How long are cats pregnant for?

The cat is a domestic species of small carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish it from the wild members of the family.

How many months is a cat pregnant?

How Long Are Cats Pregnant For? The cat gestation period (cat pregnancy length) is about 63-65 days on average, or about two months.

How can you tell if a cat is pregnant?

How do you know when a cat is about to give birth?

Licking, pacing, howling, and chirping

You might notice your cat licking her genitalia frequently – There is a discharge from the cat's vulva a few hours before birth starts. Your cat's water will break as well. Now is the time for pacing, restlessness, and howling, meowing, or chirping from your cat.

How can you tell how far along a cat is?

Kitten Care : How Long Are Cats Pregnant?

Should I stay with my cat while she gives birth?

Most cats would prefer to be left alone, and they definitely don't want to be pet or touched while they are giving birth. It's best to give your pregnant cat as much privacy as possible while also leaving yourself the ability to monitor the birthing process for any signs of issues or distress.

Do cats give birth at night?

Your cat's labour should go smoothly, but it's useful to have help on hand to keep her calm and in case she runs into any complications. Get hold of your vet's out-of-hours phone number prior to your cat giving birth, as delivery often happens during the night, or they might need an emergency helping hand.

Is it okay to pick up a pregnant cat?

Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to “scoop” her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach.

Do cats cry before giving birth?

Restlessness – Around 24-48 hours before the birth, your pregnant cat may appear restless or anxious, pacing around her nesting area. Vocalisation – She might begin to meow and cry out more than usual. Don't worry. She's just letting you know the kittens are coming.

How many kittens do cats have in their first litter?

The average litter size for cats is 4 to 6 kittens; however, adolescents, seniors, and first-timers typically have smaller-than-average litters. First-time moms usually only have 2 or 3 kittens. Purebred cats tend to have more kittens per litter than mixed breeds, though experts aren't sure why.

How can I tell if my cat is pregnant by her belly?

Swollen belly

Around the 30-day mark, pregnant cats start to develop a rounded, swollen abdomen — a sign that isn't always so easy to spot. “If your cat is overweight to begin with, her belly distension may be less noticeable but she will still gain weight due to pregnancy,” says Dr. Barrack.

Is it hard to tell if a cat is pregnant?

Key takeaway. Cat pregnancy can be hard to spot, but as cats have short gestation periods, it's best to determine if your cat is expecting as soon as possible. Signs of cat pregnancy include weight gain, swollen, dark nipples, appetite changes, sleeping changes, and affectionate behavior.

Can you feel kittens in a pregnant cat?

When can you feel kittens in a pregnant cat? You can begin to feel your cat's fetuses by touching their abdomen gently around days 17-25 of their pregnancy.

When Can cats fall pregnant?

Cats can reach sexual maturity and get pregnant at just four months of age (kittens can have kittens!). Cats are seasonal breeders and only enter their reproductive cycle at a certain time of year. This generally begins in spring as daylight starts to lengthen, and stops in late Autumn when daylight is reduced.

How do I prepare my cat for birth?

Preparing for Your Cat to Give Birth

Keep the nest in a warm place and line it with soft blankets or towels (that you won't mind throwing away). Try to find a familiar location to put the box that is quiet and out of the way, and show your cat where the box is situated.

What do I do when my cat is giving birth?

keep the room she and her kittens are in warm. make sure their bedding is kept clean and dry. keep the room they are in quiet and don't allow family members to keep disturbing her. keep an eye on the kittens to make sure they are feeding but try to keep at a distance your cat is comfortable with.

Can I move my cat while she's giving birth?

Once she decides on a birthing place, you should not move her, as this may cause her to become distressed. Labor could begin shortly after your cat settles in, and this process may take up to 12 hours, during which time your cat might make really loud, disturbing noises.

Are cats clingy before they give birth?

Before a cat's birth, the feline will begin to exhibit noticeable changes in behavior. The cat may start hiding more or spending time in quiet parts of the house. Cats who are particularly close with their pet parent might become more affectionate or clingy in the days leading up to the birth of their kittens.

What should I watch after my cat gives birth?

Eclampsia (Milk Fever)

Often, the cat is nursing a large litter of kittens. Early signs of milk fever include restlessness, panting, muscle tremors, and incoordination.

What does a pregnant cat need?

As soon as pregnancy is confirmed you should switch her to a premium kitten food such as Hills Science Diet to provide extra nutrients for her and her kittens. Keep her on this food until the kittens are weaned. Don't be surprised if your mother-cat doesn't seem to eat a lot right away.

How long does it take for a cat to give birth for the first time?

"In many cats having their first litter, this first stage of labor can last up to thirty-six hours." The queen usually stops eating during the last twenty-four hours before labor, and her temperature may drop below 100°F (37.8°C). Vaginal discharge is rarely seen.

Where do cats prefer to give birth?

Her "Nesting" Begins

Pregnant felines are notoriously particular about where they deliver their babies. She will want a spot that is fairly hidden and concealed, so you may notice her hanging out some pretty unusual spots in the house, such as inside of cabinets and dresser drawers or the top shelf of the closet.

Can I touch newborn kittens?

Vets recommend not touching kittens unless you have to while their eyes are still closed. You can check on them to make sure they're healthy and gaining weight, but try to limit direct physical contact. The kitten's mother will also let you know how comfortable she is with you handling her babies.

What does a cat look like at 4 weeks pregnant?

Between weeks 4 and 6 of a cat's pregnancy, the foetuses of the future kittens will start to grow rapidly. This brings about significant physical changes for the mother to be: her back hollows out, her pelvis becomes wider and her abdomen swells.

Do I need a special litter box for kittens?

Kittens require an open-top, shallow litter box that is easy for them to access and locate. Eliminate obstacles such as tall or covered boxes and provide something that is easy for them to walk in and out of until they're big enough for an adult litter box.