Ensuring the well-being of Pregnant Cats, often called queens, is crucial for the birth of healthy kittens. While cats are naturally adept mothers, understanding their needs during pregnancy can significantly improve their safety and comfort. This guide provides essential information on cat pregnancy, covering everything from nutritional needs and proper care to the different stages of pregnancy and creating a comfortable nesting environment.
Key Insights into Feline Pregnancy
- The typical gestation period for cats lasts approximately 63 to 65 days, or about two months.
- Prior to pregnancy, cats should be vaccinated and checked for parasites. They also require a specialized, high-calorie diet throughout their pregnancy.
- Most cats complete the birthing process relatively quickly, delivering their entire litter of kittens within approximately six hours.
Understanding the Duration of Cat Pregnancy
The gestation period in cats averages around 63 to 65 days, which is approximately two months. This period can be further divided into three trimesters, each lasting about 20 days. However, distinguishing between the first two trimesters can be challenging for cat owners at home.
Cat pregnancy: How long are cats pregnant?
Recognizing the Signs of Pregnancy in Cats
Detecting pregnancy in cats, especially during the initial trimesters, can be difficult. However, there are several signs to watch for as your cat progresses through her pregnancy.
Early indicators of pregnancy can include changes in the nipples, often referred to as “pinking up.” This typically occurs around 16 to 20 days into the pregnancy, where the nipples become more prominent and take on a pinker hue. During the first and second trimesters, pregnant cats may also exhibit increased affection and become more docile than usual.
In the final weeks of pregnancy, usually around the last 20 days, physical changes become more pronounced. A pregnant cat’s abdomen will visibly expand, and her nipples and breast tissue will become significantly swollen as her body prepares for birth and lactation. You might also notice the queen grooming her belly and the area under her tail more frequently. Additionally, she may start seeking out quiet and secluded spots to nest, preparing for the arrival of her kittens.
Navigating the Stages of Cat Pregnancy
A typical cat pregnancy spans approximately 63 to 65 days and is categorized into three trimesters, each lasting roughly 20 days.
First Trimester: Early Stages (Day 1-21)
During the first trimester, noticeable changes are minimal. Some cat owners might observe a slight increase in appetite, and subtle changes in the nipples may begin to occur. However, for the most part, the first trimester is characterized by few outward signs of pregnancy.
Second Trimester: Visible Changes Begin (Day 21-42)
The second trimester marks the onset of more visible physical changes. Your cat’s belly will start to enlarge noticeably as the kittens grow. Behavioral changes may also become apparent, with many pregnant cats becoming calmer and more affectionate, seeking more cuddles and attention.
Third Trimester: Preparation for Birth (Day 42-63)
The final trimester brings the most significant changes. Your cat’s belly will become prominently swollen, and changes in the nipples and breast tissue will be more pronounced as milk production nears. Her appetite might become very strong, and you may observe her frequently licking her belly and vulva in preparation for birth. Nesting behaviors become more evident as she seeks out secluded and safe locations to prepare for her kittens’ arrival, often hidden away from potential disturbances.
Determining How Far Along Your Pregnant Cat Is
Unless a cat is intentionally bred, pinpointing her exact due date can be challenging. However, veterinarians can use several methods to estimate the stage of pregnancy:
- Palpation: A vet can often feel the developing fetuses in the abdomen through palpation (gentle touch) around two and a half weeks into the pregnancy.
- Ultrasound: Using ultrasound technology, kitten heartbeats can be detected as early as three to four weeks into the pregnancy.
- X-ray: Once the kittens’ skeletons begin to calcify, typically around six weeks of gestation, they become visible on X-rays.
By combining these diagnostic methods with observations of physical changes and behavioral cues, you and your veterinarian can get a clearer idea of how far along your cat is in her pregnancy. It’s important to remember that cat pregnancies are relatively short, so some degree of estimation is always involved.
A veterinary visit is also essential to rule out pseudopregnancy, or false pregnancy, a condition where a cat exhibits signs of pregnancy, such as mammary development and even lactation, without actually being pregnant.
Essential Care for a Pregnant Cat
Providing proper care for a pregnant cat is vital for a healthy pregnancy and successful birth. Creating a calm and comfortable environment at home is paramount.
This includes setting up a quiet, secluded nesting area, such as a cardboard box or covered bed, lined with soft materials like blankets, towels, or old sheets. This space should be in a location that is both private and allows you to observe her from a distance to ensure labor progresses safely.
Nutritional Needs of a Pregnant Cat
Pregnant cats require a high-calorie diet to support the healthy development of their kittens. It’s crucial to feed them a commercial cat food specifically formulated for pregnancy and lactation, or alternatively, a kitten food, which is also high in calories and nutrients necessary for growth. A recommended food option is Royal Canin® Mother & Baby Cat dry and wet food, designed to meet the elevated nutritional demands of pregnant and nursing cats.
Transition your cat to this enriched diet by the end of the first month of pregnancy at the latest and continue feeding it until the kittens are weaned and no longer nursing.
Pregnant queens should have access to frequent meals throughout the day. As the kittens grow and take up more space in her abdomen, your cat might eat smaller portions at each meal. Providing more frequent, smaller meals can help accommodate her changing appetite and ensure she receives enough nutrition.
Vaccinations for Pregnant Cats
Ideally, cats should be fully vaccinated before becoming pregnant. This proactive approach helps protect both the mother and her kittens from infectious diseases, preventing potential birth defects or pregnancy loss. Vaccinated mothers also pass on crucial antibodies to their kittens through their milk, providing early immune support.
If your cat becomes pregnant without prior vaccinations, it’s generally recommended to postpone vaccinations until after she has given birth. Live vaccines should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk they pose to developing fetuses. However, killed vaccines, such as rabies vaccines, can sometimes be administered if your veterinarian deems it necessary.
Parasite Prevention During Pregnancy
Continuing parasite prevention is important during pregnancy, but it’s crucial to use products that are safe for pregnant cats. For instance, Frontline Gold® is FDA-approved for use in pregnant cats to protect against fleas and ticks. Always consult with your veterinarian to choose parasite prevention products that are safe and effective for your pregnant cat.
It’s also recommended to bring a fecal sample to your vet to check for intestinal worms. Some worms can be transmitted from the mother cat to her kittens during pregnancy or nursing, which can severely impact the kittens’ growth and health. Fortunately, various deworming medications are safe for pregnant cats, and your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the fecal test results.
Recognizing and Addressing Illness in Pregnant Cats
Cats are experts at concealing illness, so it’s essential to closely monitor your pregnant queen for any subtle signs of discomfort or sickness. If you notice symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, or vomiting, it’s important to seek veterinary care promptly.
Vaginal discharge, particularly if it contains blood, is never normal during any stage of pregnancy and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Preparing for Cat Labor and Delivery
As your cat enters her final trimester, ensure she has a comfortable and designated nesting area. Cats naturally seek out quiet, private spaces to give birth. Providing a suitable nesting site that’s also easily accessible for you to monitor is crucial. If a proper space isn’t provided, she may choose a less convenient location.
An ideal birthing nest can be as simple as a cardboard box lined with soft, clean materials like old pillowcases or towels. While soft blankets are acceptable, be cautious of loose strings or fabrics that could pose a risk of ingestion and potential intestinal obstruction to the kittens.
The nesting area should be situated in a draft-free location, as kittens are highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations and should be protected from getting cold.
Recognizing the Signs of Labor in Cats
Changes in behavior often precede the onset of labor in pregnant cats. Most queens will stop eating approximately 24 hours before labor begins. They may also become restless, scratch at their nesting area, and appear agitated.
If you are monitoring her rectal temperature, a drop below 100°F (37.8°C) typically indicates that labor will start within the next day. This initial stage of labor involves uterine contractions, which are usually not visibly noticeable externally.
The second stage of labor is marked by active straining and visible contractions as the kitten moves through the birth canal. Delivery of a single kitten typically ranges from 5 to 30 minutes. Kittens are usually born headfirst, enclosed in a sac of fetal membranes.
The third stage is more passive, involving the expulsion of the remaining fetal membranes and placenta for each kitten. These membranes often have a greenish-black appearance, and it’s normal for one placenta to be expelled for each kitten.
The second and third stages of labor usually alternate for each kitten, but it’s not uncommon for a subsequent kitten to be born before the placenta of the previous one is expelled. It is also normal behavior for the queen to eat these fetal membranes.
Close monitoring during labor is essential, but unless complications arise, it’s best to avoid interfering and allow the cat to proceed naturally.
There may be changes in your pregnant cat’s behavior before birth. Most queens will stop eating the day before labor begins. They will often scratch at their chosen nesting spot and seem slightly agitated.
Cats can experience pauses in labor between kittens, which can last from 24 to 36 hours, particularly if they feel insecure in their environment. While most cats deliver their entire litter within six hours, interrupted labor can extend this period.
A prolonged interval between kittens without contractions may be normal, but sustained and intense contractions without kitten delivery are not. If your cat experiences visible contractions for more than 20 minutes without producing a kitten, or if a kitten is visible in the birth canal for longer than 10 minutes without being delivered, immediate veterinary assistance is necessary.
Postpartum Care for Cats and Newborn Kittens
Once all kittens are born, ensure they are dry and their airways are clear of any membranes. If possible without disturbing the new family, replace any soiled bedding in the nesting box to keep the kittens warm and dry.
Maintaining a nesting box temperature between 85–90°F (29-32°C) is ideal for the first week of the kittens’ lives.
Healthy kittens typically require minimal intervention to find their first meal. Monitor the mother cat to ensure she is allowing the kittens to nurse properly.
If you have concerns that the mother cat is rejecting her kittens or not providing adequate care, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Common Questions About Cat Pregnancy
At What Age Can a Cat Become Pregnant?
Cats can reach sexual maturity and become pregnant as early as four months old, although it’s more common around 5-6 months. To prevent unwanted pregnancies, female kittens should be kept separate from unneutered male cats until they are spayed.
How Long Does Catbirth Typically Take?
While cat pregnancies last 63-65 days, the active labor and delivery process is usually much shorter. In most cases, the entire birthing process, from the onset of labor to the delivery of the last kitten, is completed within six hours.
What Are the Physical Signs of Pregnancy in Cats?
Early in pregnancy, physical changes in cats are minimal. Later in the gestation period, a pregnant cat will develop a noticeably enlarged abdomen, and her nipples may darken and become more prominent. In the days immediately preceding birth, the nipples and breast tissue will enlarge further as milk production begins.
Is It Possible for a Cat to Get Pregnant While Nursing?
Yes, cats can indeed become pregnant while they are still nursing a litter. Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they can go into heat multiple times throughout the year. Nursing does not prevent them from entering their heat cycle or becoming pregnant again.
WRITTEN BY
Jamie Lovejoy, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Jamie Lovejoy graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012 after completing her undergraduate studies in Marine Biology. …
