Cats are great companions, and many people love having one in their homes. What transpires, however, if your cat gets pregnant? How do you determine if your cat is having kittens and is ready for the big event? These and other issues will be addressed in this article, along with information on the stages of cat pregnancy, behavioral changes prior to delivery, the nesting period, cat labor signs, and postpartum care.
How long are Cats Pregnant?
A normal cat pregnancy lasts 63-65 days. Depending on the breed and the individual cat pregnancy can differ from 61 to 72 days. Cats can become pregnant as young as 4-6 months old, but it is safer to wait until they are fully mature before breeding.
Stages of Cat Pregnancy
Cats are seasonal breeders. Cats have multiple heat cycles during the warmer and lighter months of the year. The heat cycle of cat-giving consists of three phases:
- Pro-estrus: Stage before the cat is ready to mate, lasting 1-2 days.
- Estrus: The fertile period of the heat cycle, in which the cat shows behavioral changes
and is receptive to mating. It lasts for 3-14 days. - Interestrus: This is the time between heat cycles, lasting 2-3 weeks if the cat is not
mated.
If the mating occurs during the estrus phase, she enters diestrus, where the fertilized eggs develop into embryos and implant in the uterus. Cat pregnancy can be divided into five stages:
Stage 1
The first three weeks of pregnancy, during which time the embryos are extremely frail and small. Even though the cat may not exhibit any outward signs of pregnancy, she may feel queasy, behave differently, and eat more than usual.
Stage 2
During this phase of pregnancy, which lasts from weeks four to six, the embryos grow quickly and begin to develop organs and facial features. The cat’s nipples will enlarge, turn pink, and swell, and her belly will grow visibly larger. At this point, a veterinarian can also confirm the pregnancy by feeling the abdomen or doing an ultrasound.
Stage 3
During this period of pregnancy, which lasts from week seven to week nine, the fetuses are virtually fully grown and can be felt moving inside the womb. Depending on her disposition, the cat may become more affectionate or more lonely as she puts on weight. In order to count the number of kittens in the litter, a veterinarian can do an X-ray at this stage.
Stage 4
This stage of pregnancy occurs between weeks nine and ten when the fetuses are ready to be born and are moving into position in the delivery canal. The cat will exhibit nesting behaviors, and her vulva may release something clear or bloody. Additionally, she can stop eating and experience restlessness or anxiety.
Stage 5
This is the last stage of pregnancy, during which labor starts and the kittens are delivered. Depending on how many kittens are being delivered and any potential difficulties, labor can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Contractions will be evident in the cat’s panting, genital licking, and pushing. Each kitten will be born separately from the others, typically with the placenta still attached. She would clean each kitten with her licks and use her teeth to cut the umbilical cord.
Cat Behavior before Birth
Pregnant cat behavior before birth indicates that your cat is getting ready to welcome her kittens into the world. If she doesn’t require your assistance, accept her wishes and let her handle things on her own.Your cat may exhibit some behavior changes when the due date approaches, which indicates she is getting ready to give birth. Some common pregnant cat behaviors are:
Cat Nesting:
You help your pregnant cat’s behavior by preparing a cat nesting box for her and monitoring her for signs of cats giving birth. Your cat will search for a secure, quiet, and cozy location to give birth to her kittens. She might decide on a closet, a laundry basket, a cardboard box, or the space under your bed. You can assist her by placing a tidy nesting box in a quiet spot in your house that is lined with soft towels or blankets. To absorb any liquids during labor, you can also place some newspapers or puppy pads under the box.
Increased vocalization:
To indicate her discomfort or concern, your cat may meow more frequently or loudly than normal. She might also make loud purring motions to calm herself and her kittens.
Decreased appetite:
As cat labor draws near, your cat may become less interested in food. Unless she also stops drinking water, this is typical and of no concern. Make sure she always has access to fresh water, and provide her with short, high-quality wet meals throughout the day.
Increased grooming:
To maintain cleanliness and promote cat labor, your cat may lick itself more regularly. In order to prepare her nipples for nursing, she could also lick them. If you notice your pregnant cat behavior before birth changes drastically, such as becoming more aggressive, lethargic, or restless, you should consult your veterinarian for advice. Pregnant cat behavior before birth is influenced by hormones, instincts, and personality. Some cats may become more affectionate or more solitary depending on their preferences.
Cat labor Signs
Some changes in the pregnant cat’s physical and behavioral signs can be noticed that indicate she is ready to deliver her kittens. Some common pregnant cat behaviors before giving birth are as follows.
- Your cat’s typical body temperature is between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 and 38.9 degrees Celsius). Her temperature will drop to roughly 99°F (37.2°C) or less about 24 hours prior to labor. Using a rectal thermometer, you can keep an eye on her body temperature.
- Restlessness
- Abdominal contractions
- Panting
- Vaginal discharge
- Pushing
You should monitor your cat for any cat labor signs and contact your veterinarian if you notice any problems or complications. Some cats may not show any cat labor signs until they are ready to deliver, so you should always be prepared and have a cat nesting box and an emergency kit ready. Specially, if your cat giving birth for the first time. If your cat has a drop in body temperature, restlessness, panting, and vaginal discharge, these are all cat labor signs that indicate she is close to giving birth.
How to Help Your Cat During Labor
The greatest thing you can do while a cat giving birth is to leave her alone and only get involved when absolutely necessary. Cats giving birth is a natural and amazing process that requires minimal human intervention. However, some may require treatment in the event of problems or crises. The following tips will aid your cat during labor:
Remain composed and silent.
Your cat will pick up on your attitude and respond accordingly. She can become worried and put the process of giving birth on hold if you are anxious or nervous. Speak to her in a quiet, calm voice while maintaining your composure. A loud noise or rapid movement that can shock her having kittens should be avoided.
Keep an eye on her:
Keep a watch on your cat from a distance and give her a quick check every 15 to 20 minutes. If she doesn’t invite you to touch her or the kittens or if you notice any difficulty, wait until she does. Allow her to bond with her kittens and respect her space and solitude.
Provide encouragement and support:
If your cat cries out for your comfort or attention, give her a soft pet or scratch on the head. You can also compliment her and let her know how well she is doing her job. Unless she specifically wants you to, refrain from interfering with the birth’s natural course.
Be ready for emergencies:
Keep the phone number of an emergency clinic or a veterinarian on hand in case something goes wrong. Some indications that your cat requires emergency medical care include:
- She has been giving birth to nothing but kittens for more than 24 hours.
- She has been pushing for more than an hour without yielding a kitten
- She exhibits symptoms of illness, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or both.
- She has convulsions, has trouble breathing, or passes out.
- A kitten is having breathing issues or is blocked in the birth canal.
- A kitten is born wounded, malformed, or dead.
Postnatal Care for Your Cat and Her Kittens
Your cat will require some postnatal care to recover from the labor and care for her newborns after giving birth to all of her kittens. Also, Cats giving birth can have complications such as dystocia, retained placenta, or infection, so it is important to have a veterinarian on call in case of emergency.
After delivery, you can do the following to assist your cat and her kittens:
Count the placentas
When kittens are born within 15 minutes, your cat will typically release a placenta for each newborn. Make sure the number of placentas and the number of kittens match. If the placenta is absent, it could get stuck inside the uterus and lead to an infection or bleeding. If you think your pet may have a retained placenta, call your veterinarian. Also, keep an eye on how long it takes a cat to have kittens.
Remove the dirty bleeding
When kittens are born, remove any dirty bedding from the nesting box and replace it with new towels
or blankets. Your cat will clean up the majority of the bodily fluids and tissues after birth, but you can assist by doing so. Carefully and gently carry out this action without upsetting the mother or the kittens.
Provide food and water
Your cat will be hungry and thirsty after giving birth, so provide her with high-quality wet food that is calorie and protein as well as some fresh water. She can further receive goat’s milk or kitten milk replacement. Cow milk should be avoided as it can cause diarrhea.
Keep an eye on the mother’s health
every day during the first few days, check your cat’s temperature, appetite, demeanor, and vaginal discharge.
Conclusion
A pregnant cat is a delightful and natural phenomenon, but it needs the right care and attention from the owner and the doctor. From conception until delivery, a pregnant cat endures distinct stages of pregnancy and goes through significant behavioral changes prior to giving birth. When she is prepared to give birth, a pregnant cat likewise displays cat labor signs and needs support and encouragement. To ensure their health and well-being, the pregnant cat and her kittens require postnatal care. Cat pregnancy is a gratifying and happy experience that can improve both the cat’s and the owner’s lives.
