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My pregnant cat has milk but no labor signs. Should I be worried?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed

It’s been over 3 weeks since my pregnant cat started producing milk. Will she have her kittens soon and is there any concern that she hasn’t had them yet? She isn’t showing any other signs of labor.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 22nd, 2018

Some cats start producing milk one day before giving birth, and others start 2 or 3 weeks before. She is already very "round" and should have them in the next few days. As long as she appears happy and healthy, eats drinks, poops and pees, there is no problem. Once she starts going into labor, she should have the kittens within a relatively short time. If you see her straining for more than 1/2 hour without producing a kitten, it is time to take her to a vet. If she has a discharge that smells bad, there is a problem and she should also be seen by a vet. Any discharge near, during and after giving birth should be odor-less.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 9th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Onyx is very close! Milk can appear in the mammary glands 24 hrs to 1 week before labor. Cats are pregnant for 60-63 days. I can not tell you a date range with out knowing the breeding date, but I suspect she will give birth in the next few days. I wish Onyx the best!

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