What to Expect When YOUR CAT’s Expecting

So, you think your cat might be pregnant? Congrats on the potential new additions to your furry family! Whether it’s your first time dealing with a pregnant cat or you’ve been through it before, knowing what to expect when your cat is expecting can make the process smoother for both of you.

Signs of Cat Pregnancy

There are a number of signs that can point to pregnancy in cats. Here are some things to look for:

• Pink, enlarged nipples, about 2-3 weeks into pregnancy
• A voracious appetite and weight gain of 2-4 pounds
• A swollen belly starting around the 4th week
• Behavioral changes, either becoming more lovey-dovey, or more reclusive
• Resting more than usual
• Vomiting might happen due to hormonal changes
• Nesting behavior, looking for a private, safe place to give birth

Note, though, that cats can experience false pregnancy or have medical conditions that mimic some of the symptoms of pregnancy, so take her to a vet to be sure.

Taking Care of a Pregnant Kitty

An expectant feline mother should have a prenatal diet with the right nutrients to keep her healthy and give her babies all they need to develop normally. A pregnant cat will seek out a warm, quiet place to rest and to give birth. You can provide her with a nest as simple as a cardboard box lined with soft towels or blankets. If she already has a space she likes to hide out, that would be a good place for you to put bedding. Cats don’t handle stress well, especially when they’re expecting. Try to keep the household calm and quiet.

Danger Signs to Watch Out For

Pregnancy is natural and your cat will know instinctively how she needs to take care of herself, so it is not something for you to stress over too much. But you do want to keep an eye out for some signs that things could be going wrong and take her to the vet if you notice any of the following:

• Weakness and lethargy: Cats can spend 12-16 hours a day sleeping, and a pregnant cat will want to rest more than usual. But if she seems extremely lethargic and weak, there could be a medical issue.
• Vomiting: A pregnant cat may vomit now and then, but if it happens frequently or with great intensity, consult with a professional.
• Vaginal discharge: It’s normal for a pregnant cat to have some clear or slightly cloudy vaginal discharge, especially as she gets closer to giving birth. But if you notice a heavy flow or that it smells bad and is green, yellow, or bloody, this could be a sign of infection or miscarriage.

Initial Signs of Labor

The process of giving birth for a cat is sometimes called “queening.” You’ll know the time is near when the “queen” of the house becomes restless, vocalizes more than usual, and shows nesting behaviors such as looking for a quiet spot, avoiding people and other animals, pawing at bedding, circling, and repositioning herself. These signs can start several days before the birth happens.

On the Kittens’ Birthday

On average cats have 4-6 kittens, but depending on the mother’s breed, age, and health, the litter size could range from 1-12. Once contractions start, they can last for a few minutes up to several hours. Kittens are born at 30-60 minute intervals.

Call a Vet If …

Here are some of the situations that could happen where you would need the assistance of a vet:

• The mother is straining for 30 minutes or more but can’t deliver her kitten
• A kitten is visibly stuck and not making progress toward delivery
• Kittens are being born, but there is a wide gap of 2 hours or so between them
• The whole labor process for all the kittens takes more than 12 hours
• More so than the usual fluids of birth, there is a very bad-smelling discharge that may be green, yellow, or bloody
• Your cat is very weak, tired, or collapses and cannot get to her feet
• She seems unresponsive and disinterested in her kittens

Caring for Newborn Kittens

Feeding

Their mother knows by instinct how to clean and feed them, so let her take the lead. But if you notice a kitten having trouble finding food, you can gently position it next to one of the mother’s nipples. Kittens are weaned at 8-10 weeks but will start nibbling soft food as early as 4 weeks.

Warmth

For the first 6-8 weeks, kittens need to be kept in a very warm space at 85-90°F. You could accomplish this by keeping them in a small room like a bathroom or laundry room and using a space heater.

Medical Care

Be sure to take Mom and kitties to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations on the recommended schedule. And consider spaying the mother and spaying or neutering the kittens. You’ll be doing your part to cut down on the estimated 60-100 million stray cats in the country, hundreds of which get put down in shelters every day.

Finding Homes for Kittens

Once the kittens are fully weaned around 8-12 weeks, you can place them in good homes. It’s best to find trusted people you already know. Not only will you have more peace of mind, but you and your cat can potentially visit the kitten in its new home.

If you don’t know enough people who want kittens, advertise on community boards and social media to find takers. Take the time to screen adopters, talking with them first to see what kind of home they can provide for your kitten and if they understand all that is involved in owning (or being owned by!) a cat.