Caring for a Pregnant Cat: Signs, Stages, & Preparing for Kittens | LoveToKnow Pets (2024)

How Long Are Cats Pregnant?

A cat's gestation period ranges from 52to 74days, with an average length of 65.6 daysfor most cats.

Stages & Signs of Cat Pregnancy

A catpregnancy can be divided into trimesters, just like a human'spregnancy. Each trimester is about three weeks long. If you're unsure where your foster momma is in her pregnancy,there aresigns to watch for and some tests your vet can use to determine if she's truly pregnant.

Stage 1: Weeks 1 to 3

It is nearly impossible to detect a cat pregnancy with the naked eye for the first three weeks.That means if you take in an unspayed stray cat, there's a possibility she could be pregnant without you knowing.

• She may become increasingly affectionate in the early weeks ofpregnancy.
• Some cats might hide a bit more.
• Many don't show any behavioral changes at all.

Stage 2: Weeks 4 to 6

About three weeks after conception, a pregnant cat's nipples will turn pink. This is usually the earliest sign that any cat will show, and the kittens will be born approximately six weeks after this occurs.

• She'll have enlarged and noticeably pink nipples.
• You might notice some nausea or vomiting.
• Her belly will start to show visible enlargement around the fifth week.
• She'll probably display an increased need for affection and attention from you.
• She may sleep more than usual.

Stage 3: Weeks 7 to 9

In the final stage of cat pregnancy, you can definitely tell that she's pregnant. Her belly will become increasingly bigger, and she should have a good appetite. Most of a pregnant cat'sgrowth will happen during the last two weeks of pregnancy.

• Herappetite will increase as pregnancy continues.
• A pregnant cat may show irritability toward other pets, regardless of their prior relationship.
• The belly will continue growing rapidly.
• She can become restlessand seem uncomfortable during the late pregnancy.
• She might become more vocal.
• Most cats will huntfor a secluded place to nest prior to delivery.
• You might notice alower appetitebefore giving birth.

Related:6 Signs That Your Cat Is About to Have Kittens

Testing Options

Lookingfor the signs of cat pregnancy can be helpful but isn't a surefire way to determine exactly where a cat might be in their pregnancy. Your veterinarian can perform a few different diagnostics based on your budget and how far along your momma cat is.

Ultrasound

Your veterinarian ortechnician can perform an ultrasound to see the kittens, just like you would with a human baby. The kittens aren'tdetectable until around day 21because a lot of "false negative" results are seen before then.

Manual Palpation

Once your cat is about 21 dayspregnant, yourveterinarian can gently feel her belly with their hands to detect the presence of kittens. You'll want to schedule an exam for this before week five, though, because after that stage, it gets harder and harder to feel the babies as momma's belly grows.

Feline Pregnancy Test

No, at-home pregnancy tests for cats don't exist, but your vet can run one for you. They can do this as early as20 days into the pregnancy using a pregnancy test called Witness® Relaxin to accurately determine whether a cat is pregnant.

X-ray

X-rays are the best way to confirm a cat's pregnancy and can also let your vet know how many kittens are in there. Kittensaren't visible onx-ray until at least day 42 of pregnancy, so you'll need to wait until the final few weeks before pursuing that method, and by then, you should already see the other signs of pregnancy.

Radiation exposure can be harmful, so it's best to use it sparingly. That doesn't mean you should avoid it entirely, but x-raying a pregnant cat weekly through their entire pregnancy probably isn't safe and wouldn't be recommended by your vet.

Caring for a CatDuring Her Pregnancy

It can be hard to know for sure what a cat's health status was before her pregnancy, especially if she was found as a stray. But you can control the care you provide her throughout her pregnancy. Use these tips to give her everything she needs for a healthy delivery.

Pregnant Cat Exercise Needs

There's no need to limit yourcat's normal activity during her pregnancy. Cats are pretty good at determining what they can and can't do based on how they're feeling, and movement is actually a good thing during pregnancy. Normal exercise during this period will help hermaintain muscle tone and good health.

Nutrition for Pregnant Cats

The most important thing you can do for your cat and her kittens is to provide her with proper nutrition.Growing kittens inside her belly takes a lot of energy! Feed your pregnant momma ahigh-qualityand high-calorie food that's designed for either pregnant or lactating cats or kittens. She shouldeat this through her pregnancy and until the kittens are weaned.

Because all those kittens are pushing on the stomach inside her belly, several smaller meals throughout the day are better than a few large meals.Supplements might seem like a good idea, but only offer theseunder veterinary supervision.

Medical Care for Pregnant Cats

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you discover or suspect your cat is pregnant. They can help you monitor her health and let you know of any special steps you should take for a smooth pregnancy.

Most shelters and rescues will vaccinate and deworm all cats upon entry, even pregnant cats. But if this is a cat you've found, your vet can makeindividual recommendations.

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Preparing for the Birth of Kittens

You'll want to start preparing for kittens as early into the pregnancy as you can.Having everything ready to go will make the actual day wayless stressful for you,your cat, andher babies.

Create Birthing Boxes

At least two weeks before the due date, set up a box for birthing. A box filled with newspaper works well. It'salso good to have several boxes set up around the house in quiet locations so your cat can choose the one she prefers.

Avoid Clumping Litter

This might sound weird, but it's not uncommon for cats to give birth in their litter box. For this reason, don't use clumping clay litter as your cat nears her due date. Clumping litter will stick to the newborn kittens, and the momma mightnot clean them off after birth if this happens. Use something else like paper litter instead.

Each Cat Pregnancy Can Be Different

Pregnancies and deliveriesdon't always go as expected, so be prepared to face changes as they come.Let your vet be your partner throughout the process to make sure your cat receives everything she needs to have a healthy and successful pregnancy and delivery.