Cat Pregnancy And Cat Mating

 

 Cat pregnancy and the cat mating ritual can be rather worrying to owners who have never experienced their cat having kittens before. Worries such as:

• am I feeding her the right food?
• how long will it be before she gives birth?
• do I have to do anything to help her?
• what should I provide for my cat?

Generally speaking most cats , even first time mothers will be able to cope with the whole process themselves. Your role will simply be to support her and let her know that all is well. This page will tell you what to look out for if you think your cat may be pregnant and also what extra care you can provide during her gestation period.

Cat Mating

Of course before your cat becomes preganant their will be a period of mating which can last for many weeks until she has been fertilized, even then it may continue for a few more days afterwards.

The mating process can be a little disturbing to some cat owners as it can look rather brutal and you may worry for your female cats health. However by undertsnading the mating process you will realize there is nothing to worry about. Discover more about the cat mating Ritual.

What are the signs of cat pregnancy?

The first signs of cat pregnancy that you may notice will be:

• She does not come into heat. (More information about cats in heat.)
• She demands more food than usual.
• At 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy her nipples will enlarge and turn a purplish pink.
• Her abdomen will start to swell and she will put on weight.

The vet can confirm you have a pregnant cat by feeling its abdomen from around 3 to 4 weeks.

Later in the cat pregnancy she may start to show maternal behavior, such as carrying toys around and trying to 'mother' them.

Source of naturally balanced calcium and phosphorus, for pregnancy, nursing, and up to one year olds to assist skeletal development.

What care should I give during pregnancy?

Feed a good quality cat food during and after pregnancy, there are even specailly prepared foods to help your pregnant cat remain strong and healthy.

Towards the last third of the cat pregnancy you can feed small meals on demand, up to four times a day.

Specially formulated food for a pregnant cat is available and your vet may be able to recommend or prescribe some.

If you make your own cat food then a calcium supplement may be recommended as well.

Worm your cat monthly and ensure the flea treatment you use will not harm the kittens (check with your vet).

How long is a cat gestation?

Cat gestation (the term of the cat pregnancy from conception until birth) lasts for about 61 to 68 days (approximately two months or nine weeks). If kittens are born before this time they may require specialised nursing.

Your cat can continue normal behavior like jumping and chasing right up until near the end of the cat gestation period.

About a week before the birth, your pregnant cat will start to show signs of nearing the end of her preganancy and begining preperations for the birth.

Cat Birth

It can be rather nerve racking for a cat owner who has never had a cat give birth before. Often this anxiety can upset the queen too and so it is importnat to remain calm and quiet around your cat at this time to allow her to settle and feel relaxed.

Although as a cat owner there is not much for us to do to help your cat through her labour it is necessary to understand the birthing process so as to know when to step in if required. More on the cat birthing process can be found on this page.

Wherever her bed is, ensure that it is warm and at least above 22 degrees Centigrade or 72 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise it will be too cold for the kittens.

What problems might occur for my pregnant cat?

Miscarriage / natural abortion: This will show with a bloody discharge and is more common in cats infected with the feline leukaemia virus (FLV).

Re-absorption of the foetuses: Sometimes the eggs stop developing and are reabsorbed by the body.

Primary Inertia: This is when your cat fails to give birth by the 65th day. You should take her to the vet or call them out for a check-up.

Secondary Inertia: Call the vet as an emergency if your pregnant cat becomes exhausted during delivery and stops straining.

Obstruction: If your cat has been straining for 30 minutes to an hour without giving birth, call your vet as an emergency.

How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat

If you still feel a little unsure or worried about how to look after your pregnant cat or you would like more detailed information about cat pregnancy then we would like to recommend the excellent Ebook advertised above.

Further reading:

Is my cat in heat?

Cat Mating

Pregnant Cat In Labour