The liquid is usually clear or pale yellow and has no smell.
Cats are so mysterious! Many owners don’t know what to do when their fur baby’s water breaks. Let’s learn more about it.
The water usually has a clear or pale yellow color. It’s made of amniotic fluid, mucus, and bacteria from the uterus. Normally, cats start labor around 65 days of pregnancy, but this can vary. Natural or assisted delivery may be needed, depending on the situation.
Knowing what to expect helps owners to prepare for their cat’s labor and care for them properly. They can recognize when the water breaks and seek medical attention if necessary.
Color of the Fluid: Usually Clear or Pale Yellow
When a cat is set to have her kittens, her water will break. It will release a fluid that is usually clear or pale yellow. The fluid has no smell. It can be a few drops or several ounces. If it’s green or brown, this could be meconium. Meconium is made of enzymes, bacteria, waste, and hair that the kitten swallowed in the womb. It can leak with fetal fluids. If this happens, contact your vet right away. It could indicate distress with one or more kittens.
Reasons for the Color of the Fluid:
A cat’s water breaking usually appears as either clear or pale yellow. It has no smell, and it comes from the uterus, located just above the bladder, and behind the abdomen.
The color of the water breaking is due to two causes:
- Firstly, the excess amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the pregnant animal’s uterus. When this mixes with mucous from the oviduct, it produces a pale yellow.
- Secondly, epithelial cells are shed by the uterus before and during labor. This process softens the cervix and increases hormone release – oxytocin. White blood cells then fight any bacteria, creating different hues within the amniotic fluid.
Signs of a Cat’s Water Breaking:
Before a cat gives birth, her water usually breaks. This fluid is clear or pale yellow and has no smell. It is the start of the birth process and means kittens are coming soon. Signs to look for when the water breaks:
- Search for a wet spot on the bedding or other surface where the queen cat is.
- Dark spots may appear on her vulva. She may also have frequent contractions as she moves around in preparation for delivery.
- A trickle of fluid over hours – watch any wet area closely.
- After all, kittens are born, fluid may still come out until all birthing material is gone.
- If you see greenish, red, or brownish fluids, contact your vet immediately. This could mean complications during labor.
Keep an eye on your furry friend for signs of distress before labor! Contact the vet if needed.
Does Cat’s water breaking smell?
Cat’s water breaking should not smell. Amniotic fluid is transparent and straw-colored and odorless or mildly sweet-smelling.
If you notice a foul or strong odor from your cat’s water breaking, it could indicate an infection or a complication and you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
When to Contact a Veterinarian?
If your cat’s water breaks, it’s important to call a vet right away. Look out for:
- Cloudy or smelly discharge.
- Lots of leaking before labor.
- Leaking for more than 12 hours before labor.
- Any discharge that isn’t pale yellow.
A vet can assess the problem and give you advice. They can also treat if needed and help you decide when labor will start and what to do in the meantime. Don’t wait – the earlier you call, the better chance your cat has for a healthy delivery!
Treatment for a Cat’s Water Breaking:
A cat’s water breaking (ruptured uterus) means immediate treatment. This could include antibiotics, NSAIDs, oxytocin, or a combo of drugs. Other options may be possible too.
The fluid is usually clear or pale yellow. Small flecks of blood could appear if the sac ruptured early. This indicates the birth process has started.
If there’s any doubt, contact a vet. After treatment, monitor the mother and the litter to ensure health. The cat should rest for 24 hours after delivery to recover and bond with the kittens.
Prevention of a Cat’s Water Breaking:
It’s vital to be mindful of the potential dangers related to a cat’s water breaking. Routine vet check-ups should be done for their health. Assess the home environment for sources of stress that could trigger labor before the due date.
Keep the cat’s living area clean and free of parasites/bacteria. Refill food/water bowls daily to maintain nutrition during pregnancy. Avoid too much petting/scratching/handling of the pregnant cat. This will help lessen stressors that could cause premature labor:
- Keep the cat’s living area clean and free of parasites/bacteria.
- Refill food/water bowls daily to maintain nutrition during pregnancy.
- Avoid too much petting/scratching/handling of the pregnant cat.
Conclusion
The water that breaks from a cat is usually clear or pale yellow. It is odorless since it is mainly made up of fluids. It is usually a big gush and not a steady stream, which means a cat baby, or kitten is about to be born. A vet can tell if this is true by observing the amniotic sac. It should be whole and have a white tint to it when the water breaks.
If an owner feels like the cat’s water has broken, they should take them to the vet immediately. Help from a medical professional may be necessary for the labor and delivery to be successful. Not all cats have an easy time with labor, so owners should be watchful for any signs of difficulty.
