A cat’s pregnancy time is 63-65 days. But it varies between 60-70 days which is normal. A pregnant cat is called a queen. Questions may arise in your mind, “how to Identify a Pregnant Cat?” Trying to give answer below about cat pregnancy signs and caring for a pregnant cat.
As a cat owner many times I get the question ”How long are cats pregnant?” The simple answer is for two months or nine weeks. But that’s just an estimated idea.
The Signs of Pregnancy in Cats
There are many signs of pregnancy in cats. If you notice your cat’s belly is growing, she is gaining weight, and she is licking her genital area more frequently, these are all signs that your cat is pregnant. Other signs of pregnancy in cats include nesting behavior, increased appetite, and more vocalization.
Pregnancy in cats usually lasts for about 63-65 days. Around day 40 of the pregnancy, you may be able to feel the kittens inside the mother cat’s stomach.
When the time comes for the mother cat to deliver her kittens, she will begin looking for a safe, quiet place to have them. She may pace around the house, meow more than usual, and seem restless. This is called nesting behavior.
Once the mother cat has found a suitable nesting spot, she will give birth to her kittens. The kittens are born blind and deaf, and they are covered in a waxy substance called vernix. The vernix protects the kittens’ skin from the amniotic fluid they were surrounded by in the womb.
After the kittens are born, the mother cat will clean them off and start nursing them. Kittens will nurse for about 4-6 weeks, and then they will start eating solid food.
At 8 weeks old, kittens are typically ready to be separated from their mother and go to their forever homes.
How do I know if my cat is pregnant?
As a human, it isn’t possible to diagnose the pregnancy of a cat by a blood test or the urine test. But there are signs by which the pregnancy of a cat is confirmed.
Here are a few signs that can be easy to identify a pregnant Cat:
- In the third week of pregnancy of a cat, breast size will increase and the nipple will be a pink color. It is called pinking up.
- In the 4th week of pregnancy weight of a cat increases and becomes visible.
- Heartbeat can be found in the cat’s belly between 17-25 days if it is checked by the vet and pregnancy can be confirmed. (This examination shouldn’t be done at home as miscarriage could happen and growth may be retarded).
- In the third week of pregnancy, the cat can stop taking food and vomiting maybe happen. Though it is a very rare incident, this time cat may feel sick. If anorexia persists for a long time then must consult with the vet.
How to Confirm Your Cat’s Pregnancy?
If your cat is showing signs of pregnancy, the best way to confirm it is to take her to the vet for an ultrasound or X-ray.
How do you care for a pregnant cat?
Special attention must be given to the food of a pregnant cat. During this time the need for food increases by 50 times. During this time, nutritious food must be given, and take care must be carried out.
The vet suggests kitten food as there are more calcium and vitamin. Besides different types of fish, meat (chicken & cow) egg, eat wet food, cat dry food, etc should be given. Along with these foods fresh drinking water should be given in a sufficient amount.
More amount of meat is mixed with a small amount of rice as a cat is non-vegetarian. But this food must be given without oil, spices, salt, sugar, onion & garlic having boiled in water. Raw food shouldn’t be given as there is bacteria in this food and cat may suffer from diseases.
Keep in mind during cat pregnancy
- Excess quantity of food and overweight is harmful to the pregnant cat.
- Keep in mind that don’t serve unusual food which may cause abdominal discomfort to cats.
- In the last two weeks of pregnancy, the cat should be kept in the house.
- Be careful the pregnant cat not to get a belly injury. Also, don’t fight with other cats.
- At the beginning and at the end of pregnancy, a pregnant cat should be checked by the vet.
What to Do Once You’ve Identified a Pregnant Cat?
If you’ve identified a pregnant cat, the first thing you should do is take her to the vet. The vet can confirm the pregnancy and help you create a care plan for the cat and her kittens.
Once you’ve been to the vet, you’ll need to make sure the cat has a safe, comfortable place to nest and give birth. You’ll also need to provide her with extra food and water to support her and her kittens.
Finally, you’ll need to be prepared to care for the kittens once they’re born. This includes feeding, cleaning, and socializing them.
His professional interests include humane education, ethics, small animal behavior, and veterinary. As a pet lover from school life, having grown up with two cats and a dog. If he isn’t spending time with his friends and family, Justin enjoys traveling. Learn more about Justin here.
