For pet owners who find out their cat is pregnant for the first time, pregnant cat care can seem intimidating. Usually it’s recommended your cat be spayed before this occurs, to avoid various health problems from developing in the future. If you do want to raise kittens though, don’t worry – caring for your pregnant cat is not as complicated as you would expect. Like humans, a pregnant cat just needs a lot of TLC to ensure she and her babies will be happy and safe until the time of delivery.
How to Determine Your Cat is Pregnant
A cat’s length of pregnancy, or gestation period, varies, but generally it lasts between 62-67 days (9-10 weeks). Pregnant cat care can be tricky during the first few weeks because determining whether a cat is pregnant or not isn’t possible through blood or urine tests. However, there are signs to watch out for.
Cats can experience morning sickness, which usually happens around the third week of gestation. Also, check if your cat’s nipples are ‘pinking up,’ which is when they become enlarged and pink.
You should notice considerable weight gain in your cat by the fourth week, which is an indication of pregnancy. If you suspect that your cat is gestating, you can take her to the vet for an ultrasound or a radiograph (x-ray). Do not attempt a physical examination yourself if you have no idea what to do.
Take your cat to the vet as early as possible so you can get some advice on how to take care of your pet during the pregnancy. Your vet will also give you tips on what to do when your cat goes into labor, which is helpful if this is your first time.
Important Things to Remember During the Pregnancy
Nutrition plays an essential role in taking care of your pregnant cat. Ask your vet for recommendations and avoid boosting the diet unless you clear it with your vet first. To avoid complications during labor, make sure your cat doesn’t overeat and gain too much weight.
The last couple of weeks before your cat gives birth is crucial to her safety, so keep her inside the house to eliminate the possibility of her giving birth anywhere outside.
How to Prepare for the Labor and Birth
During the last week of your cat’s pregnancy, you need to make sure everything is ready when she goes into labor.
- Prepare a nest or ‘whelping’ box appropriate for kittens. Line the box or nest with newspaper or a blanket that won’t snag the kitten’s claws. This bedding should be regularly changed.
- Set up the nest or whelping box in a room that is free of drafts, quiet, and dry. Keep the room off-limits to children and any other pets.
- Provide water, food, and a litter box for the mother cat.
- Keep your vet’s phone number on hand for emergencies.
Danger Signs to Watch Out For
Because the last two weeks of pregnancy are so crucial, contact your vet immediately if you see any of these signs in your pregnant cat:
- Elevated temperature
- Excessive lethargy or depression
- Lack of eating for more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
If you follow these simple pregnant cat care tips, you will not only have a healthy and happy cat, but also you will also have a litter of healthy and happy kittens!
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