Why is my cat acting like she's in labor, then stopping and resting?

Stage 1 of labor can last up to 24 hours, but I would keep a close eye on her. Once she starts pushing she should not labor more than 4 hours without a kitten. I would contact your veterinarian as a precaution and simply let them know what is happening.

Hello, my name is Dr. Shines and this is concerning. Yes, I recommend to get Cali to the veterinarian ASAP. Cats can stop birthing and then finish up to 24 hours later if they are disrupted by something. But it's rare and that doesn't seem to be the case in Cali's situation. So I think it's best to err on the side of caution and get Cali into the veterinarian's office right away. She may need help having the kittens or she may need a C-section. Here' is a link about normal birthing (called queening) in cats: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/breeding-and-queening-cats I hope everything turns out well for Cali! Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a sign of impending labor! But not 100%. I would give her space and limit the number of people hovering around her and checking on her. Cats can delay labor when stressed. Leave her in a quiet room with a litter box, food and water. Provide a comfortable box or bed for her to have the babies. Check on her every few hours. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Daisy is panting and pregnant close to term then she is likely going in to labor. If she isn't close to being due she should see a Vet right away. I would have her somewhere quiet and calm. Keep children, a lot of people and animals out. If there isn't a kitten born in 2 hours with this panting she should be seen by a Vet. Panting in cats is not normal in any other situation. I wish you the best!

Hello. There are 3 stages of labor in the cat. First stage: The cervix dilates & uterine contractions begin. The queen may become restless, exhibit excessive grooming, purr, scratch the nesting box/area, & pace during this stage. At the end of the first stage, the queen will settle into her nesting box/area. The first stage can last from a few hours up to 24 hours. Stage two: Delivery of the kittens. Strong abdominal contractions are visible & the first litten is usually delivered within 60 minutes of seeing the contractions. Kittens are usually delivered every 30-60 minutes, but delivery can last 16-18 hours. Third stage: Delivery of the fetal membranes although this may happen concurrently with second stage labor. Delivery of the kittens is interspersed with the delivery of the placentas, too. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am so sorry to hear that Atsushi is so uncomfortable. It sounds like she could be in preterm labor. This can be very serious. The kittens will not survive this early, but it could also be life threatening for Atsushi. Please have her seen by a veterinarian immediately. A c-section may be recommended in order to save her. Best of luck and I hope she does well. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Lucy seems comfortable, is caring well for the kittens, & you do not see her pushing or having active contractions, then you can let her rest. You may be feeling a contracted uterine horn, or it may be another kitten, but if she is content then you can probably wait until the morning to have her checked out. Since it is already late, you would have to take her in to the emergency clinic anyway, but I would not recommend it, yet. If she becomes restless, vocal, & you see her pushjng for more than 30 minutes without producing a kitten, then take her in. Hopefully, this will not be necessary. Take care.