The three stages of labour
Feline labour unfolds in three stages that often overlap. In the first stage the cervix relaxes and contractions begin internally; your queen may be restless, pant, and settle into her nesting box without any kitten yet visible, and this can last several hours. The second stage is the active delivery of a kitten, driven by visible straining and usually completed within a short burst of effort. The third stage is the passing of the placenta, which follows each kitten, so with a litter you will see the second and third stages repeat. It is normal for her to eat some of the placentas, though you should count them to make sure none are retained.
Normal timing and a smooth birth
Once active straining begins, a kitten is usually born within about thirty minutes. Between kittens your queen may rest for anything from ten minutes to an hour or so, and short pauses while she cleans and nurses the newborns are perfectly normal. In a smooth birth she will lick each kitten vigorously to clear its airways and stimulate breathing, and the kittens will begin to root for the teat. Keep the room warm, dim, and quiet, and resist the urge to interfere while things are progressing well. Simply observe, keep a written note of times, and let her do the work she instinctively knows.
Preparation and staying calm
Good preparation makes a calm birth far more likely, so have your supplies gathered before the due date. Useful items include clean towels, a heat source that cannot overheat the kittens, thread and clean scissors in case a cord needs help, a scale for weighing, and your vet's out-of-hours number written down. Your steady, quiet presence reassures the queen, while a busy or noisy room can stall her labour. Wash your hands and only handle a kitten if she is not clearing it herself. Your main jobs are to watch, record, and know exactly when a situation has moved from normal to needing help.
Warning signs of dystocia
Some situations mean you should call your vet now rather than wait. Strong, continuous straining for more than twenty to thirty minutes without a kitten appearing is a red flag, as is a kitten visibly stuck in the birth canal that does not move with a gentle contraction. A green or dark discharge without a kitten following soon after can signal placental separation and needs urgent attention. Also seek help if more than two hours pass between kittens while you know more remain, or if your queen becomes weak, collapses, or seems in obvious distress. When in doubt, phone your vet early; it is always better to ask than to lose precious time.