mother cat is not focused on caring for her newborn kittens.

The mother cat's care for her kittens is intermittent and not yet stable.

• After giving birth to each kitten, the mother cat usually takes care of them very quickly , then continues to push to give birth to the remaining kittens.

• Although this period involves a strong mother-cat bond, the mother cat cannot fully rest until she has given birth to the entire litter .

• If a cat is pregnant with multiple kittens, you may see a repeating birth cycle like this:

  • Rapid breathing.

  • Pushing during labor.

  • Lick the kitten.

  • Gently push the kitten to find the teat to nurse.

  • Then continue pushing.

• This is a sign that the cat is still pregnant and the birthing process is not yet complete .

When is this behavior abnormal?

• You need to pay special attention if the mother cat:

  • Completely neglect the kitten .

  • Do not lick, nurse, or react to newborn kittens.

• This could be a sign:

  • The cat is tired, in pain, or experiencing complications .

  • You need to contact a veterinarian for guidance on the next steps.

How to properly support a cat during childbirth.

• Let's:

  • Give the cat its own quiet space so that mother and kitten can bond easily.

  • Avoid holding, touching, or interfering with the child's movements too early.

• You will have plenty of time to care for and pet the kittens after the birthing process is complete.

Do not leave the room while the cat is giving birth.

• During childbirth, a mother cat may:

  • Feeling insecure.

  • Try to follow you if you leave the room .

• Therefore, it's best to remain calm and observe quietly , without causing any noise or pressure.

Caring for a mother cat after she gives birth.

• Once all the kittens have been born, you should:

  • Keep the room quiet and warm to help the mother cat feel safe.

  • Replace the bedding with clean , dry ones.

  • Prepare food and water when your cat is ready to eat.

• A suitable environment will help the mother cat stabilize her mental state , focus on raising her kittens, and recover her health .

Sign 9: Is it normal for a cat to have discharge during childbirth?

The mother cat has discharge from her birth canal.

• During labor, the mother cat may secrete fluid from her vagina , which may be colored:

  • Transparent.

  • Pale yellow or light brown.

• As uterine contractions intensify , a small amount of fluid leaking out is perfectly normal and indicates that labor is underway.

• The discharge may contain some blood , which is a common physiological phenomenon when cats give birth.

• This sign usually indicates that the cat is still pregnant and her body is preparing for the next litter of kittens.

When is discharge a sign of danger?

• You need to contact a veterinarian immediately if:

  • The cat is bleeding profusely , with bright red blood coming out continuously.

  • Bleeding is accompanied by symptoms of extreme fatigue and significant pain.

• Excessive bleeding is not a sign of normal childbirth , but is often a sign that the cat is in danger .

Monitoring postpartum discharge

• After giving birth, a mother cat may:

  • There may still be some discharge mixed with light blood for the first few days.

• However, you should inform your veterinarian if:

  • Postpartum bleeding that lasts for more than one week .

• This could be a sign:

  • Uterine infection.

  • Retained placenta or postpartum complications.

Sign 10: The mother cat doesn't want to eat after giving birth.

The mother cat doesn't feel hungry yet.

• After giving birth, mother cats often don't want to eat right away . This is a fairly common reaction because their bodies are still tired and focused on caring for their kittens.

• Normally:

  • Cats will start to feel hungry after a few hours .

  • Some cats may take up to 24 hours before they resume eating normally.

• Therefore, it's not necessarily unusual for a mother cat not to eat immediately after giving birth .

When is closer monitoring needed?

• You should pay attention if:

  • The cat has stopped eating for too long and is noticeably lethargic.

  • Other symptoms include shortness of breath, pain, and neglecting to care for the child.

• In the context of giving birth, a cat not eating can sometimes be a sign that she is still pregnant or has not fully recovered.

How to provide proper nutritional support

• Let's:

  • Always keep food and clean water readily available near the birthing site.

  • Don't force-feed your cat if it's not ready.

• After giving birth, mother cats need a lot of energy and nutrients to:

  • Body recovery.

  • Producing milk to feed kittens.

Consult with your veterinarian.

• You should consult your veterinarian about:

  • The right diet for mother cats after giving birth.

  • Nutritional needs of kittens in their first few days.

• Proper nutrition will help mother cats stay healthier, produce more milk , and reduce the risk of postpartum complications.

Sign 11: The cat's belly remains large and hard after giving birth.

The mother cat's belly hasn't softened yet.

• After giving birth, a mother cat's belly typically:

  • Softer .

  • It's a bit flatter and looser compared to when I was pregnant.

• If you notice your cat's belly is still large and feels hard to the touch , this is one of the clearest signs that she is still pregnant and hasn't finished giving birth.

Compare the belly after childbirth and during pregnancy.

• Once all the babies have been born:

  • Your belly might be a little smaller , but it's still big.

  • The skin on the abdomen feels soft and slightly supple .

• While the kittens were still in the womb:

  • The abdomen is usually tense and firm .

  • There's little feeling of it flattening out.

• This is a simple observation method that can be easily applied at home .

Observe the movements in the abdomen.

• In some cases, you may also be able to:

  • Seeing or feeling movement in the cat's stomach.

• This is a very clear sign that there are still kittens that haven't been born .

Dangerous signs that require immediate medical attention.

• You need to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately if:

  • There was movement earlier, but then suddenly it stopped .

  • The mother cat exhibits the following symptoms:

    • Unusual fatigue.

    • Stop eating.

    • There is a foul odor coming from the genital area.

    • Difficulty going to the toilet.

• These signs may be related to stillbirths , which are very dangerous if not treated promptly.

Important notes after childbirth

• Even after the cat has given birth:

  • A cat's belly can still be larger than normal .

• Normally:

  • It takes about 3 weeks for a cat's belly to return to its normal size .

• Therefore, consider the softness and firmness of the abdomen and other signs, not just the size.

Symptom 12: Fewer kittens are born than indicated by ultrasound or X-ray results.

The actual number of kittens does not match the prenatal diagnosis.

• During a cat's birth, many people, due to anxiety or being too focused on observing, forget to accurately count the number of kittens that have been born .

• If the cat has previously undergone an ultrasound or X-ray and the results show more kittens than the number born , this is a very worrying sign .

• This case typically shows:

  • The cat still has a pregnancy in her uterus .

  • Or the birthing process went wrong.

Why you should contact a veterinarian immediately.

• When the number of kittens born is less than expected , you need to:

  • Call or take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible .

• In some cases, cats may need:

  • An emergency cesarean section was performed to ensure the safety of the mother cat and the remaining kittens.

• Waiting or attempting to treat the condition at home can be seriously dangerous .

What will the veterinarian check?

• During a medical examination, the doctor will typically perform the following:

  • Take another X-ray or ultrasound to confirm:

    • How many kittens are left in the womb?

  • Blood tests to check for:

    • Calcium concentration.

    • The mother cat's blood sugar (which is very important during the birthing process).

  • Fetal echocardiography aims to assess:

    • Is the kitten still alive?

    • Level of urgency requiring intervention.

Why is this sign particularly important?

• Comparing the number of kittens born with ultrasound and X-ray results is the most accurate way to determine whether a cat has finished giving birth or is still pregnant .

• If detected early, the chances of saving the mother cat and her kittens are much higher .

Number of kittens per litter and important notes

Cats usually have fewer kittens in their first litter.

• For first-time mothers, the number of kittens is usually only around:

  • 1–3 kittens .

• In subsequent pregnancies, the cat's body adapted better, so:

  • The number usually increases to 4–6 kittens .

  • In rare cases, cats can become pregnant with up to 12 kittens .

• Knowing this information will help you:

  • Estimate a reasonable number of kittens .

  • It's easy to spot that a cat is still pregnant if the number of kittens she gives birth to is significantly lower than normal.

Cats can become pregnant again very soon.

• A mother cat can become pregnant again after weaning her kittens .

• This timeframe usually falls around:

  • 8 weeks after birth .

• Without controlled breeding, cats can:

  • Repeated pregnancies.

  • It causes exhaustion and increases the risk of reproductive complications.

The danger when a cat doesn't give birth to all of its kittens.

• If the cat doesn't give birth to the full number of kittens in her womb :

  • The mother cat is at risk of infection, exhaustion, and serious complications .

  • The remaining kittens may also not survive .

• When you have doubts:

  • The cat was still pregnant but appeared to have given birth .

• Take your cat to the veterinarian immediately ; don't wait at home.

Consider sterilization after childbirth.

• If the cat:

  • Having experienced complications during pregnancy or childbirth ,

• You should consider:

  • Spay or neuter the cat after it has recovered .

• Sterilization helps:

  • Preventing unwanted pregnancy.

  • Avoid repeating childbirth risks in the future .

  • Protecting the long-term health of mother cats.

References

1. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pregnancy-and-parturition-in-cats
2. https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/birth-and-kittening
3. https://guildcrestcathospital.ca/cat-labor/
4. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/cat-labour-a-guide-to-your-cat-giving-birth
5. https://lynchburghumane.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LHS-Cat-Pregnancy-and-Labor-Resource-1.pdf
6. https://icatcare.org/articles/cat-birth
7. https://co4h.colostate.edu/projects/manuals/Cats-WashingtonState-U3.pdf
8. https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Animal_Services/
9. https://www.medicanimal.com/Understanding-common-problems-during-feline-pregnancy-queening-and-lactation/a/ART111481
10. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/breeding-and-queening-cats
11. https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/pet-health/care-of-the-new-mother-cat/
12. http://therio.vetmed.lsu.edu/feline_postpartum.htm
13. https://catcare.com/blog/queening-and-kittens/
14. https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/cat-breeding-at-this-time-of-the-year/

Translated by Ashley Wright Nguyen .