Is your cat pregnant? Congratulations, that’s definitely exciting! But it can also be nerve-wracking. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about pregnant cats, how to best help them, and which cat tree is good for kittens.
In this blog:
- How do you know if your cat is pregnant, and how does a cat behave when she is pregnant?
- How do you prepare the cat and yourself for the birth?
- What food should you give to a pregnant cat?
- How do you know when a cat is about to give birth, and what does a cat do just before giving birth?
- What is the best place for a cat to give birth?
- What should you do during a cat’s labor?
- How does a cat’s birth proceed?
- What post-care do mother cats and kittens need, and when should you go to the vet?
- Frequently asked questions about cats and pregnancy.
1. How do you know if your cat is pregnant?
Recognizing pregnancy in your cat can sometimes be tricky – you won’t notice it right away. However, there are a few clear physical signs that indicate your cat is expecting kittens:
- Her belly is rounder.
- Her nipples are darker in color and larger than usual.
But there are more changes. A pregnant cat also often behaves differently than you’re used to.
- A pregnant cat has a bigger appetite.
- She is more affectionate and wants to cuddle more.
- She needs more rest and sleep.
Do you think your cat is pregnant? Then, go to the vet and have her checked. An ultrasound and physical examination can tell you much more – whether your cat is pregnant, whether she is healthy, and whether the kittens are healthy. All of this is, of course, very important!
2. How do you prepare your cat and yourself for the birth?
If your cat is pregnant, it’s important to prepare well. So, what should you do when your cat is about to have kittens? First, make sure you have a quiet and comfortable place where your cat can give birth. Consider a box with (clean!) blankets and towels or a soft cat bed. But it’s also important to prepare a birthing kit. This kit should at least include:
- Clean towels
- Water and food placed near where she will give birth
- A heat lamp or hot water bottle for when it’s cold
- A scale to weigh the kittens
- Latex gloves
- The vet’s phone number
- And later on: a cat tree for the kittens
How long is a cat pregnant? Expect about 9 weeks (that’s 63 days).
3. What food should you give to a pregnant cat?
Pregnancy is hard on a cat, so she needs extra nutrients. From about the sixth week of pregnancy, your cat will start eating more. You should then also provide more food – think about 10 to 15 percent more per week.
Choose high-quality food specifically made for pregnant cats. This food contains extra proteins and fats that help the kittens grow healthily.
In the last two weeks of pregnancy, it may seem like the mother cat has less of an appetite. This is because the kittens are getting bigger and taking up more space in the mother’s belly. It’s a good idea to give the mother smaller portions multiple times a day, so she still gets enough nutrition. Need advice? Ask your vet.
4. How do you know when a cat is about to give birth?
It’s hard to say exactly what a cat does when she’s about to give birth, as the signs are difficult to recognize. The fact is that the mother cat’s body temperature drops slightly just before the birth. Most mother cats become restless, purr more, dig, make nests, and discharge some milky mucus in the hours just before giving birth. Do you think it’s about to happen? Make sure she has a comfortable place to give birth to her kittens.
5. What is the best place for a cat to give birth?
Mother cats about to give birth will naturally look for a quiet, comfortable, and safe place to have their kittens. So, as an owner, make sure your cat has such a spot in your home. Set it up with a nice cat bed or a spacious cardboard box with towels or blankets. And ensure that the area is warm and draft-free.
Your cat will likely develop a preference for a specific spot in the house during her pregnancy. So, keep an eye on her behavior and help her with this.
6. What should you do during a cat’s labor?
If your cat is about to give birth to her kittens, stay calm, keep a close watch on her, and stay nearby. However, give her space and make sure you have everything you need from the birthing kit (see paragraph 2 of this blog). In general, a cat’s labor goes smoothly without many problems, but be prepared for a trip to the vet. After all, it’s also possible that the birth doesn’t go as expected.
7. How does a cat’s labor proceed?
The contractions of a mother cat begin after the water sac with amniotic fluid breaks. You can recognize this by a slightly green or bloody fluid. The cat is having contractions if you see her abdominal muscles contracting. About half an hour to an hour after the contractions begin, the first kitten should be born.
Usually, the labor proceeds naturally and without complications. Keep in mind that there may be some time between the births of the different kittens. How long a cat’s labor should last is not exactly clear. A labor can take several hours. Want to be sure? Ask your vet.
When should you call the vet?
- If the mother cat is pushing for half an hour with no progress
- If the first kitten isn’t born within an hour
- If the umbilical cord continues to bleed
- If there is a membrane around the kitten’s head
- If there is mucus in the kitten’s mouth
- If the kitten isn’t breathing
- If the cat is pushing moderately for 1 to 2 hours with no progress
- If the cat is losing a lot of blood (or continues to lose blood)
- If the mother cat becomes lethargic and unresponsive
- If foul-smelling or unusual fluid is coming from the back end of the cat. That is never a good sign!
- If you’re worried about the labor, the cat, or the kittens
- If the mother cat is having severe or prolonged afterbirth contractions or remains restless
8. What post-care do the mother cat and kittens need?
After the birth, your cat primarily needs rest. Make sure her bed and your home are clean, that she receives good and sufficient nutrition, and that she always has access to clean water. Also, keep a close eye on the mother cat to ensure she is feeling well and that all the kittens are drinking enough. Weigh the kittens regularly and track their growth to ensure they are developing properly. If you have any doubts about the health of the mother cat or the kittens, contact your vet.
9. The most frequently asked questions about cats, pregnancy, and labor
- How long does a cat’s pregnancy last? On average, a cat is pregnant for 63 days, which is about 9 weeks.
- How many kittens does a cat usually have? It varies, but on average, 3 to 6 kittens.
- How many litters can a cat have? In a 12-month period: a maximum of 2 litters. In a 24-month period: a maximum of 3 litters. (source: NVWA)
- Can my cat get pregnant again immediately after giving birth? Yes, and that’s not good for her. Keep an eye on this and consult with your vet about sterilization.
- When can the kittens leave the nest? Kittens can go to a new owner when they are at least 7 weeks old.
- How can I support my cat after giving birth? See paragraph 8 of this blog: give her enough rest, good food, fresh water, and make sure she’s not disturbed too much by other pets, young children, or loud noises.
Finally, enjoy this special time and take good care of the mother cat, as she has worked hard. And remember: there are already many (stray) cats in the world, and shelters are often full. The arrival of kittens is a wonderful experience, but also realize that they are living beings who need love, safety, and care. So think carefully about it, and prepare with these cat tree specially designed for kittens.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior expert; all content, information, and tips on this blog are intended to inspire and are for informational purposes. If your cat has symptoms or problems and you are unsure about her health, always visit the vet or a behavior expert.
