Aug 2, 2024
A cat’s pregnancy period lasts from 63 to 67 days, with an average of 65 days. However, a cat can already deliver a baby kitten as early as day 61 and as late as day 72. Several factors can influence the length of a cat's pregnancy. Breed, genetics, and the health of the mother cat all play a role in the duration of a cat's pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it is important to give the mother cat all the help she needs in her pregnancy. Regular check-ups can help monitor the health of both the mother and the developing kittens. In some cases, if a cat goes beyond the 72-day mark without giving birth, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. Veterinary intervention would be required to help the mother cat give birth to her kittens.
How To Tell A Cat Is Pregnant
Your cat can exhibit plenty of signs that tell us if she is pregnant or not. Some of these changes include physical and behavioural changes that gradually become noticeable over time. Here are a few of the signs your cat is pregnant:
Nipple Changes
Once your cat starts getting pregnant, she will inevitably have changes in her body. One of the prominent changes is the enlargement of the nipple. This is due to the preparations the body is making to accommodate the baby kitten, and as a result, there is an increase in blood flow to prepare for milk production.
Appetite and Weight Gain
Pregnant cats will require more food and nutrients to cope with housing the baby kitten. This leads to an increase in appetite, which also consequently leads to weight gain and the baby's weight. The increase in nutritional demand is a direct response to the needs of the kitten in your cat’s body.
Behavioural Changes
Some changes in your cat’s personality are to be expected when they are pregnant. Due to the immense toll it takes to house a developing kitten, mothers may have changes in their behavior such as being more affectionate, needing more time to relax, and following you around more often. As the due date comes closer, they will likely be more protective of their coming offspring and will seek places that give them security.
Energy Level
As to be expected with the task of carrying a new baby, mother cats can be observed to lose energy during pregnancy. The weight of the baby makes it hard for them to move, and the constant development of the baby kitten drains the energy from their bodies. Expect your cat to be lethargic up until it recovers from pregnancy.
Stages Of Cat Pregnancy
Cat pregnancy is divided into several stages that mark each specific milestone. The stages of cat pregnancy can serve as guidelines for cat owners to know what appropriate care is needed.
Fertilization and Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1-3)
When a female cat engages in sexual activity with a male, fertilisation occurs and kickstarts the process of pregnancy in a cat’s body. The zygotes, which are the fertilised eggs, will travel to the uterus. They will develop into embryos and implant themselves in the uterine wall. Just from this stage, signs of early pregnancy in your cat will start to manifest.
Even during the first two weeks, it is hard to determine if a cat is pregnant. Subtle changes in behavior might not be enough to discern if your cat is pregnant or not. Constant monitoring is important during this stage.
Mid-Pregnancy (Weeks 4-6)
As the pregnancy process goes on, the mother cat will start to have a significant increase in abdomen size. These embryos will have developed into fetuses and it is during this stage that your cat’s nipples will shift to a pinkish color. Weight gain becomes more prominent in this stage. It is also during this time that a veterinarian can check and confirm the cat’s pregnancy through an ultrasound.
Late Pregnancy (Weeks 7-9)
As the last stage of the pregnancy comes, the cat’s personality and physical body continue to change to prepare for the moment the kitten is born. Pregnant cats would begin seeking a quiet and safe place to give birth to their kittens. This would help them feel much more comfortable when giving birth.
The mother cat’s abdomen will also reach its biggest size, and the kitten inside can be observed moving at times. The mother’s nipples will continue to enlarge to accommodate milk production. She will also take more time resting.
Common Complications During Cat Pregnancy
Cat pregnancies can go on without any severe complications. But there is still a big chance of any issue happening. Being prepared starts with being knowledgeable about the potential issues that can arise from cat pregnancy. Here are some of the possible issues during cat pregnancy:
Dystocia
Dystocia is a condition wherein the cat is having difficulty birthing her baby. This can result in a ton of complications for the mother and the child alike. Some of the causes may include a narrow pelvis, abnormalities in the uterine area, and a large fetal size. Generally, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian if your cat experiences prolonged immense pain during labour.
Retained Placenta
The placenta must be removed after each kitten's birth. If these are not removed, the chance of infection is high. The mother cat may experience immense restlessness and discomfort, followed by a poor appetite. When this happens, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian immediately to catch up with the situation. Medication will be prescribed as needed.
Eclampsia
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is caused by a low level of calcium in the body. This leads to restlessness, muscle tremors, and seizures. Immediate veterinary care is considered a top priority. Treatment for this condition typically requires administration of calcium and a dietary plan to help with it.
Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary glands which causes severe pain and discomfort for the mother cat. This also includes swelling, fever, lethargy, and discolored milk which can be caused by bacteria and poor sanitary conditions. Antibiotics and medications recommended by your veterinarian are the potential treatments for this issue.
How To Care For A Pregnant Cat
Complete care and patience should be observed when dealing with a pregnant cat. A combination is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of the mother and her soon-to-be kitten. These tips will surely give you a head start:
Diet and Nutrition
A good and balanced diet goes a long way in ensuring the health of the mother cat and her kitten. Due to the toll pregnancy takes on these mothers, they require good sources of nutrients to help them maintain their health and aid the development of their offspring. Use natural and highly nutritious food with high amounts of calories and protein. These are meat, fish, and high-quality formulated cat food such as Royal Canin’s Mother and Baby Cat Food.
Minimise Stress
Stress can bring lots of problems for the mother and the developing kitten. Keeping her in a safe and stress-free space in your house is a good way to minimise the negative emotions she feels. Try using good and clean bedding to make her comfortable and ensure that she does not go outdoors where lots of stressors reside. Make sure her bowl is always filled with fresh water. Creating a good environment is a great idea for making the mother happy.
Veterinary Care
Check-ups help you know your cat’s condition. Veterinarians provide expert service and advice for the betterment of your cat’s pregnancy. They constantly monitor your cat to make sure nothing gets in the way of her pregnancy, such as complications in vaccinations, weight, and nutrition. Guidance, care, and advice are only some of the benefits of visiting a veterinarian during your cat’s pregnancy.
Nesting Area
A nesting area is where the mother cat will house her new baby. Help her prepare this safe space by using clean equipment and bedding. A mother cat will appreciate your effort and will be relieved to see that a place for her offspring is ready. A clean space ensures the safety of not only the mother cat but also of her offspring.
Monitor Health
Constantly observing your cat during her pregnancy is a great way to keep tabs on her condition. As cat owners, keeping an eye on your cat’s health is the best thing you can do. By watching out for her condition, you also include her offspring in the process. Watch out for any changes in your cat’s body and behaviour. Any concerning sign should be addressed with a veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
Having a good understanding of the pregnancy phase of your cat protects the safety of both your cat and her offspring. Knowing the stages, complications, and changes in a cat’s body during pregnancy helps you know what to do when the time comes for your cat to bring new life into this world. A cat’s pregnancy is no simple thing. With the right care, we can help them create a safe space for their kittens.