Feline pregnancy is a delicate period during which mothers develop kittens in their womb. The mother cat undergoes several changes in her own body and lifestyle, all to ensure her babies enter the world in full health.
During this precious time, mother cats need all the help they can get to ensure the safety of both their kittens and themselves. Every single thing we do matters. It’s up to us to help our cats deliver their kittens safely and happily. But first, let’s talk more about what cat pregnancy is.
How Do Cats Get Pregnant?
Cats get pregnant through a process known as induced ovulation. The act of mating will trigger the release of eggs from the cat’s ovaries. This often means that the mother cat will need to mate several times.
Once the eggs are released, the sperm will fertilize them. When the fertilization is successful, the mother cat will become pregnant with kittens.
How Long Are Cats Pregnant?
The cat pregnancy period spans 63 to 67 days. However, kittens can sometimes go out as soon as day 61 and as late as day 72.
The length of a cat’s gestation period depends on factors such as breed, genetics, and the health of the mother. If a cat goes beyond the 71-day mark, then it’s recommended to have our vets take a closer look.
How Do You Know if Your Cat Is Pregnant?
Your cat can show obvious signs of pregnancy. Here are the common ones:
Pink and Enlarged Nipples
One of the earliest signs of feline pregnancy can be seen in the mother’s nipples. They become pinker and start to enlarge as the body prepares for nursing. This is due to shifts in the hormonal balance of mothers, as well as an increase in blood flow.
One of the most important hormones is prolactin. Prolactin stimulates the mammary glands to create the milk-producing structures. This signals the preparation for lactation.
Increased Appetite and Weight Gain
Pregnant cats will need significantly more food as the kittens develop. This will lead to an increase in appetite. Because of this and the growing babies, the mother cat will experience an increase in weight.
The mother cat’s abdomen will also swell as the due date approaches, which is because of the growing kittens developing inside the womb.
Behavioral Changes
The massive changes going on in the mother cat’s body, such as shifts in hormonal balance, will be heavy. This eventually results in behavioral changes. Some of the notable signs include:
Increased affection
Restlessness and irritability
Nesting and hiding
Increased sensitivity to stimuli
Changes in grooming behavior
Increased vocalization
It’s worth knowing that the closer the due date approaches, the more frequent these behavioral changes occur.
Energy Level
Along with behavioral changes, the mother cat’s energy level will decline. The weight of the baby growing inside the womb constantly drains their energy, making it difficult for them to move.
How Many Kittens Does a First-Time Mom Cat Have?
Generally, mother cats will have around 2 to 4 kittens if it’s their first time. This amount can increase with future litters. Plus, the number of kittens will depend on the mother cat’s breed, age, overall health, and genetics. But generally, first-time mothers will have a smaller litter.
Cat Pregnancy Period: Stages of Feline Pregnancy
Stage | Timeline | Key Signs |
|---|---|---|
Early Pregnancy | Weeks 1-3 | Fertilization occurs, embryos begin developing. |
Mid-Pregnancy | Weeks 4-6 | The abdomen begins to enlarge, the nipples become pink and prominent, appetite increases, and noticeable weight gain occurs. |
Late Pregnancy | Weeks 7-9 | The abdomen reaches maximum size, fetal movement may be felt, and nipples are fully enlarged in preparation for nursing. |
Feline pregnancy is divided into several stages that mark a specific milestone.
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1 to 3)
The early stages often consist of changes that occur internally. After cats mate, the egg becomes fertilized. The zygotes then travel to the uterus, where they attach to the uterine wall. Here, they begin their development into embryos.
In this stage, only a little change will be noticeable. Some mother cats will have slightly more prominent nipples, have a larger appetite, and will become slightly more affectionate.
Mid-Pregnancy (Weeks 4 to 6)
As the pregnancy progresses, the mother cat will undergo changes. Their abdomens will increase in size, signaling the development of the embryos into fetuses. This is also the stage wherein they experience changes in their nipples, also known as “pinking up.”
Weight gain is also to be expected due to the developing fetuses and an increase in appetite. It’s during this time that vet checkups should be done to confirm the pregnancy and assess overall health.
Late Pregnancy (Weeks 7 to 9)
As the last stage of the pregnancy comes, the cat’s personality and physical body continue to prepare for the moment the kittens are born. Mothers start to find a quiet and safe space to give birth.
The cat’s abdomen will reach its biggest size, while its nipples continue to swell. Its appetite also reaches an all-time high.
Mother cats will stop eating anywhere from a few hours to a day before they get into labor. They’ll show signs of straining, which can last for several minutes.
Potential Complications During A Cat’s Gestation Period
In some cases, there will be complications during a cat’s pregnancy period. These include:
Dystocia. Dystocia is a condition characterized by difficulty with giving birth. This can result from both maternal and fetal factors. These include a narrow birth canal, large kittens, and uterine inertia.
Retained Placenta. If the placenta is not removed after each kitten’s birth, the mother cat experiences several issues. These include continued straining, a foul discharge, fever, and lethargy.
Eclampsia. Also known as milk fever, eclampsia is a condition in which the cat experiences a drop in blood calcium levels. As a result, they can become restless, experience muscle tremors, and have a high fever.
Mastitis. Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary glands, which typically happens during the postpartum period. Affected mother cats can experience symptoms such as swollen glands, bleeding, and open sores.
Vet Tips: How to Care for a Pregnant Cat
Complete care and patience are essential for a pregnant cat and her kittens. Here are a few tips:
Provide a Balanced Diet
One of the most crucial ways to help pregnant cats is by providing them with the necessary nutrition. Due to the toll of feline pregnancy, an increase in the amount of food is needed to maintain their health and help the kittens develop. Here’s a quick guide:
Stage | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|
Pre-Pregnancy | Normal |
Early Pregnancy | 10% more |
Mid-Pregnancy | 20-30% more |
Late Pregnancy | 50% more |
Nursing | 2-4x normal amount |
Natural foods with high amounts of calories and protein are good choices. We recommend providing specialized diets that are specifically designed to support your cat during her pregnancy. Since she’ll be eating for her health and her cats, the type of food will be crucial.
You can also opt to free-feed the mother cat, but this will depend on the number of kittens. To help you get started, our vets can advise on the best portions and food types for your cat depending on her condition.
Create a Safe Space
Caring for a pregnant cat requires providing a safe space for them to rest and feel comfortable. This is especially important when the due date is close by. Provide several soft blankets and cushioning in a small, quiet area of the room, away from noise.
Be sure to have fresh water ready at all times. When free-feeding, always check their food bowls and refill according to our vets’ recommendations on portion sizes.
Regularly Visit the Vet
Regular checkups help make sure your cat and her kittens are doing well. We’ll constantly monitor their health, provide updates, and offer advice that will guide the pregnancy. Our vets can also check the litter size, so you’ll know how many to expect when labor comes.
Keep Tabs on Your Cat
Keep a close eye on your cat. Any form of change should be noted and addressed. If you suspect anything out of the ordinary, we recommend calling us right away.
What Not to Do When Your Cat Is Pregnant?
Now that you know what to do if your cat is pregnant, it’s also important to take note of the things to avoid doing.
The most important thing to do is to avoid unnecessary contact with your cat. This means that you shouldn’t touch them if you don’t have to, as they can either get stressed or experience discomfort.
The main part to avoid touching is her belly. This can be sensitive during pregnancy, and only a professional should carefully examine this area. If you have to carry your cat, then scoop her up from underneath. Plus, don’t force any interaction, especially rough play. Let your cat approach first.
Another thing not to do if your cat is pregnant is to administer medication or treatment without checking in with our vets. These components can interfere with your cat’s pregnancy, potentially causing severe problems.
Next, avoid keeping anything in your cat’s resting space, which can include high barriers, hazardous objects, and even other pets.
Most importantly, do not leave your cat alone. She will need your utmost supervision and care during this special time in her life.
What to Do When Your Cat Is Giving Birth
When your cat is finally going into labor, staying calm and prepared is important. Most cats give birth without any help, but it’s always advisable to be nearby in case. Here’s what you can do during your cat’s birthing process:
Give Her Space
As the labor begins, your cat will likely retreat to a quiet and comfortable space. Since you have already prepared this space for her, you’ve already done a good job. Respect her space and avoid touching her. Just stay close enough to monitor her progress.
Time the Deliveries
A cat’s labor usually lasts for about 24 hours, but the active process of giving birth can last for about 6 hours. It usually takes about 10 minutes to an hour for each kitten to be delivered. Some mother cats might take a break.
Monitor Your Cat
While your cat delivers her babies, we recommend constantly monitoring her and her kittens. You might notice that she’ll break the amniotic sac, clean the kitten, and chew through the umbilical cord.
In the event that your cat doesn’t break the amniotic sac within 1 to 2 minutes, you can intervene by using a towel to tear the sac. Do this near the kitten’s nose and mouth. Wipe away any mucus or debris to help the kitten breathe.
She will also eat the placenta to obtain nutrients. This is a completely normal part of the process. Make sure to count the placentas. They should match the number of kittens delivered.
Know When to Call the Vets
Seek immediate veterinary help if you notice your cat straining for over 20 to 30 minutes without delivering a kitten. Also, intervals of 2 hours or above between kittens, accompanied by signs of stress, will warrant veterinary aid.
Proceed to Aftercare
After the last kitten has been delivered, you must now proceed to aftercare. Make sure all the kittens are dry and replace the soiled towels with clean, dry ones if you can. Also, avoid touching the kittens directly. Always keep a close eye on your cat and her kittens.
Visit the Vet
Bringing your new kittens to the vet is an essential step to their new lives. We recommend coming in during the first 24 to 72 hours. This is so we can check their overall health.
"Cat pregnancy is a beautiful journey of strength, nurturing, and the miracle of new life."
- Dr. Lidija Krvavac
Final Thoughts
Having a good understanding of a cat’s pregnancy period helps you know what to do when your best friend receives this blessing. From the signs, stages, complications, and what to do’s, everything matters in helping your cat deliver her kittens to the world.
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