Your cat is pregnant – what to expect?
Written by Sjoerd |
Discovering that your cat is pregnant can raise many questions. Naturally, you want to know how long the pregnancy will last so you can prepare for the arrival of kittens. In this article, we explain the average gestation period and how to care for your cat during pregnancy.
How to recognise if your cat is pregnant
If your cat is not spayed and goes outdoors, she may become pregnant — intentionally or not. It can take some time before physical signs are visible. A pregnant cat will start to gain weight, and her nipples will become darker and more prominent.
Around three to four weeks into the pregnancy, it may be possible to feel the kittens in the abdomen. However, if there are only a few kittens or the bladder is full, this can be difficult. To be sure, a vet can confirm pregnancy via ultrasound (from around day 28) or X-ray (from week 6). X-rays are more accurate in determining the number of kittens because their skeletons are visible.
How long is a cat’s gestation period?
Gestation refers to the period between conception and birth. For cats, it typically lasts around 63 days, or approximately nine weeks. This can vary by a few days.
If you know the date of mating, you can estimate the due date. Otherwise, a vet can often make an educated guess based on examination.
Nutrition and care during pregnancy
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, no dietary changes are needed. Around week 6, your cat’s appetite will usually increase, as the growing kittens demand more energy from the mother. At this stage, switch to food formulated for kittens or pregnant cats, such as Royal Canin Mother & Babycat or Veterinary HPM Baby Pre Neutered.
These products have a high energy density and a tailored composition to support both the mother and the developing kittens. You can continue feeding them after birth while the mother is nursing. In the final weeks, appetite may decrease due to limited abdominal space. Offer smaller meals throughout the day.
Preventing pregnancy in cats
Not everyone wants a litter of kittens. In that case, the best option is to prevent pregnancy. Spaying is the most effective and permanent solution. Once your cat is spayed, you no longer need to worry about pregnancy. However, it is irreversible.
An alternative is the contraceptive pill, which temporarily prevents your cat from going into heat. You can read more about this in the article Contraceptive pill for your cat.
Do you still have questions about cat pregnancy, delivery or kitten care? You’re welcome to contact us at [email protected].
Also explore our wide selection of kitten food and kitten supplies to get fully prepared.
