What does a pregnant cat look like? Having kittens is a completely interesting and emotional time for you and your cat. Before you may welcome bundles of fur into your home, you want to understand how to inform in case your cat is pregnant, and what you may do to make sure her being pregnant is as satisfied as possible.
It`s critical to bear in mind whilst making plans to have kittens that your cat and her muddle could have needs that you’ll want to be organized to handle. To assist you to help your puppy all through her being pregnant and labour, we`ve included the whole thing you want to understand approximately expectant cats.
Pregnant cat
Much like us, cats have durations of top fertility whilst they could turn out to be pregnant – that is referred to as being in season or in heat. Cats can come into season approximately as soon as every 3 weeks, so there are lots of possibilities for your puppy to fall pregnant!
How lengthy is a pregnant cat?
Cat being pregnant commonly lasts among sixty-three to sixty-seven days, however, it may be difficult to understand precisely how lengthy a cat is pregnant for. The cat gestation length can range from as brief as sixty-one days to so long as seventy-two days.
Your cat (queen) regularly won`t display any bodily signs and symptoms of being pregnant till she is some weeks into her term. If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, take her to the vets for confirmation.
How to tell if your cat is pregnant
- After approximately 1518 days of cat pregnancy, you may notice that your pet`s nipples become enlarged and red – this is known as `pinking up`.
- Similar to morning sickness in humans, your pregnant queen may go through a stage of vomiting. If you notice that her sickness becomes frequent, or she is at all unwell in any other way, contact your vet.
- A mum to be will gradually gain between 12 kg (depending on the number of kittens she is carrying) this is a strong sign that she is pregnant.
- Queens tend to have an increased appetite later in their pregnancy, which will also contribute towards her weight gain. Increased appetite can also be a sign of a bug or disease, so double-check with your vet to confirm this.
- Pregnant cats can become more mothers. In other words, it makes more noise and demands more fuss and attention.
Signs of your pregnant cat
If your cat refuses to eat, is fussy, and is looking for a secluded place to calm down, it could be because she is about to give birth. A cat’s body temperature drops to about 37.8°C 12 hours before labour begins. Shortly before childbirth, mothers may have a loud, anxious voice and may want to constantly wash their faces. Labour should begin with a strong contraction of the abdomen, followed by vaginal discharge. If the discharge is heavy and black or bloody, contact your veterinarian. After this discharge, the kitten should follow very quickly!
How to care for a pregnant cat
Now that you know your cat is pregnant, you need to make sure you have everything your cat needs to stay safe during this time.
Enhancing day-to-day care
You want to pat a pregnant cat’s belly, but it can be dangerous.
Focus on nutrition
A cat’s nutritional needs change during pregnancy and lactation. According to the UK’s National Cat Welfare Centre, pregnant cats need “about 25% more food” than other cats, but suppress the urge to overeat.
Creating nested environments
Provide a safe and comfortable place for your cat to give birth. As they prepare for birth, “Most mother cats will find their nest around the last week of pregnancy,” Veterinary Partner explains.
