Tips To Help You Figure Out How Far Along Your Pregnant Cat Is
It's important to know how far your cat is into her pregnancy in order to schedule vet visits, provide the right food, and prepare for the arrival of her kittens. While there are some general signs that a cat may be pregnant, a few tips can help you figure out how far along she is at home.
In general, a cat's pregnancy lasts around 63 to 65 days, or a total of nine weeks. This further divides into three trimesters of three weeks each. Each trimester also involves different stages of kitten development, as well as unique signs to look out for. However, remember that visual inspections aren't foolproof. Each cat is an individual, so there may be variation in both indicators and the length of your feline's pregnancy.
Watch for signs of heat
Pregnancy begins with ovulation and mating during a cat's heat cycle. A feline also doesn't need to be a specific age before they can get pregnant. Cats can go into their first heat as young as four months of age. However, if you know when your cat was in heat, you can use that to map out when to expect each stage of her pregnancy, including labor and delivery.
Cats are induced ovulators which means they need to mate in order to ovulate and become pregnant. Otherwise, a cat will continue to go into heat every 2 to 3 weeks. Cats can become pregnant any time throughout the year. However, the most common kitten season spans April to October. Signs to look for include increased vocalization, demanding more attention, rolling around, or even attempting to escape. A female cat can also mate with more than one tomcat during a heat cycle, leading to multiple fathers for the kittens.
Changes during the first trimester
The first three weeks of your cat's pregnancy is called the first trimester. It's also the stage of your cat's pregnancy that may not be easily noticed. Often, changes can be subtle unless you're very in tune with your cat. If you know your cat was in heat recently, or you've been actively tracking their breeding, you can watch out for these signs of pregnancy.
Some cats may have vomiting or morning sickness. There may also be minor belly swelling. In addition, some cats will have behavioral changes, such as increased affection or seeking you out. Lastly, a cat's nipples can sometimes swell or become pinker in early pregnancy, called "pinking up".
If you know your cat was in heat, or you've bred them recently, your vet can also help you detect a pregnancy at this stage. Ultrasound can detect kittens as early as 15 days. Some veterinarians may also be able to palpate, or feel, for kittens at this early stage.
What to spot during the second trimester
The second trimester is when most cats begin to show more visible signs of pregnancy. This can make it easier for you to determine how far along she may be. It's a time of rapid kitten development, where most of their organs are formed at around five weeks. You'll likely see changes to your cat's body and behavior at this stage. Pregnant cats will have a rapidly expanding belly. They may also show what is called "quickening" behavior, or sudden bursts of energy and excitement, much like cat zoomies.
The second trimester is also the best time to confirm a pregnancy with your vet if you're unsure of her breeding date, or you're caring for a potentially pregnant stray. They can confirm the pregnancy via ultrasound more easily at this stage as a kitten's heartbeat can now be detected. In addition, your vet can rule out any health issues that may mimic an enlarged abdomen, such as parasites or illness.
Things to look for during the third trimester
The third and final trimester is the time when pregnancy in cats is most visibly obvious. You'll also see more behavioral changes as your cat nears her due date. Nesting behavior, or seeking out a place to have the kittens, is most common in the final week of pregnancy. Your cat may hide more, attempt to drag blankets to a specific spot, or hang out in a cozy place.
Cats in their final trimester also have higher energy requirements. This increase prepares them for producing milk. As a result, they may seek out more food. They may also eat smaller, more frequent meals due to the kittens taking up more space.
As your she nears her final stage of pregnancy, you may also wonder how many kittens your cat will have. At this stage, your vet can take an X-ray or ultrasound to look for kitten skeletons. This can be done any time after day 40, so if an X-ray comes out with clear and easy-to-spot kittens you'll know your cat is nearing delivery.
Signs your cat is ready to give birth
The last stage of pregnancy is labor and delivery. Your cat will show many signs when she's ready to give birth. You may first see changes to the nipples as they fill with milk, causing droplets of fluid to leak from them. As labor approaches, you may also be able to see visible movement of the kittens along your cat's abdomen. About 24 hours prior to birth, your cat's appetite can also decrease. In addition, a cat's temperature will drop and can be tracked with a thermometer.
In the hours just before labor, you may notice visible abdominal contractions. There may also be vaginal discharge, indicating kittens will be born very soon. Kittens will be born about every 10 minutes to an hour until labor is done.
While it can be hard to figure out how far along a cat is in their pregnancy, a few signs can help give a general idea of when to expect kittens. If you're ever unsure, a visit to your vet is best for confirming pregnancy, ruling out any issues, and keeping mom happy and healthy.
Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.