What Should I Know About Caring for a Pregnant Cat?

Caring for a pregnant cat shouldn’t require too many adjustments. If your cat is pregnant, you may not always know this at first, but during the second month of pregnancy you may notice the cat’s belly is distended slightly, and the cat may seem more tired. If your cat is allowed to roam with unaltered male cats, indoors or out, you can pretty much plan on a cat pregnancy. To avoid this, have your cat spayed before she reaches sexual maturity.

The first thing you should do if you have a pregnant cat is to plan to take her to the vet. Most pregnancies in cats last about two and half months, and you should schedule a vet visit during the first month. In general, in this first month you don’t have to do much about changing diet, and the cat will continue to be active. Play with her gently, but don’t let her go “kitty crazy” if you can avoid it.

In the second month, you’ll want to start supplementing the cat’s food with kitten food, so that the last few weeks of the pregnancy, she is eating only kitten food. A pregnant cat does have great nutritional requirements as she reaches the end of her pregnancy. Vets may also recommend that your cat take a calcium supplement through the pregnancy.

As the cat reaches the end of her pregnancy, she’ll start to get a little ungainly. Help her by providing her with a low litter box that she can get in and out of easily. You should also not let your pregnant cat have outdoor privileges, especially toward the end of her pregnancy. She may choose to have her kittens under the house, in an attic, or elsewhere and you will be unable to offer her support or care. Also, kittens born outdoors are in danger from animal predators, and this also puts your cat in danger.

The last few weeks of the pregnancy, you cat may start to nest. You may be able to encourage your pregnant cat to have her kittens in a location you choose. Find a couple good locations and provide easy to clean bedding that might appeal to your pregnant cat. She may choose a darker place to have kittens, so you may want to find several private spots she might choose. Minimize access to places you wouldn’t want her to have kittens, like in closets. When she seems to have chosen a location, place her food and her litter box near it so she can get to these without leaving nursing kittens.

Watch your pregnant cat as she approaches the end of her pregnancy. She may not eat very much, but she still should continue to eat. If she doesn’t eat for more than a day or two, take her to the vet. Also look for any signs of distress that might indicate the pregnancy is in trouble or the cat is. Many cats don’t need significant veterinary care and will have kittens without help. If your cat appears to be laboring for hours with no appearance of kittens, call a vet who can make a house call.

Unless you are a licensed breeder of cats, make sure you avoid this issue in the future. Once the pregnancy is ended, have your cat spayed to help prevent kitten overpopulation. The length of time between heat and end of pregnancy can be very short. Make the cat remains indoors with no unaltered male cats, and after weaning, get her to the vet's to prevent unplanned pregnancies in the future. Many kittens are also altered right after weaning, and you can help prevent overpopulation by choosing to alter the kittens before you send them off to new homes.

Signs of feline pregnancy include behavioral changes, such as increased affection or nesting behaviors, and physical changes like a swollen abdomen and enlarged, pink nipples. A vet can confirm pregnancy through palpation at around 3 weeks, or via ultrasound or X-ray at later stages.

Pregnant cats require more calories and nutrients to support their kittens' growth. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a balanced, high-quality kitten food is often recommended as it's higher in essential nutrients and energy. Consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations.

During pregnancy, a cat's food intake should gradually increase, peaking at about 1.5 to 2 times her normal intake. The Cornell Feline Health Center suggests that this increase should start in the second half of pregnancy and continue until weaning. Always ensure fresh water is available.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial. Initially, a vet will confirm the pregnancy and provide advice on care. Deworming may be recommended, as parasites can affect the kittens. Vaccinations should be up-to-date before pregnancy. Close to delivery, a final check-up can assess the mother's and kittens' health.

Create a quiet, comfortable birthing area with a box lined with clean towels or blankets. This space should be in a warm, secluded part of your home. Familiarize your cat with this area ahead of time. Have emergency vet contact information on hand and be prepared for the possibility of assisting with the delivery if necessary.

After birth, ensure the kittens are nursing and the mother is caring for them. Keep the birthing area clean and monitor for any signs of distress or illness in the mother or kittens. Consult your vet about postnatal care, including when to schedule check-ups and vaccinations for the new litter.