How long do cats stay in labor?

Answer by  Justbarb (98)

Not long and you won't know it when it happens because you'll probably be asleep. Unlike dogs, cats demand privacy for birthing. Chances are she's already picked a secluded place (not the box you prepared), and you'll only become aware of the event by the kittens' mewing. If disturbed, she will move the litter to another secluded place.

Answer by  darthjdavis (284)

Cats can be in labor for several days before they actually deliver. Just let the mother do her thing, you cannot help her. If it is the first litter, there can be as much as five or more hours between each kitten too.

Answer by  katharine (3981)

They stay in labor until all the kittens have been delivered. Usually cats aren't in labor all that long, there is usually no more than 30 minutes between kittens, so in a litter of 6 kittens the cat would be in labor for about 3 hours.

Answer by  Camonte (14)

In the ordinary domestic cat gestation period is generally 62 to 65 days. Sometimes the kittens are already born on the 59th day and sometimes on the 70th day. So roughly 9 weeks. One or two weeks before the birth the mother begins to find a place to bring the kitten in the world