Pregnant Cat Care Tips
How long does pregnancy in cats last?
How long is a cat’s pregnancy?
Just like all animals, pregnancy in cats in a normal part of a cat’s life that sometimes occurs if your cat has not been spayed.
The average length of cat pregnancy is 65 days. But a variation of four days either way is not unusual, so the whole cat gestation period may be as short as 61 days or as long as 69.
For example, if your cat mated on may 5, the date of birth should be on July 10, but could be as early as July 6 or as late as July 15.
When it comes down to it, you are the cat owner and it is your decision whether or not to allow your cat to get pregnant. You are the owner and you must make the judgment. If you do not want your cat to have the ability of pregnancy, it is highly recommended to have your cat spayed and to prevent unplanned pregnancies, have your male cats neutered.
If you suspect that your cat may be pregnant, or if you know that she is, take her to see the veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will give the cat a regular checkup to make sure she is healthy. Ask your vet about what kinds of commercial cat food you should be feeding your cat at this time, since nutrition is very important for both the queen and her kittens. Feed your cat several small meals throughout the day, rather than one or two large ones. The queen may have nausea, not eat as much, and sleep more than usual during this time. Don’t worry about this unless your cat isn’t drinking any water, eating any food at all, or becomes lethargic for more than a day or two – in this case, call the veterinarian immediately.
Essential Pregnant Cat Care Tips
- Keep your pregnant cat indoors.
Don’t expose an expecting kitty to danger. But there are more reasons. Some queens go into heat even during pregnancy. Cats are capable of being pregnant of two different litters at the same time. And of course, a pregnant cat should not give birth in a cold place outside.
- Give your kitty the right food.
It should be high on calcium and protein. Kitten food is specially designed to meet the need of pregnant and nursing
felines. Vitamin supplements are recommended too.
- Do not give any medication during pregnancy.
A pregnant cat should get medication only in emergency. The same goes for deworming products, or products against fleas. If she has worms or fleas, first consult your vet.
- Make your cat a comfortable nest bed.
A box filled with newspaper usually does the trick. Put in a warm sheltered place, preferably a location your cat frequently visits. Make sure all is ready two weeks before birth.
- Find a home for your kittens – before they are born.
It will give you peace of mind to know where the kittens will go. Finding a home for a kitty can be time consuming. You’ll have more time for that before they are born.
- Use non-clumping litter for her box.
Sometimes cats give birth in the litter box. If a kitten is delivered in clumping litter, the mother kitty might refuse to
clean her newborn off as the clump is all over the sac. And the baby drowns in its own fluid.
- Keep other cats away from her.
You have more than one kitty? Your pregnant cat wants privacy. She doesn’t like the company of other cats during this period, even if she knows these cats very well.
- Buy enough food for your kitty… and you.
You should have no reason to leave your kitty alone on the days before and after birth.
- Check which vet is available.
Have a piece of paper with the phone number of the closest emergency veterinary clinic. If there’s no such clinic in your area, find out which vet is available for emergency care. One phone call to a local vet is usually enough.
- Get the right information about cat pregnancy.
Only if you understand what you see and hear, you will be able to recognize complications. Plus… there are many problems you can solve yourself, if you know how. So, do not panic. Get the right information instead.
