Pregnant Cats: Everything Important at a Glance
An unneutered female cat can have offspring.
In the following article we will explain what are the signs of a pregnancy and how long it will take for the kittens to be born. We will also give you tips on how best to support your cat during pregnancy.
When cats can get pregnant
Cats are very fertile and reproduce incredibly fast. Depending on the cat breed, they become sexually mature approximately between their fourth and twelfth month of life.
From this point on a cat can become in heat every two to three weeks and be ready for conception for a period of seven to ten days. Pregnancy is possible up to three times a year in sexually mature cats.
Duration of pregnancy in cats
Pregnancy in cats lasts approximately 61 to 72 days. In large cats the birth usually takes place a little later than in small breeds. If after 70 days there is still nothing to indicate that the cat will be born soon, it is advisable to visit a vet and have the pregnant cat examined.
Typical litter size of a pregnant cat
At their first pregnancy cats usually carry two to three kittens. At later births, however, seven or more kittens in a litter are not uncommon.
If you want to know in advance how many kittens you can expect, you can have your cat's litter size checked by a vet from around the 40th day of pregnancy.
Signs of pregnancy in cats
The pregnancy of a cat should not normally remain hidden for long to an attentive owner. Some of the typical signs are even quite similar to those that we humans experience during pregnancy.
For example, your pregnant cat may often experience morning sickness or attacks of ravenous appetite. In addition, the belly circumference increases in the course of pregnancy and the teats of the cat swell up.
Furthermore, it is very likely that your four-legged friend is suddenly particularly affectionate and is looking for your closeness. The vet can tell you whether your cat is actually pregnant about 15 days after insemination.
As some signs of pregnancy in your cat may also indicate worms or other health problems, an examination is always recommended.
Nutrition during pregnancy
During pregnancy, feeding your cat according to her needs is especially important. After all, the four-legged friend needs enough energy not only for himself, but also for his unborn offspring.
You can assume that your cat's energy requirements increase by around 50 percent as a result of pregnancy. So adjust the amount of food your cat eats and make sure your pet has enough fresh water to drink.
Healthy food for pregnant cats
It’s very important to pay attention to the quality of food you give to your pregnant cat.
The 360° Vital Concept from I Love My Cat provides pregnant cats with nutrients. The high-quality food provides your four-legged friend and the unborn offspring with valuable proteins and other important nutrients.
In addition, you will find natural food supplements for cats in our range, with which you can support your pregnant cat in a digestible way if necessary.
Supporting your cat during pregnancy
Apart from feeding your pregnant cat the right nutrition with a good cat food, you can also support your pregnant cat in other ways. Although pregnancy is not an illness, your cat does have some special needs that you should consider.
Therefore, you should avoid exposing your four-legged friend to unnecessary stress and, for example, planning a move despite a pregnant cat. Give your pet enough attention without putting too much pressure on him.
In addition, the following points should be considered with regard to health:
- Vaccinations carried out before pregnancy also protect your cat's offspring.
- Deworming in advance can help prevent worm infections in the womb or during suckling.
- Only give your pregnant cat medication prescribed by your vet.
The birth of the kittens
Towards the end of the pregnancy the expectant mother becomes increasingly restless in the days before the birth and may refuse to eat.
Apart from this, the four-legged friend will slowly but surely start looking for a suitable place to give birth. You can support your pregnant cat by providing her with a suitable box.
Normally your cat does not need any help during the actual birth. However, if you notice any complications, we recommend that you have a vet come to you.
Preventing an unwanted pregnancy in cats
If your cat is a pure indoor cat, you can of course easily exclude an unwanted pregnancy. With outdoor cats the situation is different. In order to reliably prevent an unwanted pregnancy in a outdoor cat, the only option is neutering.
As the procedure also has a number of health benefits, you should definitely consider it. Apart from that, in some cities, neutering outdoor cats is a legal requirement, so depending on where you live, you may not have a choice anyway.
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