Queen Temperature 100.00f, Birth Impending?

[theycallmechristmas]

Hi there!

The shelter that I foster for has given me a pregnant cat to care for until she weans her kittens. She's quite round at this point, and I was told she would give birth within about 5 days. I would like to plan to the best of my ability to be home when she's in labor. I checked her temperature rectally about 15 minutes ago (8:45pm EST) and it was 100.00F on the dot. I've heard the general rule is if temp is under 100.00F, that labor will most likely take place within 24 hours. Does this reading count? I'm sure I seem paranoid, this is the first animal birth I'll be responsible for. Thank you for any responses, let me know if any additional info is needed!

 

[abyeb]

I think it sounds like she’s getting close! Probably just a day or two (at the latest) now, since she hasn’t quite dipped below 100F
How Do I Know When My Cat Will Give Birth?

Here’s some additional articles to help you get ready for the birth:

Pregnant Cat? What To Prepare For The Birth

Help! My Cat Is Having Kittens!

Thank you for fostering her! People like you are so important to shelters, and to the cat-living community! Please do post pictures when the kittens arrive.

 

[ashade1]

It sounds like she is close! Temperature is not generally a very accurate way to predict labor and it usually ends up being stressful on the momma. Has she "dropped"? Like does she look smaller? They usually do the day or two before as the kittens move down to the birthing canal.

 

[theycallmechristmas]

Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. Her belly still looks rather large to me (poking out at her sides.) Gotcha, I won’t take her temperature any more! Thanks for the reply!

 

[theycallmechristmas]

I think it sounds like she’s getting close! Probably just a day or two (at the latest) now, since she hasn’t quite dipped below 100F
How Do I Know When My Cat Will Give Birth?

Here’s some additional articles to help you get ready for the birth:

Pregnant Cat? What To Prepare For The Birth

Help! My Cat Is Having Kittens!

Thank you for fostering her! People like you are so important to shelters, and to the cat-living community! Please do post pictures when the kittens arrive.

Thank you for the additional resources! I’ve wound up arranging my schedule for the next couple days around her lol.

 

[Sarthur2]

Keep us posted!

 

[theycallmechristmas]

Will do! No more signs as of right now, though I planned the next couple days to be flexible and I have a baby monitor on her. Hoping for the best!!

 

[theycallmechristmas]

Scarlet still isn’t showing any major signs of labor, though I think I might know what you mean by “dropped.” Her belly looks lower than it has been, but she looks smaller. I gave her more space to roam (somewhere quieter too) in hopes that it would help move things along. The kittens have been very still, which I read can mean that they’re moving into the birthing position. Thank you all for the support, any additional guidance is greatly appreciated!

 

[theycallmechristmas]

 

[ashade1]

She is beautiful! Sounds like she should have them in a day or two now!

 

[theycallmechristmas]

Hi there everyone! Sorry I’ve been quiet until now, but I haven’t had anything to report on! Yesterday morning Scarlet gave birth to 7 kittens, one of which had deformities and passed away. Thank you everyone for the advice, momma and babies appear to be doing very well! We actually got quite the surprise, and wound up with a pure white kitten!

 

[Sarthur2]

How sweet! Be sure mom gets plenty of food and water for nursing.

 

[theycallmechristmas]

Hey everyone, there’s something I noticed with the kittens and I’m wondering if it’s common or something to be worried about. Every so often, I’ll see one of them pant very heavily for a few seconds. It’s been happening for a couple days and they seem fine apart from that. I can get her seen tomorrow if need be, or there’s an emergency line if it’s espec worrying. I’ll attach a video if I can. Thanks!!

 

[theycallmechristmas]

The video!

 

[Sarthur2]

How is this kitten doing? I've not seen anything quite like that. Did you take it to the vet?

 

[theycallmechristmas]

I did take everyone in, we couldn’t figure out exactly what was causing it but the vet said it was most likely an airborne irritant.

After I used a watered-down vinegar solution that I had once put drop of peppermint essential oil in too near the room, I heard all of the kittens start doing it. I’ve cracked down on what I use near/in the room and I put a HEPA filter in the room for good measure.

 

[Sarthur2]

That's interesting. Have they stopped breathing like that now?

 

[theycallmechristmas]

As far as I or my husband have seen, they have!

 

[Sarthur2]

That's great!