Some cats, especially first-time mothers, may be a bit bewildered or agitated by the physical changes and discomfort they experience. If your cat seems very nervous and excitable or becomes aggressive or more vocal, consult your vet; medication may help. And some cats miscarry. If your cat hemorrhages or has a foul-smelling discharge, have a vet check her.
To prevent birthing in an inconvenient or unsafe place, prepare a disposable birthing box. Accustom your cat to the box early so that she will choose to give birth in it, lining it with her usual bedding and encouraging her to sleep in it for a week before the babies are due. Keep closet doors shut and block access to as many other places as possible. As delivery approaches, confine her to the house, even better to one room, and prevent vigorous activity. She may become irritable, so keep other animals away. Prep a longhair cat by carefully trimming (not shaving) the fur around her nipples and genitals. Clean cloths, towels, a pair of scissors, a baby's nose-suction bulb, dental floss or sturdy thread (to tie off the kittens' umbilical cords), petroleum jelly or other lubricant and disinfectants (rubbing alcohol and povidone-iodine) should be kept close at hand.