So, pet parents, is your cat pregnant ? If yes, then congratulations! Being a grandpaw-rent can be the best feeling for you, but with this news, you have welcomed a new set of responsibilities, responsibilities of taking care of a pregnant cat which can be tedious for you. Just like women, female cats also go through different phases and mood swings when they are pregnant. Handling them can be hard but can be worth it. So, worry not, we are here and understand the importance of Caring for a cat while pregnant.

In this blog, we will be discussing everything you need to know about feline pregnancy, from early signs to welcoming that cute little kitten into the world.

Sometimes it can be difficult to say whether your cat is getting some extra sleep or actually caring a baby kitten in their womb. They are speechless, it is your responsibility to look out for feline pregnancy signs in them. Below are the listed early signs of feline pregnancy that can help you determine their pregnancy:

• Morning Sickness: Just like us, even cats suffer from sickness when they are pregnant. If you notice any unusual activity like not eating her favourite food or if she is throwing up, then it can be an obvious sign of pregnancy. At this moment you can consult a vet regarding pregnancy concerns.

• Expanding Waistline: This is the most common and visible sign of finding out whether your cat is pregnant or not. As a kitten grows into the womb, the size of the waistline starts increasing, at first it will look like your cat is gaining weight but with time you will be able to figure it out. Also, a female cat will have problems walking or doing day-to-day activities with that round womb.

• Nipple Changes: The nipple is like a round-shaped bumps on her belly. Whenever a cat is pregnant, those nipples either swell or will change their colour into a deeper pink. Those nipple changes will be noticeable.

• All Day Tiredness: When a female cat is carrying a kitten in her womb, it drains most of their energy. It takes a lot of energy to raise a kitten. A pregnant female cat will be seen sleeping more than usual. You can notice that she stopped doing any physical activity or even feels more irritated.

While these signs are helpful, the best way to find out about the pregnancy is by consulting a vet. They can perform necessary feline pregnancy tests and find out those little kittens in the womb through ultrasound. It will also allow you to discuss further steps in pregnancy like cat prenatal care .

Feline pregnancy length lasts for 9 weeks, these feline pregnancy timeline of 9 crucial weeks are the most important days of life. In these weeks, both pet parents and cats have to be cautious as well as careful about the meals, sleep, and health.

Here is the step-by-step guide to it:

Week 1-4

During this week, you may not notice many cat pregnancy signs in your cat’s belly. But it includes the first of the many important steps i.e. cat pregnancy test. If you anyhow get the signs of a cat’s pregnancy, take your cat to your vet for a physical test and ultrasound. Through that, your vet will be able to review your cat’s health and will be able to prescribe you the next necessary steps.

The next step can be vaccination. The vet usually suggests vaccinating the mother cat to prevent any illness or birth defects. Vaccinated mothers can also pass vaccine protection to their kittens to keep them safe from any disease or threat.

When you, get the confirmation from the vet, it is time for you to look after their nutrition. At this moment, you need to provide high-quality kitten food formulated for pregnant and nursing nursing cats. They will provide them extra calories and nutrition they need. On top of that, the most important part is the love and attention that you need to give them throughout the day.

Week 5-6 

By the arrival of the fifth week, you can notice that the female cat's appetite increases. At this point, she is eating for herself and her kitten. Ensure you provide them with nutritious foods and treats so they can grow kittens properly.

Also, by 6th week, you can see visible signs of progressing pregnancy. The weight increases and the belly of the female cat will become round and larger. Also, cats will start nesting behaviour. When a cat starts looking for a private yet safe place to give birth, this behaviour is called nesting. She will look for places like closets, drawers, or beds. This is the right moment when you can make your cat familiar with the nesting box. These boxes can be made of cardboard lined with soft blankets. Keep it in a quiet and safe place so that your cat feels secure.

Week 7-8

As we get close to the delivery month, the restlessness will increase. You can notice that your cat becomes restless and agitated. Due to the big belly, she will start feeling discomfort and you might notice an increase in her pacing and meowing.

Also, the milk production starts this week. You will be able to notice that her nipples start leaking a small amount of milk. Don’t worry this can be a sign of their body preparing for newborns.

Week 9

Finally the labor week, in this week your cat can deliver kittens anytime, so, better keep your vet informed and ready for any emergency.

At the time of delivery, your cat will start pacing and will feel agitated. Mostly female cats stop eating a day before the labor. The labor comes in three stages.

The first stage will be the stage where the contraction begins. This stage is not usually visible. In the second labor, you can see your cat straining. This is the stage where kittens pass through the pelvis. It usually takes 15-20 minutes to deliver a single kitten. In the third stage, the rest of the fetal membranes and placenta for that kitten are passed. 

So, caring for a pregnant cat can be a unique experience. It needs patience, love, care, and most important diet. Just like us even cats are prone to mood swings and irritation during pregnancy, they can act rude but you being the pet parents have to understand this and give them all the support they need.

Remember every cat is different and every pregnancy is unique. Through proper consultation and extensive care, you will be able to help your furry friend throughout their journey.

How to take care of a pregnant cat?

Caring for a pregnant cat involves providing extra attention and support to ensure a healthy pregnancy and happy kittens. A key aspect is nutrition: pregnant cats need a diet rich in calories and nutrients, ideally a kitten food or a formula specifically designed for pregnant and nursing cats. This supports both the mother's health and the kittens' development.

Regular vet check-ups are crucial for monitoring the pregnancy, checking for any potential complications, and discussing prenatal care. Providing a quiet, safe space for nesting is also important as the due date approaches. This could be a cardboard box lined with soft blankets in a secluded area. As her belly grows, she may become less agile. Finally, be prepared for labor and delivery by familiarizing yourself with the signs and knowing when to contact your vet.

How long are cats pregnant?

The average cat pregnancy, also known as gestation, typically lasts between 58 to 67 days, or roughly nine weeks. While this is the general timeframe, it's important to remember that each cat is an individual, and the exact length of pregnancy can vary slightly. Several factors can influence gestation length, including the breed of the cat, the number of kittens in the litter (larger litters sometimes have slightly shorter gestations), and the overall health of the mother cat.

At what age can a cat get pregnant?

A cat can become pregnant surprisingly early in life. While the exact age varies slightly between individual cats, a female kitten can become pregnant as young as four months old, sometimes even earlier. This means that even if your kitten seems like a baby herself, she could already be capable of carrying a litter.

Because of this early fertility, it's crucial to spay or neuter your cat before they reach this age to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Unplanned litters can contribute to pet overpopulation and put a strain on shelters and resources. Spaying also offers significant health benefits for your cat, including reducing the risk of mammary cancer and uterine infections.