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My pregnant cat shows labor signs, then stops. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | RagaMuffin | Female | unspayed | 1 year old | 10.2 lbs

My cat is 66 days pregnant, and today she has had multiple instances where she seems like she is in the 1st stage of labor (she's panting, nesting, meowing constantly, breathing very rapidly, loss of appetite, very affectionate... etc.) and then she'll just go back to normal (very relaxed, not affectionate, breathing is normal... She just goes back to her normal self). Is this normal? I thought that once she was in the first stage of labor she would proceed to the 2nd stage, not return to normal

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2017

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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    From your description, it does sound like Peaches is in the first stage of labor. This can take anywhere from 12-24 hours before moving into the second stage of labor. If you do see her starting to strain, then she is in the second stage of labor, and she should deliver her first kitten within the hour. Should Peaches not move into the second stage of labor after 12-24 hours, then I would contact a vet to let them know what is going on, as you may need to bring her into a vet right away for help giving birth.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 14th, 2017

    This sounds normal for the first stage. They are restless at the start. If she is having heavy constant contractions for 30 minutes straight with no kitten... then she needs to be seen right away. If she has a kitten, it can take 4 hours in between each one . If there is a brown or black discharge then she needs to be seen right away. Since she is up eating still I would continue to let her rest in her nesting area and monitor her progress.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 14th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Stage 1 labor signs in cats can be signs of discomfort, restless, trouble getting comfortable as the uterine lining is contracting to get the kittens in position. She could tremble, have increased breathing, nesting, kneading bedding, Stage 1 can last 12-24 hours. Stage 2 is active visible contractions and you can see fluid at vulva, she may vocalize. I hope this helps and I wish Simba the very best!

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