Do cats poop a lot before going into labor? It is not uncommon for cats to have an increase in bowel movements before going into labor.
This is due to the hormonal changes and physical discomfort that occur as the body prepares for childbirth. However, every cat is different, and some may not experience this symptom at all. Many cat lovers don’t know what to do when their feline friend starts to behave differently.
It is really natural when it comes to litter box training since it prevents a lot of mess and unwanted late-night trips outside.
If you are concerned about your pregnant cat's health or behavior, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide you with specific advice and support to ensure your and your cat's health and well-being.
We prepared some possible reasons for it and how to deal with it properly.
Do Cats Poop A Lot Before Going Into Labor?
Some cats may poop a lot before giving birth due to diarrhea, though it is not required. Cats commonly experience diarrhea, and numerous factors, including pregnancy, can cause it. You must take extra care if your cat is pregnant.
Should she have diarrhea, you should be worried. Before giving birth, it's possible that your cat will poop a lot. Frequent bowel movements and loose or watery stools are both side effects of diarrhea.
When feces move through the intestines too quickly, diarrhea results and more frequent urination may result from this. Your cat's body may experience stress during pregnancy, which can cause diarrhea. If stress is the only factor, it should go away within a day or two.
Her condition might be caused by intestinal parasites if it doesn't get better or go away. Every day, add 1-2 teaspoons of canned pumpkin (not the filling) to her food to increase fiber and promote the formation of hard stools.
If the situation does not get better, ask your veterinarian (depending on how far along she is) if they would like to see her for diarrhea treatment. While some drugs and dewormers are safe to take while pregnant, others are not.
Why Does My Pregnant Cat Poop Everywhere?
There could be a few causes why your pregnant cat is pooping everywhere. It could be due to the hormonal changes and physical discomfort that occur as the body prepares for childbirth. Some cats may experience gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea during pregnancy, which can lead to more frequent bowel movements and the need to use the litter box more often.
Additionally, some cats may be more prone to accidents outside the litter box, especially if they are experiencing any pain or discomfort.
If you are concerned about your cat's behavior, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian. They can help determine the cause of the problem and provide you with guidance on how to manage it.
1. Territorial Marking
Territorial marking is a behavior that cats exhibit when they want to establish and maintain control over a particular area or territory.
Cats have scent glands on their face, paws, and tail, and they use these glands to mark their territory by rubbing, scratching, or spraying urine or feces. This behavior is most commonly seen in intact (not spayed or neutered) male cats, but it can also occur in females and neutered males.
Territorial marking by pooping and peeing is a normal and natural behavior for cats. Usually, the message aims to prevent an unforeseen meeting. Your pregnant cat may simply be marking its territory if another cat or animal, or even a new baby, has been welcomed into the home or if someone has moved in, out, or on.
This should only last while the pregnant cat acclimates to the new surroundings. Any alteration to a pregnant cat's routine or environment, however, can result in stress, resulting in odd behavior.
The specific location for marking urine and poop is a visible, high-traffic area (such as the center of the living room or a frequently used couch).
This kind of marking is also frequently applied to or close to a pet owner's possessions (such as the bed or laundry).
It's completely normal, especially if a new animal has moved into the home. Because they are unable to speak, pregnant cats communicate through body language and smell.
2. Medical Causes
There are a few medical conditions that can cause pregnant cats to have an increase in bowel movements. These conditions include
• Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, a cat's hormone levels change significantly, affecting the digestive system and leading to more frequent bowel movements.
• Constipation: Pregnant cats may experience constipation due to the physical changes and pressure on the digestive system caused by the growing fetus.
• Gastrointestinal upset: Some pregnant cats may experience gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea due to the hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy.
• Dehydration due to megacolon, renal disease, and hyperthyroidism.
• Arthritis: Pregnant cats can often have this condition that causes them to poop on the floor rather than pee and poo in the litter box.
• Difficulty walking, jumping, or pain in the spine while the cat is being petted
Read Also: 7 Ways How To Make A Cat Poop When Constipated
3. Reactionary Causes
The most challenging causes of improper elimination are probably stress and anxiety, which are frequently linked to social problems in multi-cat households (especially when a new cat is introduced).
A pregnant cat who is anxious or stressed out will defecate or pee outside the litter box to cover herself in her own scent. Having his own scent around may seem strange to humans, but it gives her a greater sense of security and confidence to handle whatever is happening.
A common instance noted by veterinarians is a cat pooping on the floor after a veterinary visit, which causes many owners to worry that this is being done on purpose.
Cats are known to snub litter boxes that don't live up to their high standards for odor and cleanliness. Even cats who have been trained to use the box for years may reject it if it isn't spotless in favor of another location (typically one that will catch your attention).
Is the location of the litter box bothering your cat while she is pregnant? If it's close to a door or in a busy room that the cat can't easily access, think about moving it. If your pregnant cat has dementia, you shouldn't do this because it could make things more confusing. Pooping or peeing outside the litter box can also be a reaction to fear of the litter box.
Your pregnant cat may avoid the box and go somewhere else if you use a new litter it doesn't like, clean the box with new detergent (OR if you haven't been cleaning the box), or use a fancy robot cleaning box that makes odd noises.
Also, if the litter box is in a place where the pregnant cat doesn't feel secure going, like close to a curious puppy or young child, she may use the restroom in a different place that is more convenient for her.
A newly adopted pregnant cat might need a few weeks or months to settle in and feel secure enough to express its personality. It's possible that your adoptive pregnant cat later decided to share the litter box after initially being hesitant to do so.
How Do I Stop My Pregnant Cat From Pooping In The House?
There are a few things you can try to stop your pregnant cat from pooping in the house:
1. Check If There Is A Health Issue Behind It
If you are concerned that your pregnant cat's behavior changes, including inappropriate pooping and peeing, may be due to an underlying health issue, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can examine your cat and perform any necessary tests to help determine the cause of the behavior and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Some potential health issues that can cause a cat to eliminate outside the litter box include urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and bowel problems. These issues can be painful and uncomfortable for your cat and may cause her to associate the litter box with discomfort.
If your veterinarian does determine that there is an underlying health issue causing your cat's behavior, it is important to follow their treatment recommendations. This may include medications or dietary changes to help manage the condition and for the overall wellness of your pregnant cat. Regular check-ups are a must!
2. Clean The Litter Box
Keeping the litter box clean is an important part of encouraging your cat to use it. Cats can be picky about their litter boxes and may be less likely to use a dirty or poorly maintained box.
• Remove all of the old litter and dispose of it.
• Thoroughly wash the litter box with hot, soapy water and a disinfectant cleaner. Be sure to rinse it well to remove any soap residue.
• Before adding new litter, let the litter box completely dry.
• When adding the new litter, fill the box to the recommended level (usually about 2-3 inches).
• Scoop the litter box daily to remove any solid waste and clumps of urine, which will help keep the box clean and reduce odors.
• Completely empty and wash the litter box every 1-2 weeks, or more frequently if needed
3. Put Your Cat Into The Same Room As The Litter Box
If you have tried other techniques to stop your pregnant cat from eliminating outside of the litter box and are still having problems, you may need to take more drastic measures. One option is to lock the cat in a room with a litter box when you are unable to supervise her. This can help ensure that she has no choice but to use the litter box and can help prevent accidents.
It is important to make sure the room you choose is comfortable and has everything your cat needs, including food, water, a bed, and toys. You should also make sure the litter box is accessible to your cat and clean at all costs.
It is also important to gradually introduce your cat to this new routine and to gradually increase the amount of time she is confined. This can help reduce stress and make the transition easier for her.
Keep in mind that confinement is not a long-term solution and should only be used as a last resort.
4. One More Litter Box
Adding an additional litter box can be a helpful strategy for encouraging your pregnant cat to use the litter box consistently. Cats are territorial animals and may be more likely to use a litter box if they feel like they have their own space.
It is important to place the additional litter box in a different location from the existing one, as cats may be less likely to use a litter box that is too close to another one.
It is also a good idea to use a different type of litter in the new box, as this can help encourage your cat to use it. Keep in mind that you should still clean and maintain both litter boxes regularly to keep them fresh and appealing to your cat.
RELATED: 8 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Litters
5. Put Up Barriers
Putting up physical barriers or obstacles can be a helpful strategy for preventing your pregnant cat from eliminating in certain areas of your home.
This can involve blocking off access to certain rooms or placing furniture or other objects in front of areas where your cat has previously eliminated.
Cat Pregnancy And Cat Labor
At the end of her pregnancy, it is expected that she will lose her appetite, which is a common sign that the cat will soon start delivering her kittens. Even though she doesn’t have the will to eat, make sure to put food and water on the display if she decides that she wants a snack.
When the labor is near, you’ll notice that she’s agitated and distressed, meowing and often crying and for long periods of time. You may expect a lot of behavioral changes during this time. She’ll start licking her vulva even though she’s not delivering any kittens yet.
The mother cat will have strong contractions, which means she’s trying to deliver the kittens and push them out through the birth canal, but that can take long, long hours. If you want to be a real pet owner, make sure to provide some nesting boxes for your mother cat to give birth in, and she might fix it for herself.
You can also expect that her body temperature is lower, and she might vomit. If your cat struggles with vomiting, check out the most effective home remedies for cat vomiting.
Your mother cat might start peeing and pooping more, so even though she’s litter box trained, she might do it outside the box.
Cat Labor In Stages
• Pre-labor: This is the period before active labor begins. During pre-labor, the cat may show signs of restlessness, nesting behavior, and loss of appetite. There could be some vaginal discharge also.
• The first stage of labor: This is the active labor stage, during which the cat's cervix dilates and contractions begin. The cat may pant, pace, or meow during this stage. You should expect the first kitten in the first hour of active labor.
• The second stage of labor: This is the stage of delivery, during which the kittens are born. The cat may push and strain as she gives birth to each kitten. Let her progress through labor naturally, and don't bother her. If the kittens died soon after birth, the vet should identify the cause of death.
• The third stage of labor: This is the stage after delivery, during which the cat delivers the placenta for each kitten. The number of placentas should always be the same as the number of kittens that were delivered. Each placenta provides the nutrients and oxygen that the kitten needs while it is developing in the womb, so it is important for the mother to deliver all of the placentas after giving birth to the kittens.
If a placenta is not delivered, it can cause complications for the mother and may require medical intervention, and it is actually life-threatening for the mother cat. Retention of the placenta, also known as retained placenta, can occur when the placenta is not expelled from the uterus after the birth of the kittens due to dystocia (the kitten is physically blocked in the pelvis), the kitten is dead, or there is no more strength in the uterus.
This can cause complications for the mother, including infection, bleeding, and damage to the uterus. If the placenta is retained, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment may involve administering medications to help the uterus contract and expel the placenta, or surgery may be necessary to remove the retained placenta.
Most cats deliver healthy kittens; however, there are always exceptions.
RELATED: Do Kittens Remember Their Mother?
Will My Cat's Behavior Change During Gestation?
Your cat’s behavior will change during gestation, and that is completely normal. These changes can vary from cat to cat and may include the following:
• Increased appetite: Pregnant cats may have an increased appetite and may eat more than usual.
• Nesting behavior: Some cats may exhibit nesting behavior, such as finding a secluded spot to give birth or gathering blankets or other materials to create a comfortable nest.
• Increased affection: Some cats may become more affectionate and seek out more attention during pregnancy.
• Changes in activity level: Some cats may become more active or restless during pregnancy, while others may be more lethargic; no matter what, your pregnant cat should be indoors.
• Changes in vocalization: Some cats may become more vocal during pregnancy, meowing or yowling more than usual.
RELATED: Why Do Cats Bring You Their Kittens?
Final Thoughts
Do cats poop a lot before going into labor? It is not uncommon for pregnant cats to poop and pee more when they’re expecting a litter of kittens. It is the pet parents’ job to observe their cat’s behavior, especially when the labor is near.
This can be due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and as the body prepares for delivery. It can also signify that your cat is anxious and stressed. However, it is not a consistent or reliable sign of imminent labor, and other signs, such as nesting behavior and restlessness, are generally more reliable indicators of imminent labor.
If you are concerned about your cat's bowel movements or any other aspect of her health, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian.
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