It’s important to understand how to care for a pregnant cat to ensure the birth of healthy kittens.
Pregnant cats are usually self-sufficient mothers and are known to overcome all kinds of adversity to give birth to kittens, but pet parents can help make the process safer and easier for the mother cat. There are several things you can do.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cat pregnancy, from diet and care to pregnancy stages and how to build a cat nest.
Important points
- A cat’s gestation period is approximately two months, or 63 to 65 days.
- Pregnant cats should be vaccinated before pregnancy, tested for parasites, and fed a special high-calorie diet.
- Most cats give birth to all their kittens within six hours.
How long is a cat’s gestation period?
The gestation period for cats is approximately 2 months (average 63 months)–65 days).
It can be divided into approximately three trimesters of 20 days each, but the first two trimesters can be difficult to differentiate at home.
How to tell if your cat is pregnant
Detecting pregnancy in cats can be very difficult during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.
As a pet parent, you may wonder what a pregnant cat looks like.
Early signs of pregnancy in cats may include changes in the nipples. This occurs approximately 16 to 20 days after pregnancy and is known as “pink-up.”
At this point, the queen’s nipples turn pink and become more noticeable. Cats in the first two trimesters of pregnancy are often much more friendly and docile than normal.
During the last 20 days or so of pregnancy, your cat’s abdomen will swell and her nipples and breast tissue will become noticeably swollen.
This means that the kittens are continuing to grow and the cat’s body is starting to prepare for birth.
The queen may have increased grooming of the abdomen and under-tail area. They also often look for suitable places to nest and give birth.
cat pregnancy stages
The cat’s pregnancy cycle continues with the following periods: 63-65 days.
A cat’s pregnancy schedule is divided into three trimesters, each lasting about 20 days.
first trimester of pregnancy
During the first trimester of pregnancy (days 1 to 21), most pet parents will not notice any changes.
Sometimes the appetite increases slightly and the nipples begin to change.
2nd semester
During the second trimester of pregnancy (days 21-42), more physical signs begin to appear. This includes noticeable behavioral changes such as your cat having a larger belly, becoming calmer, or cuter.
third semester
In the third trimester (days 42-63), pregnancy changes become more noticeable. Your cat’s belly will swell, and changes in the nipples and breasts will increase.
Your dog will have a strong appetite and will lick his stomach and vulva frequently. Cats begin building nests to prepare a place for their kittens, often hiding in out-of-the-way places.
How to know the distance of a cat
Unless a cat has been intentionally bred, it can be very difficult to determine the expected birth date.
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Your veterinarian may be able to palpate (feel) the fetus at about two and a half weeks after conception.
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A kitten’s heartbeat can be detected by ultrasound during the third or fourth week of pregnancy.
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When kittens are about 6 weeks old, their skeletons have calcified, which can be seen on x-rays.
These developmental milestones, combined with noting body changes and observing your cat’s behavior during pregnancy, can help you determine what stage of pregnancy your cat is in. .
However, keep in mind that cats have a very short gestation period. Therefore, there may be some errors.
A veterinarian visit can also help rule out a rare condition known as pseudopregnancy.
A pseudopregnant cat may develop mammary glands and even nurse without giving birth to kittens.
caring for a pregnant cat
Pregnant cats have some special requirements regarding general health care.
Having a quiet and comfortable place in your home is essential for a successful pregnancy and birth.
This must consist of many things blanket, toweland/or old sheets and/or inside cardboard boxes. covered bed.
The bed should be set up in a secluded area, but where it can be observed from a distance to ensure that the birth is proceeding safely.
pregnant cat diet
Pregnant cats require a high-calorie diet to support the growth of healthy kittens.
To ensure adequate nutrition, feed your cat commercial cat food labeled specifically for pregnancy and lactation, or cat food labeled for growing kittens. What diet is suitable for pregnant cats? Royal Canin® Mother & Baby Cat Dry Food and wet food.
The mother cat should be transitioned to this high-calorie diet at least by the end of the first month of pregnancy and should be fed the same diet until weaning, when the kittens are no longer nursing.
Pregnant queens should eat frequently throughout the day.
As your kitten grows and takes up more space in his abdomen, he may eat less. Therefore, it is important for kittens to have more opportunities to eat small meals.
Vaccination of pregnant cats
Ideally, cats should be vaccinated before pregnancy to prevent the risk of miscarriage due to disease, birth defects, or infections.
A vaccinated queen can also pass protection against these diseases to her kittens through antibody-mediated lactation.
If your cat has not been vaccinated and becomes pregnant, we recommend waiting to vaccinate her cat until after delivery.
Live vaccines should never be administered to pregnant animals as there is a significant risk to fetal development. However, inactivated vaccines, such as most rabies vaccines, can be administered if your veterinarian deems it appropriate.
Parasite prevention for pregnant cats
There is no need to discontinue parasite prevention for cats during pregnancy, but it is important to use safe products.
for example, front line gold® is approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Protect pregnant cats from fleas and ticks. Ask your veterinarian about products that are safe for pregnant cats.
Take a fecal sample to your veterinarian to have it tested for worms.
Some intestinal parasites can be easily passed from mother to kitten during pregnancy or breastfeeding and can make the kitten’s growth very difficult.
A variety of deworming medications are available for pregnant cats. Your veterinarian can help you choose an effective dewormer against the parasites found in the fecal sample.
Pregnant cat illness
Cats are very good at hiding when they’re not feeling well, so it’s important to monitor your pregnant queen for subtle signs of illness.
If your cat isn’t eating, has diarrhea, or is vomiting, take him to the vet.
Vaginal secretions, especially blood, are not normal at any stage of pregnancy. If this happens, take your cat to a veterinarian immediately.
Preparing for labor and birth
Once your cat is in her third trimester, provide her with a designated area to nest.
Cats prefer a quiet, private place to give birth. If you are not provided with a location where you can easily observe them, they may choose a location that is not convenient for you.
The perfect maternity nest allows you to keep an eye on your cat or kitten for any problems while still having plenty of space.
A cardboard box filled with old pillowcases or towels is ideal. You can also use a soft blanket, A puncture wound or loose fabric can cause an intestinal obstruction.
Kittens are sensitive to temperature changes and should be kept in a draft-free area so there is no risk of them getting cold.
Signs of cat birth
A pregnant cat’s behavior may change before giving birth.
Most queen bees stop eating the day before birth begins. They often scratch at their chosen nesting site and seem a little agitated.
If you are monitoring your rectal temperature, a drop below 100 F indicates labor is scheduled to begin later that day. During this first stage of labor, contractions begin but are usually not visible.
During the second stage of labor, your cat will show signs of active straining. This is the stage when the kitten passes through the pelvis.
Birth of one kitten usually takes 5 to 30 minutes. Kittens are born inside a fetal membrane sac, usually head first.
The third stage of labor is more passive as the kitten’s remaining fetal membranes and placenta are expelled. It is normal for these membranes to appear greenish-black. You will need to give one placenta per kitten.
Stages 2 and 3 often alternate between kittens, but it is not uncommon for a second kitten to be born before this stage of the previous kitten is complete. It is normal for the queen bee to eat these membranes.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to observe your cat during labor. However, avoid touching or interfering with the cat unless there are signs of complicated birth.
A pregnant cat’s behavior may change before giving birth. Most queen bees stop eating the day before birth begins. They often scratch at their chosen nesting site and seem a little agitated.
Cats may go on a birthing hiatus between kittens, and this break can last 24 to 36 hours. It is believed that people are more likely to do so if they do not feel safe in their environment.
Most cats give birth to all their kittens within 6 hours, unless birth is interrupted as described above.
It may be normal for your kitten to have longer periods without going into labor. However, prolonged and severe contractions are not.
If your cat’s contractions last more than 20 minutes and no kittens are born, or if it takes more than 10 minutes for the kittens to appear in the birth canal, contact your veterinarian.
Postpartum cat care
Once all kittens are born, make sure they are dry and have clean noses and mouths.
If you can do so without disturbing the new family, clean out any soiled linens in the nesting box to help keep the kittens dry and warm.
Ideally, the temperature of the hive should be kept between 85 and 90 F during the first week.
Healthy kittens usually require minimal assistance finding their first meal.
Observe whether your cat is exhibiting normal nursing behavior.
If you are concerned that your cat is rejecting your kitten, consult your veterinarian.
Frequently asked questions about cat pregnancy
At what age can cats become pregnant?
Cats can become pregnant as early as 4 months of age, but it is most common between 5 and 6 months of age.
Female kittens should be kept separate from intact male cats to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Until the birth control surgery is complete.
How long does it take for a cat to give birth?
A cat’s gestation period is 63 to 65 days.
When a cat goes into labor, kittens are usually born, and the entire birthing process takes less than six hours.
What does a pregnant cat look like?
Cats do not experience major physical changes until late in pregnancy.
At this stage, your cat’s abdomen will begin to visibly enlarge and the nipples may become darker in color.
Just before the cat is ready to give birth, the pregnant cat’s nipples and mammary tissue also begin to enlarge as they begin to produce milk.
Can cats get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Yes, cats can become pregnant while breastfeeding.
Cats are polyseasonal, meaning they go into heat multiple times a year. Breastfeeding does not affect heat cycle or fertility.
