How to Care for a Pregnant Cat
By: Responsible Group Australia Last updated March 8, 2023
Because RPBA advocates for ethical pet ownership, we encourage cat owners to have their cats desexed unless they are responsible breeders who have breeding cats in good health. If you have done your research and are aware of all of the care and dedication that goes into being a responsible cat breeder, then you are ready to move on to actually breeding your animals.
However, for newer cat breeders, it can be a daunting task to care for a pregnant cat. This article will talk about some simple tips to get you started.
This article contains general information. Always consult with your veterinarian for medical advice specific to your animal/s.
How to Tell if Your Cat Is Pregnant
Figuring out if your cat is pregnant can be a difficult task. After all, cats are renowned for their ability to hide signs of discomfort and illness. However, there are certain signs that you can look for in order to determine if your cat is pregnant.
Physical Signs of Pregnancy
The most obvious sign that your cat may be pregnant is physical changes in her body. These include:
- An increase in size – As the kittens grow inside the womb, your cat’s abdomen will become larger and rounder. This change usually becomes noticeable around 4 to 6 weeks into the pregnancy.
- Nipples become enlarged and pink – Another early sign of pregnancy is the enlargement of the nipples, which usually starts between 2 to 4 weeks into the pregnancy.
- Morning sickness – Much like humans, cats can experience morning sickness and potentially vomit up their food during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
- Movement of kittens – Around 5 weeks into the pregnancy, you may be able to feel movement from within your cat’s belly as the kittens move around inside her uterus.
- Milk production – Towards the end of her pregnancy (around 8 to 9 weeks), your cat’s nipples will begin producing milk as they prepare for nursing their newborn kittens.
Behavioral Changes During Pregnancy
In addition to physical changes, there may also be some subtle behavioural changes that can indicate that your cat is expecting. These include:
- Increased affection – While cats are sometimes known for being aloof, pregnant cats tend to become more affectionate with their owners during this time. You may notice that she spends more time cuddling or seeking attention from you than usual.
- Change in appetite – Most cats increase their food intake while they are pregnant due to their growing bodies needing more nourishment and energy for their kittens to develop.
- Nesting behaviours – Nesting behaviours are another common feature of late-term pregnancies in cats, where they begin searching for places around the house where they feel safe and secure enough to birth their litter of kittens.
If you suspect that your cat is pregnant it’s important to seek medical confirmation from a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet can conduct an ultrasound or hormone tests to accurately determine whether or not your cat is expecting a new litter of kittens.
How to Care for a Pregnant Cat
Provide a Safe Environment
The most important thing you can do for your pregnant cat is to provide her with a safe and comfortable environment. Make sure that the area she will be staying in is kept clean, free from drafts, predators and other animals that may cause stress or harm to her or her unborn kittens. You should also make sure that any potentially dangerous toys, furniture or other objects have been removed so as not to pose a risk of injury to her or the kittens.
Regular Vet Visits
It is important that you take your pregnant cat to the vet regularly throughout her pregnancy so that she can receive appropriate care and monitoring of the progress of her pregnancy. Your vet will be able to perform ultrasounds, check for infections and other health issues, assess foetal development, advise you on nutrition and exercise needs and provide other helpful advice as needed. This will ensure that both your cat and her litter are healthy throughout the gestation period.
Proper Nutrition
A balanced diet is essential for any pregnant animal – this includes cats! Ensure that your pregnant cat is getting a diet with high-quality proteins and healthy fats so that she can maintain her energy levels and let her kittens develop properly. Talk with your vet about nutrition needs specific to your pet’s age, breed and activity level, as well as any dietary restrictions she may have due to health issues or allergies. You can gradually transition her food to kitten food after your vet has confirmed her pregnancy. It’s usually unnecessary to feed her more than normal unless she is underweight.
Exercise and Playtime
Exercise plays an important role in keeping cats healthy. Schedule regular playtime with your pregnant cat, but don’t overdo it as she nears her due date. Keep it light so as not to tire her out too much!
Caring for a pregnant cat may seem daunting at first but following these simple steps will ensure mama stays healthy throughout her term while providing the best environment possible for the safe arrival & growth of babies too!
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