Cat Pregnancy

Cats are very hardy and independent creatures as most cat owners must already know.



In all probability we need our cats a lot more than they need us. Nevertheless, as in humans pregnancy does come with certain risks and concerns, and a cat pregnancy is no different. This period is crucial for your feline friend and you will need to learn all you can about pregnant cat care.



You will need to be particularly careful about a pregnant cat diet, as your cat’s nutritional needs are particularly important during this period.

Cat Pregnancy Period

Cat pregnancy is however a completely fulfilling experience and is not really very demanding. There are a few issues you need to be concerned about, but for the most part your cat can take care of her own needs. For the entire period of the cat gestation which spans around 65 days or 9 weeks your biggest concern should be the diet.



The nutritional needs of your cat will increase tremendously, and its important that you give her the best quality food you can.

The next concern should be to ensure that she is comfortable, in terms of her environment. If she wants to retreat and be alone provide her with a secure space where she feels comfortable. For the entire cat pregnancy length it would be best to keep her indoors as the external environment could expose her to a wide variety of risks that could be controlled at home. Some of these risks include food poisoning and allergies, both of which can be serious for cat pregnancy. Exposure to infections and parasites can also be dangerous and in many cases such problems can be passed on to the babies. Make it a point to groom her and keep her clean to make sure her fur is free of any mites or parasitic insects.

In the context of your cat’s behavior there shouldn’t be much change until late in the pregnancy. During the first half of a cat pregnancy at least there is little change in behavior. Later however due to hormonal changes and the steadily growing weight in her abdomen her behavior begins to change, with a significant reduction in activity. In the weeks leading up to the delivery she will appear restless and uncomfortable, and may either seek, out a quite place to give birth or may even seek out your company when doing so. Whatever the scenario, cats do not need any human intervention in the birth process. There will be some straining, but the delivery is altogether painless, and your help is unnecessary even as far as severing the umbilical cord goes.

If there is prolonged labor, a kitten is lodged in the birth canal, or there is a delay of over three hours between delivery of kittens, or any excessive discharge and bleeding, or if the mother seems sick and if the placenta is not visible for each kitten then it would be advisable to get a veterinarian’s help immediately.