What signs show a mother cat is about to give birth?

Before giving birth, a mother cat usually shows nervousness, restlessness, rapid breathing, and refusal to eat, and she will start nesting, looking for warm, soft places. As delivery nears, her belly is clearly wide and dropped, her mammary glands swell, and milk can be expressed.

Also, just before labor her temperature drops about 1 C and there is discharge from the vulva. If you see these signs, she will deliver soon, so prepare a whelping box in advance. During delivery, observe her from a distance; if she has difficulty (dystocia), take her to a veterinary hospital quickly.