How Long Does A Cat's Pregnancy Last, What Determines The Period Of Carrying Kittens (including The First Time), Caring For A Pregnant Pet

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

If the cat is pregnant: how to recognize the condition and help the pet

Pregnancy is a very important, difficult and crucial period in your cat's life. How to help a pet while carrying babies and properly prepare her for childbirth? The appearance of viable strong offspring and the health of the cat itself largely depend on how the pregnancy goes.

Content

• 1 Signs of pregnancy in a cat

  1.1 Video: signs of pregnancy in a cat

• 2 How long does pregnancy last

  • 2.1 Periods of pregnancy
  • 2.2 Factors affecting the gestation period
  • 2.3 Is there sex during pregnancy
  • 2.4 What is superfecundation

• 3 Possible complications

  • 3.1 Premature birth
  • 3.2 Oversized

• 4 Caring for a pregnant cat

  • 4.1 What is useful to her

    4.1.1 Video: how to properly feed a pet during pregnancy

  • 4.2 What is contraindicated

• 5 Labor has begun?

  • 5.1 Prepare in advance

    5.1.1 Photo gallery: how to train a cat to give birth

  • 5.2 Stay close
• 6 Comments from veterinarians
• 7 Owner reviews

Cat pregnancy signs

Mating is not always productive - the cat may miss for various reasons. But experienced owners usually already in the first week with a high degree of probability can assume that their pet is pregnant - her hormonal background changes, and, accordingly, her behavior, the cat sleeps more and eats more. Over time, other, more accurate and reliable signs of an "interesting position" appear:

• toxicosis in the first half of pregnancy;
• gradual, starting from the second or third week, swelling of the mammary glands;
• an increase in abdominal volume and overall weight gain;
• changes in behavior and taste preferences;
• mood swings;
• increased appetite.

A cat can gain noticeable weight during pregnancy

Of course, the most accurate answer to the question: is the cat pregnant, you will be given in a veterinary clinic. The doctor will also help resolve doubts about whether this pregnancy is false. However, cats have "spoons" much less often than this phenomenon happens in dogs.

Ultrasound examination is the most reliable diagnosis of pregnancy

Video: signs of pregnancy in a cat

How long does pregnancy last?

The normal gestation period for all breeds of domestic cats is within the range from 62 to 68 days - this is approximately nine weeks. It is allowed to increase or decrease the gestation period by a week. Many breeds of domestic cats have their own nuances of the duration of pregnancy - its period may be slightly longer or shorter than the average. For example, pregnancy is the longest in Siamese cats and their closest relatives.

Siamese cats have a slightly longer pregnancy than other breeds

Periods of pregnancy

The period of bearing kittens is divided into three main stages, each of which lasts three weeks. The first stage is quite often characterized by toxicosis - a succulent cat may feel discomfort and nausea, especially in the morning. If it comes to severe vomiting, you should consult a doctor who will recommend medications that can alleviate this unpleasant condition. But usually toxicosis disappears by the fourth week of gestation, when the embryos are evenly distributed over the two-horned uterus and attached to its walls.

Your cat may have unpredictable desires early in her pregnancy.

The second three-week stage is expressed in the active weight gain of the expectant mother, swelling of the nipples and the manifestation of other signs of pregnancy. Do not wrinkle the cat's belly, trying to feel or count the babies - such curiosity can provoke a miscarriage. But on the ultrasound machine of kittens during this period it is already perfectly visible.

The third stage of gestation is, in fact, waiting for childbirth. The cat becomes less active, sleeps for a long time. During this period, the attention of the owner is very important to her - in his society she feels herself reliably protected.

A cat's main desire before giving birth is to get a good night's sleep.

Factors affecting the gestation period

Deviations from the term of pregnancy (cat pregnancy) in several days are not a pathology and can be caused by various factors:

• the age and physical condition of the animal;
• heredity;
• the number of fruits.

Fluffy cats carry babies longer than shorthair

Is there sex during pregnancy

During the period of pregnancy, a cat can not only indulge in sexual pleasures, but also … become pregnant a second time. It is very important to avoid this, since double pregnancy poses a serious threat not only to health, but even to the life of a cat. As for the unborn kittens, the second "batch" of them will inevitably die during childbirth.

What is superfecundation

The sonorous word "superfecundation" is translated from Latin as "overfertilization"; this phenomenon is quite common in cats. Its essence lies in the fact that during the period of ovulation, the eggs of a female can be fertilized by the sperm of several males. That is, in one litter there can be children from different fathers - it all depends on how rich the sex life of the cat was.

Different kittens in one litter - children of different fathers

Possible complications

If the cat is healthy, then her pregnancy usually proceeds without complications. But you should immediately consult a doctor as soon as alarming symptoms appear, indicating problems with bearing kittens:

• foul odor and vaginal discharge;
• pain in the abdomen;
• temperature rise;
• nausea and vomiting;
• general lethargy;
• refusal of food.

Lethargy and refusal to eat a pregnant cat is a reason to see a doctor

Premature birth

Carefully protect a pregnant cat from injuries and severe stress - any of these factors can trigger premature birth. Premature kittens are born very weak and may not survive. But even if you manage - on your own or with the help of a veterinarian - to keep the babies alive, the chances are high that they will grow painful and lag behind in development. Therefore, try not to allow kittens to be born earlier than the 56th day from the moment of mating.

A cat who is too young to get pregnant should be supervised

Rescheduling

The normal gestation period for kittens should be 72 days. If during this time childbirth has not begun, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor - perhaps the fetuses have frozen or the cat for some reason is not able to give birth on its own. In fairness, it should be noted that such cases are extremely rare, as well as the need to do a cesarean section.

Caring for a pregnant cat

It is very important to properly organize high-quality nutrition for a pregnant cat and protect it from injuries and stress. It is worth postponing bathing and drying with a hot hair dryer for the future, as well as the use of cat cosmetics - any chemical preparations for the period of pregnancy should be withdrawn from use. It is undesirable to use any antiparasitic drugs at this time, even if they are declared as "absolutely safe" for a pregnant cat.

What is useful for her

The diet of a cat in an interesting position should be rich in vitamins and minerals. The veterinarian will tell you which of the ready-made feeds to choose for this crucial period and which supplements will be most useful. If you prefer natural food for your pet, please note: in the first month of pregnancy, food should be fortified with calcium, and in the second half of gestation, you should give more protein food. Enter the following products into the menu:

• boiled lean meat - preferably chicken and turkey;
• boiled sea fish;
• in small quantities - porridge (rice and buckwheat);
• vegetables (carrots, zucchini, pumpkin);
• sour milk (cottage cheese and yogurt).

The nutrition of a pregnant cat should be complete and balanced.

Video: how to properly feed a pet during pregnancy

What is contraindicated

During pregnancy, a cat can become very clumsy. Do not let her climb onto the windowsill and other high places from where the animal can fall - jumping from a height during pregnancy is also highly undesirable. Minimize all risks of possible injury. If a cat in the second half of pregnancy suddenly begins an attack of playfulness, distract it in any way: hyperactivity is not a suitable state for this period.

Don't let your pregnant cat stay in dangerous places

In the last three weeks, try not to overfeed the succulent cat - too large fruits will create the danger of prolonged labor and various complications.

You cannot overfeed the cat in the last stages of pregnancy.

Labor has begun?

About a day before the onset of labor, the cat's vulva greatly increases in size and there is an abundant transparent discharge from it. the pregnant woman begins to be very anxious and look for a suitable, in her opinion, place for childbirth. Prepare it in advance.

Prepare in advance

In advance, at least two weeks before the expected birth, equip a nest for the cat and her future babies. A box made of thick cardboard is quite suitable for a "childbirth" - not too large, but spacious enough to accommodate a mother with kittens. At the bottom of the box, you need to put a soft and always clean bedding, which can be changed as needed.

A pregnant cat is looking for a secluded place to nest

Put the box in a secluded place, protected from drafts, bright light and prying eyes. The expectant mother should get used to this cozy nest, so teach her to be here in advance - caress the cat, talk to her while she lies in the baby.

Photo gallery: how to train a cat to give birth

To prevent the cat from giving birth on your bed, prepare a comfortable birth ward for her

An ordinary box lined with a soft and warm rug is suitable for the nest.

Put the cat in the maternity ward - the animal may be cautious and distrustful at first

Praise your pet and talk to her affectionately - a smart cat will quickly appreciate your efforts

The expectant mother liked the cradle - the problem of arranging the nest is solved

Be near

About a week before giving birth, the cat's belly drops, and a "waist" appears - if you look at the animal from above. Two to three days before the "X-hour", appetite worsens, and colostrum may begin to ooze from the nipples. Immediately before childbirth, with the appearance of the first contractions, the woman in labor is anxious, "digs out" the bedding in the nest and seeks support from the owner.

The first birth can scare your pet, so it's better for your beloved owner to be around. However, even a more experienced cat will be much safer to give birth in your presence. Childbirth is a natural physiological process, and the cat usually does not need outside help; instincts will tell her how to proceed. But in case of possible complications, make an appointment with the veterinarian in advance so that he can come at the right time.

Veterinarian comments

Owner reviews

Surround your pet with love, attention and care for the entire period of bearing kittens. This is very important for her - however, as for every pregnant woman. Provide her with comfort and peace of mind both during pregnancy and during childbirth. If you follow all the doctor's recommendations, the gestation will go well, and the long-awaited birth will become easy and hassle-free.