Pregnancy in Cats
Cats become pregnant very easily. It isn't unusual for unplanned pregnancies to occur, as cats often wander and there are usually numerous cats in a single neighbourhood. If you do not plan to breed from your cat it is essential you get it neutered as soon as possible. If you do plan to, or there is an accidental pregnancy, then this article contains all the information you need to know.
Pregnancy can only occur when the female is in heat, which happens several times a year between spring and fall. In the first few weeks of pregnancy there will be no obvious outward signs. After three weeks you will be able to spot the signs. The signs of pregnancy are:
€ Nipples turning a pink/red color and becoming enlarged
€ Morning sickness may or may not occur
€ Weight gain, especially around the stomach and abdomen
€ Increased appetite
Pregnant cats are referred to as €queens€. The first thing you should do if you suspect your cat is pregnant is to take her to the vet for confirmation and advice. It is important during pregnancy that the queen continues to exercise to avoid excess weight gain. You can expect the pregnancy to last between 63 and 67 days. During this time the best way to care for you queen is to give her a nutritious, healthy diet and plenty of water. Approximately 3 weeks before she is due you should begin feeding her premium kitten food in addition to her normal food. The amount of kitten food should be increased each week, and in the final week of pregnancy her entire diet should consist of kitten food.
Before the kittens are born you will need to prepare a delivery box. This can be anything that is a good size; a good thing to use is a laundry basket full of blankets. The box should be placed in a quiet area away from drafts. It is important to keep your cat indoors and separate from other cats during the final three weeks of pregnancy. There will be some signs present when your cat is about to give birth:
€ Your queen may refuse food, act anxious and start looking for a quiet place to give birth.
€ The very first sign of labor is a drop in temperature drop to around 37.8°C which will happen during the 12 hours before labor. Only take the cat's temperature if she is happy for you to do so.
€ The queen may be vocal and wash herself continually.
€ When in full labor you will be able to see the abdomen contracting and a vaginal discharge. Contact your vet if the discharge is heavy and black or bloodstained.
When the first kitten, the mother will lick away the sac of fluid, that encloses the kitten. If she fails to do so after a few minutes then you should puncture it with your finger and remove matter from the kitten's ears and nose using a tissue. If the mother does not lick the kitten you should place a towel around the kitten rub vigorously but gently. After each kitten, a placenta will follow. If it does not you should call a vet. The queen will usually eat the afterbirth, this is completely natural, and the afterbirth contains nutrients she needs.
Usually the queen will cut the umbilical cord with her teeth. In the unlikely the event that she doesn't, you should gently cut the cord with a pair of scissors, being careful to tie the cord first between the cat and the kitten. Kittens may arrive a few minutes to a couple of hours apart. Then entire birthing process can take from 2 to 6 hours.
Pregnancy can only occur when the female is in heat, which happens several times a year between spring and fall. In the first few weeks of pregnancy there will be no obvious outward signs. After three weeks you will be able to spot the signs. The signs of pregnancy are:
€ Nipples turning a pink/red color and becoming enlarged
€ Morning sickness may or may not occur
€ Weight gain, especially around the stomach and abdomen
€ Increased appetite
Pregnant cats are referred to as €queens€. The first thing you should do if you suspect your cat is pregnant is to take her to the vet for confirmation and advice. It is important during pregnancy that the queen continues to exercise to avoid excess weight gain. You can expect the pregnancy to last between 63 and 67 days. During this time the best way to care for you queen is to give her a nutritious, healthy diet and plenty of water. Approximately 3 weeks before she is due you should begin feeding her premium kitten food in addition to her normal food. The amount of kitten food should be increased each week, and in the final week of pregnancy her entire diet should consist of kitten food.
Before the kittens are born you will need to prepare a delivery box. This can be anything that is a good size; a good thing to use is a laundry basket full of blankets. The box should be placed in a quiet area away from drafts. It is important to keep your cat indoors and separate from other cats during the final three weeks of pregnancy. There will be some signs present when your cat is about to give birth:
€ Your queen may refuse food, act anxious and start looking for a quiet place to give birth.
€ The very first sign of labor is a drop in temperature drop to around 37.8°C which will happen during the 12 hours before labor. Only take the cat's temperature if she is happy for you to do so.
€ The queen may be vocal and wash herself continually.
€ When in full labor you will be able to see the abdomen contracting and a vaginal discharge. Contact your vet if the discharge is heavy and black or bloodstained.
When the first kitten, the mother will lick away the sac of fluid, that encloses the kitten. If she fails to do so after a few minutes then you should puncture it with your finger and remove matter from the kitten's ears and nose using a tissue. If the mother does not lick the kitten you should place a towel around the kitten rub vigorously but gently. After each kitten, a placenta will follow. If it does not you should call a vet. The queen will usually eat the afterbirth, this is completely natural, and the afterbirth contains nutrients she needs.
Usually the queen will cut the umbilical cord with her teeth. In the unlikely the event that she doesn't, you should gently cut the cord with a pair of scissors, being careful to tie the cord first between the cat and the kitten. Kittens may arrive a few minutes to a couple of hours apart. Then entire birthing process can take from 2 to 6 hours.
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