Stages of Cat Pregnancy: What to Expect and How to Care for Your Queen
When a female cat (known as a "queen") becomes pregnant, it marks the start of an exciting yet delicate time. Understanding the different stages of feline pregnancy and properly caring for your expectant queen will help ensure she delivers happy, healthy kittens. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the cat pregnancy timeline along with tips for supporting your pregnant cat.
Cat Pregnancy Timeline
The typical cat pregnancy lasts 63-65 days, or about 9 weeks.
It can be broken down into the following key stages:
1. Mating and Fertilization
- Fertilization occurs when a male cat's sperm unites with the female's egg during mating.
- Eggs travel to the uterus for implantation.
- Pregnancy begins even if only one egg is fertilized.
2. Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1-3)
- The fertilized eggs implant in the uterine lining around days 14-21.
- The queen's appetite increases and she may start gaining weight.
- Her nipples become pink and enlarged.
3. Mid-Pregnancy (Weeks 4-6)
- The embryos rapidly develop into fetuses with heartbeats.
- The queen's abdomen expands as the fetuses grow.
- Morning sickness, lethargy, and behavioral changes may occur.
4. Late Pregnancy (Weeks 7-9)
- The queen's abdomen becomes very rounded and distended.
- Mammary glands enlarge and milk production begins.
- Nesting behaviors like shredding paper and meowing increase.
- Appetite fluctuates and the queen may stop eating 1-2 days before labor.
5. Labor and Delivery (Week 9)
- Labor lasts 6-12 hours on average and occurs in 3 stages:
- Stage 1: Contractions, restlessness and nesting
- Stage 2: Active labor and birth of kittens
- Stage 3: Delivery of placentas
- The queen delivers and nurses her kittens, usually in a quiet nesting area.
- Kittens are born every 15-60 minutes until the litter is complete.
Caring for a Pregnant Cat
Proper care and monitoring will support your queen's health during pregnancy and birth. Here are some top tips:
- Nutrition: Feed a high-quality diet and monitor eating habits. Increase portions in mid to late pregnancy.
- Exercise: Allow light exercise to support mobility and health.
- Vet Visits: Schedule a prenatal vet visit to check health. Monitor weight weekly.
- Medications: Avoid medication unless approved by a vet.
- Litter Box: Provide an easily accessible, clean litter box.
- Nesting Area: Offer a quiet, comfortable area with bedding 2-3 weeks before birth.
- Socialization: Give affection and reassurance as hormones fluctuate.
- Monitor Labor: Track contractions and contact the vet if you have concerns.
- Emergencies: Seek immediate vet care for bleeding, straining, or no labor after 69 days.
What to Expect During the Stages
Here is a more detailed overview of what to expect during each stage of pregnancy and how to support your cat:
Mating and Fertilization
This stage begins when a male cat successfully mates with your queen while she is in heat. Fertilization of the eggs happens internally over the next few days. Signs of mating include:
- Swollen, reddened vulva
- Excessive vocalization
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
Care Tips:
- Limit outdoor access to prevent mating with stray cats
- Record possible mating dates to estimate delivery timeline
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1-3)
In the first few weeks after fertilization, the embryos travel to the uterus for implantation. Your cat may show these signs:
- Slight weight gain
- Enlarged, pink nipples
- Increased appetite
- Occasional vomiting
Care Tips:
- Feed a high-protein diet to support development
- Provide peace and quiet for rest
- Schedule a vet visit to confirm pregnancy
Mid-Pregnancy (Weeks 4-6)
This is a period of rapid growth as the embryos develop into fetuses with heartbeats. Your cat will demonstrate:
- Noticeably enlarged abdomen
- More significant weight gain
- Behavioral changes like clinginess or aggression
- Increased sleeping and lethargy
Care Tips:
- Gently brush her coat to reduce shedding
- Give soothing pets and affection
- Switch to a kitten food diet
Late Pregnancy (Weeks 7-9)
In the final weeks, the fetuses grow rapidly and prepare for birth. Your cat may exhibit:
- Heavily distended abdomen
- Enlarged mammary glands with milk production
- Nesting behaviors like shredding paper
- Intermittent loss of appetite
Care Tips:
- Provide nesting box 2-3 weeks before birth
- Limit exercise and monitor for contractions
- Brush her coat and trim claws if needed
Labor and Delivery
Labor lasts 6-12 hours on average and occurs in 3 stages:
Stage 1: Contractions begin and the cervix dilates. Your cat may seem restless, vocalize excessively, or hide. This stage lasts 6-12 hours.
Stage 2: Active labor when kittens are delivered. Your cat will strain, push, and deliver each kitten still enveloped in a sac. Provide reassurance but avoid disturbing her.
Stage 3: Delivery of placentas follows each birth. This stage is completed within 1-4 hours.
Care Tips:
- Provide privacy but check on her periodically
- Time intervals between births
- Clean kittens as they arrive and monitor nursing
- Contact the vet if labor stops or there are complications
After a normal delivery, the queen will nurse and care for her kittens. She should pass the placentas and have a normal appetite within 1-2 days. Contact your vet immediately for any concerns about the kittens or mother's health. With preparation and diligent care, your cat can have a safe delivery and healthy litter.
Preparing for Delivery
As your due date approaches, prepare a birthing area and supplies:
Birthing Area
- Quiet, low-traffic room
- Comfortable nesting box with bedding
- Food, water, and litter box nearby
Supplies
- Extra bedding and towels
- Heating pad or lamp
- Digital scale to weigh kittens
- Dental floss or unwaxed thread to tie umbilical cords
- Sterile scissors or clamps for cord cutting
Have your veterinarian's emergency contact information handy. Keeping the birthing area prepared and having supplies on hand will help you support your queen during delivery.
Caring for Newborn Kittens
Once your cat gives birth, you'll want to care for the kittens properly:
- Allow the mother to bite umbilical cords and clean kittens
- Only interfere if she doesn't do this within a few minutes
- Ensure all kittens are nursing and staying warm
- Weigh kittens daily to ensure they are gaining weight
- Contact the vet if you have any concerns about their health
Providing attentive postnatal care gives kittens the best chance to thrive. Enjoy this special time with your new cat family!
Common Concerns and Solutions
It's normal to have some worries when your cat is expecting kittens. Here are some frequent concerns and tips to address them:
Decreased Appetite
It's common for a pregnant cat's appetite to fluctuate. Some solutions include:
- Feed several small meals instead of two large ones
- Warm food to increase aroma and appetite
- Try different food textures like wet food or kitten food
- Avoid giving treats on an empty stomach
If decreased appetite persists, contact your vet.
Weight Loss
While some weight loss may happen right before delivery, rapid weight loss can indicate a problem. Steps to take:
- Track queen's weight weekly
- Increase calorie intake if weight drops
- Have the vet run tests to check for issues
- Monitor eating habits and litter box use
Lack of Nesting Behavior
While some cats naturally exhibit less nesting behavior, you can encourage it by:
- Playing cat birth videos to stimulate her instinct
- Providing soft bedding in a quiet, private area
- Giving access to closets or covered spaces
- Letting her shred paper herself
If she seems distressed or uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian.
Signs of Illness
Monitor your queen closely and contact the vet immediately if you notice:
- Green or bloody discharge
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy, weakness
- Failure to deliver kittens within 69 days
- Straining or pushing with no kitten produced
Veterinary care is crucial if any abnormal signs appear. It's better to be safe than sorry when a cat pregnancy takes a concerning turn.