How long does a cat bear kittens: examples by time and for the first time

• Fact:
  If the fur is long and fluffy, the cat will walk with a belly longer (2.5 months). While a short, smooth coat will shorten the period by 10-15 days.
• Fact 2:
  A simple rule: the more kittens in the belly, the faster the kitty will give birth
• Fact 3:
  British beauties carry babies for up to 65 days, and for Scottish cats the period can vary from 60 to 70 days
• Fact 4:
  Usually the entire birth process takes 4-5 hours if everything goes well.

When getting a cat at home, many owners already anticipate how many important moments will now happen in their lives. And you need to be prepared for all periods, especially for such important periods as pregnancy. How long does a cat's pregnancy last, and what else does an attentive owner need to know in order to provide the pet with the necessary care?

First pregnancy – was nature in a hurry?

Already at six months, the furry pet is physiologically capable of becoming a mother. But this does not mean that the cat will cope with such a responsible task one hundred percent. Despite the fact that she comes into heat and has a natural desire to mate, a cat at this age is, by human standards, a teenager. Her “psychological” maternal instinct has not yet been thoroughly formed, and she can literally eat her offspring along with the afterbirth.

And that's only half the story. An organism that has not yet matured is not ready to bear kittens. The fetuses are at risk: either too weak or stillborn. Experienced experts advise stricter control over the young cat and not allowing her to meet gentlemen at least until her second or even third heat.

How to tell if your cat is pregnant

It is extremely desirable for a cat owner to know that his pet has become pregnant. It is important to establish the moment of mating, because it is from this point that the countdown of a cat’s pregnancy begins. This is not difficult for owners who themselves determine the “wedding day,” but those whose kitties have arbitrarily decided to have offspring, left unattended, are often caught by surprise.

Ultrasound for a cat

The fact of early pregnancy of a cat can only be accurately confirmed by an ultrasound examination of its abdominal cavity. Already in the second week from the moment of conception, ultrasound equipment recognizes the amniotic sac, and in the third week it records the fetal heartbeat. Experienced veterinarians are also able to detect early pregnancy by palpation.

If you think your cat might become pregnant, keep an eye on her. The first suspicious signs appear around the tenth day after mating. You will notice that the kitty has become extremely affectionate and more demanding of your attention. Much less often, but it happens that the animal, on the contrary, tries to retire and avoids touching. The pet becomes drowsy, slow, in a word, its behavior changes noticeably.

The first signs of pregnancy also appear in changes in the taste preferences of the expectant mother. She may become interested in foods that she previously did not like. The animal's appetite is also an important indicator. At first it may decrease, morning sickness is possible, but then the cat begins to demand larger and larger portions of food.

Noticing that the cat's mammary glands have swollen and darkened nipples will confirm your suspicions. Such signs appear in the third week of pregnancy. There will be no doubt at all when, by the end of the fourth week, the cat’s tummy begins to noticeably round, then increasing day by day.

Pregnancy dates - what do they depend on?

If your pet becomes pregnant, no one can accurately answer the question of when she will give birth. But some factors will help determine the approximate duration of the pet’s “position”:

• It is believed that the length of the coat affects the timing of pregnancy. If the hair is long and fluffy, the cat will walk longer with a belly (2.5 months). While a short, smooth coat will shorten the period by 10-15 days.
• A simple rule : the more kittens in the belly, the faster the cat will give birth. If the birth does not occur by the expected date, the owner can be sure: most likely, there are not too many babies in the belly.
• Weather affects more than just the human autonomic system. And cats may experience increased blood pressure due to changing weather conditions. And this is a harbinger of an imminent birth.
• The breed of the cat also plays a significant role in the timing. For example, British beauties carry babies for up to 65 days, and for Scottish cats the period can vary from 60 to 70 days. Pregnancy lasts the longest in Siamese breeds – over 70 days.

The gestation period for long-haired cats is usually longer (53 to 72 days) than for short-haired or hairless cats (58 to 68 days).

In any case, the owner must determine the approximate due date, since sometimes timely human intervention saves the life of both the cat and her babies. If labor does not come about a week after the expected due date, then there is nothing to worry about yet. But if the pregnancy lasts longer than 9-10 days, the cat must be taken to the veterinarian.

How to tell if a cat is pregnant

21 days (three weeks) after conception, the cat’s nipples begin to turn pink and rise, the expectant mother’s behavior becomes drowsy, but her appetite increases. The increase in the abdomen by one and a half centimeters is already becoming slightly noticeable; an experienced specialist can palpate the embryos. Your pet may experience morning sickness.

Caring for a pregnant cat

If a good owner takes care of his cat in its normal state, then taking care of a pregnant pet is a sacred matter.

In the first weeks, the pussy's body will need a sufficient amount of healthy food. The standard portion rule does not work here: they are guided by the animal’s needs, it may well eat more than usual at this time.

When half the term has passed, the owner, on the contrary, will need to introduce some dietary restrictions: the amount of food should be reduced in portions, and the intervals between feedings should be reduced.

If the cat was fed natural food, then more cottage cheese or kefir is added to the food. In any case, the animal’s body needs calcium. It is wise to choose specialized food for pregnant cats . The veterinarian will advise on the need for vitamin or mineral supplements after examining the pet.

It is important for the animal to remain in good physical shape, so do not deny it moderately active games.

The most important thing is no stress for your pet!

Preparing a place for a pregnant cat

The cat's pregnancy will come to an end in 9 weeks, and the place for birth should be prepared in advance. The fluffy expectant mother herself will let you know when it is time to address this issue.

During childbirth, the animal feels calmer in a secluded, quiet place. Therefore, they are looking for a spacious box and preparing clean rags.

The peace of the last two weeks depends on the behavior of all household members. Young children especially should not fuss while waiting for a kitten, this will make the cat nervous.

The animal is accustomed to the future bed, arranging it so that the pet feels calm and relaxed there. Although it happens that for some reason the nest prepared with love by the hostess does not seem suitable to the expectant mother. In this case, they simply watch where exactly the animal is heading. Then, during the birth, the owner will have to relocate to the place chosen by the pet.

From the moment labor begins, the owner should be close to the woman in labor - this will make everyone calmer. If it is possible to call a veterinarian for the first birth, that would be great!

What to feed a pregnant cat

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//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> Food for pregnant cats must be completely balanced - all nutritional deficiencies can affect not only the expectant mother herself, but also the kittens.

It would be rational to increase the usual norm by 10% and feed the pet more often. The thing is that with a small stomach and a rapidly growing uterus, it is more difficult for the body to digest large volumes of food. Overfeeding threatens obesity with all the ensuing consequences. A large fetus complicates the birth process.

After 7 weeks, you can feed your pet little by little 3-4 times a day.

When calculating the diet, the age, size, and breed of the cat are taken into account. In the first month, the cat should receive more calcium, in the second - protein.

Fish is allowed only lean and strictly boiled, but beef makes up 50% of the daily diet. At the end of the meal, you can offer some kefir.

Boiled chicken, egg yolk, porridge, grated vegetables, and yogurt will be beneficial.

Caring for the health of a pregnant cat

Caring for a cat during pregnancy requires increased attention to the condition of the animal on the part of household members.

Of course, the owner’s pet should give birth in the house under supervision, because the street is a breeding ground for all kinds of infections. The pregnant pussy is kept away from other pets, especially those visiting the street. This requirement is due to several reasons:

• the female becomes more aggressive, which can lead to injury;
• the presence of several cats threatens double pregnancy, miscarriage or death of the litter;
• the possibility of infection of a pregnant woman, or infection with worms.

During this important period, it is prohibited to give drugs against parasites, fleas and some other medications. All preventive measures and tests are done before mating.

The closer the end of the term, the more clumsy the purr becomes, and her desire to climb to heights can be fraught with serious consequences, including miscarriage.

The pet needs to be examined daily - any deviation from the norm should alert the owner. The reason to visit a veterinary clinic may be the cat’s weakness, refusal to eat long before the due date, or excessive vaginal discharge.

How long does a cat's labor last?

As soon as the cat's water broke, the birth process began. After 15-20 minutes, the cervix and birth canal will fully open and be ready to release the first child. The next kittens will appear at intervals of 5-30 minutes. Usually the entire birth process takes 4-5 hours, if everything goes well. If more than 40 minutes have passed since the next kitten, and its brother still does not come out into the world, you need to seek help from a veterinarian.

Calendar in a matter of days

Animal pregnancy lasts for weeks, during certain periods, during each of which changes occur in cats.

First week and second weeks

In the first week after mating, pregnancy does not manifest itself in any way, there are no signs or symptoms, but it is in the first week that conception occurs, when the egg is fertilized and sent to the uterus.

If a cat is mated with two males in one period, then she will be able to give birth to kittens from different cats.

In the second week, fertilization ends completely and the formation of embryos begins.

3 and 4 weeks: days 15-28

From the fifteenth to the twenty-eighth day, the embryos begin to develop, which causes a change in the cat's hormonal levels. Appetite increases or, conversely, decreases, sleep becomes restless, morning sickness appears, and mood changes. The cat may gag and vomit. She may not feel well, in which case you should contact your veterinarian.

The nipples undergo physical changes. They swell, become brighter, and fall.

By the third week, the nipples change color and swell

During this period, begin to try to have less contact with the cat so as not to damage the embryos.

Week 5: days 29-35

If by the fifth week the suspected pregnancy has not manifested itself in any way, then you should go to the veterinary clinic, where after an ultrasound it will be possible to detect the babies, the duration of pregnancy and its course. The embryos take the form of kittens. The detailed formation of the body takes place. The pet's body is rounded. Changes in your cat's body may cause your cat to become clumsy, so be sure to keep her safe.

Ultrasound can help detect pregnancy

Week 6: days 36-42

From the sixth week (from thirty-six to forty-two days), you can observe the kittens moving. The cat’s health returns to normal and her appetite awakens. You can't deny your cat treats. Food should be healthy and of high quality. Dry food must be super premium. Portions increase as gestation progresses. The expectant mother should receive more fat to produce milk. Obesity should not be allowed. Childbirth will be very difficult with such a disease. Veterinarians can recommend a complex of vitamins that need to be added to the food.

Don't deny your pregnant cat treats

Wet food is gradually added, since by the end of pregnancy the diet should be completely wet. One food option is kitten food, as it contains the same essential vitamins and minerals.

Kitten food suitable for pregnant women

If you fed your pet with natural products, then leave the following food: lean boiled meat, boiled vegetables and eggs, boiled fish in small quantities. To improve digestion, add beet puree.

To facilitate childbirth, in addition to regular water, give an infusion of raspberry leaves for breakfast and dinner. And nettle salad will improve milk formation.

Nettle will improve milk production

Nettle salad recipe: Pour boiling water over nettle leaves, leave for a few minutes, chop finely.

Nettle salad

7 and 8 weeks

In the period from forty-three to fifty-six days, the kittens’ bones can already be seen on x-rays. By this time, their fur has already been formed. Babies can be easily palpated. We can say that by the fiftieth day the offspring are ready to be born, but everything depends, of course, on the breed and various factors.

By the eighth week, the embryos are already fully formed

The cat's nipples swell even more. Milk may be released and the coat may begin to shed. Appetite may again decrease slightly, since kittens take up a lot of space in the stomach. During this period, the female begins to look for a secluded place. Help her in this matter. Make a soft, comfortable bed in a quiet place. Keep clean towels, medical gloves, peroxide, a pipette, thread and scissors, Vaseline, and iodine near this place so that you are completely prepared for childbirth at any time.

Prepare a quiet, cozy place for your cat

9 and 10 weeks

Starting from the fifty-fifth day, you need to be prepared for the onset of labor. During this period, you can observe red discharge from your pet - this is a natural moment.

Several signs can signal that labor is approaching:

• Clear anxiety.
• Strong attachment to owners.
• Loud meow.
• Being in a secluded place.

By the ninth week you should be ready for childbirth

There are breeds that carry their offspring until the tenth week. If childbirth does not occur after this time, be sure to contact a veterinarian.

Absence of heat and pregnancy - is this possible?

As a rule, a cat whose heat has not yet come or lasts no more than 2 days does not allow a male to approach her. But if a cat and a male cat live under the same roof, the gentleman can “recognize” the onset of heat in his “cohabitant” before the man does. And, if mating occurs, there is a chance that pregnancy will occur. In addition, sometimes estrus is mild, and the owner does not even know that the process is underway.

False pregnancy in a cat

This condition is not a pathology of any kind and in most cases does not require medical intervention or the use of any medications. False pregnancy is caused by an excess of the hormone progestron, which usually begins to be produced during gestation, limits sexual desire and helps the body tolerate pregnancy.

In some cases, it can begin to be produced outside of pregnancy, leading to the same behavior observed during pregnancy.

A false pregnancy can last up to one month. It makes sense to take the animal for examination by a doctor, and if there are no embryos, then consult with a veterinarian about whether any action should be taken and whether medication is necessary. Don’t worry - false pregnancy almost always goes away without negative consequences for the animal.

Number of births for a cat

Pregnancy is possible after every heat, and the latter depends mainly on the health and living conditions of the cat. If a mustachioed couple does not leave the apartment, their biorhythms are disrupted, and such “lovers” will go for walks more often than expected. A cat can kitten up to 3 times a year. However, the optimal amount would still be once a year. Too frequent childbirth depletes the cat's body and contributes to the breeding of weak offspring.

Nature has invested a lot of skill and strength in mustachioed pets in order to cope with such a difficult matter as pregnancy. But the owner’s control and broad outlook will never become superfluous helpers.

Signs

Despite the fact that it is almost impossible to immediately calculate the exact date of pregnancy, obvious signs of pregnancy in a cat can be determined already on the twentieth day.

The animal's nipples will enlarge and become bright pink. The skin around the nipples will begin to peel, this will become noticeable if you lay it on your back.

An experienced veterinarian can determine if a cat is pregnant by palpation in the third week. You should not try to palpate yourself, as this can harm the kittens and the health of your pet.

Early dates

You will notice that in the second week your pet becomes more thoughtful and melancholic. She plays less, sleeps longer, and her appetite also worsens. Already in the third week the animal may vomit. Don’t worry, this process also happens to women; in the first trimester they suffer from toxicosis.

After just five days, the vomiting goes away, and you can almost certainly determine pregnancy. Cats can also have a false pregnancy, which will go away on its own and will not require special treatment. It should be noted that if the false process occurs frequently, you should contact your veterinarian.

Late dates

Your pet will begin to gain weight in the 4-5th week, the weight will increase by one to two kilograms depending on the number of kittens. X-rays can show the skeletal structure of kittens at 44 days, but do not take an x-ray unless absolutely necessary.

The animal's taste preferences may also change and mood swings will appear. After a month and a half, the belly will increase even more, the cat will walk slowly, waddling.

After 8 weeks, the animal will begin to look for a place to give birth (“nest”), show anxiety and nervousness, during the same period you will be able to feel the active movements of the kittens by simply placing your hand on the pet’s stomach. Milk will appear in the mammary glands in the 9th week, and the animal will move less and lie down more; if there are a lot of kittens, pregnancy usually goes faster.

Important! Cats can have from one to ten kittens at a time; the reproductive organs of these animals are arranged differently: the cat’s uterus is shaped like the letter Y, it is much shorter than the human uterus and looks like a pear. Embryos are evenly attached to the processes of the uterus after fertilization, so multiple pregnancies do not harm the animal.

How can you tell if your cat is about to give birth?

It's easy to recognize when labor is approaching.
The cat begins to worry and look for a nest; it brings rags, toys, and sometimes the owners’ belongings to the chosen place. Provide the animal with a dark, cozy corner where it will be completely safe. Before birth, the temperature drops to 37 degrees. A cat can become very affectionate, but some cats become overly irritable. The animal's appetite decreases. A day before giving birth, the cat constantly licks itself, at the same time the plug usually comes out (a thick mass of white-yellow color).

How long is the gestation period for certain breeds of cats?

• How long do British cats stay pregnant? A pregnant British cat walks as long as nature intended, this is from 63 to 70 days from mating with a cat. Moreover, the fewer kittens in the litter, the longer the term will be. There is also a hereditary factor; as long as a pregnant cat’s mother carried kittens, her daughter will probably walk for as long.

• How long do Scottish cats stay pregnant? Scottish cats usually carry kittens from sixty-two to sixty-seven days, but it is possible that she may go a little longer (maximum five days), there is nothing wrong with that. And so the pregnancy period for each cat is strictly individual. But kittens born before 60 days of pregnancy are usually not viable.

• How long do Persian cats stay pregnant? Persian cats bear offspring for 63 to 68 days. Also, the period may be different for each cat, it all depends on the characteristics of the animal’s body, on the cat’s heredity, and also on external factors.

Materials used: our own developments and colleagues from koti-koshki.ru, love-mother.ru

Pregnancy by week

Basic information about how pregnancy occurs in cats and how they behave throughout the entire gestation period.

Stages of pregnancy

The process of bearing kittens is divided into three stages, each of which lasts an average of three weeks.

Fertilization

How many days does a cat walk: examples for the first time and how long in time

Fertilization is the fusion of a sperm with an egg. In a cat, fertilization occurs as a result of successful mating. The result is the formation of a zygote - an embryo. The zygote actively divides for the first few days, and then attaches to the uterine mucosa. After implantation, the embryo actively divides. This period is very important for the proper formation of the fetus, since all the main vital systems of the kitten’s body are formed. At this time, the cat is already showing the first visual signs of pregnancy, and by day 21 an experienced doctor can determine the presence of babies by palpation.

Development

At the second stage, the active development of future kittens continues, tissues differentiate, and organs form. By the end of the fifth week, the fetus has fully formed body parts and reaches a size of 25-40 mm. The pet's appetite noticeably increases and she gains weight. The cat's belly grows and takes on a pear shape. At this time, she needs to be protected from stress, ensure that she does not jump from great heights, and create a pleasant psychological atmosphere. It is strictly forbidden to raise a hand to her.

Important! At this time, it is vital for the full development of the fetus to provide the expectant mother with all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and microelements.

Prenatal

At the final stage, the formation of the fetus is completed, the kitten’s body prepares for birth. The size reaches 60-90 mm, all organ systems begin to function, and hair forms. The naked eye can see the kittens moving in their stomachs. The cat's maternal instinct awakens. If there are children in the house, she prefers their company. In the last week before giving birth, the cat’s behavior changes: its appetite decreases, it becomes restless and irritable, and looks for a place in the house where it can safely calve.

Fetal development

To eliminate the possibility of childbirth in unsanitary conditions, it is better to temporarily isolate and close hard-to-reach places. It makes sense to arrange a separate place. A good option would be a chest of drawers or a cardboard box of impressive size, located in a dark and quiet place. At the bottom you need to lay woven material (an old sheet, a rug), which you won’t mind throwing away.

Length of pregnancy in different breeds

A cat carries kittens for 65 days, or approximately 9 weeks. But, these periods may be less or more, depending on the breed. There is a theory that the gestation period of kittens depends not on the breed, but on the length of the animal’s fur.

• Long-haired . According to studies, it was noticed that long-haired cats: Persians, Maine Coons, Siberians and others carry kittens for at least 61 days.
• Medium-haired . Cats with medium coat: British, Scottish, Siamese, Burmese, Munchkins bear kittens from 58-61 days.
• Short-haired . But in short-haired breeds, in particular: Orientals, Abyssinian, Don and Canadian Sphynxes, it was noticed that the cat carries kittens in her stomach for 55-58 days, and the kittens are born absolutely normal. There is only one explanation for this. The fact is that in many short-haired breeds, of which sphinxes are prominent representatives, metabolic processes in the body are much more intense. This is confirmed by a higher body temperature than other breeds (up to 38.5 degrees). Therefore, fetal development occurs faster than in medium-haired and long-haired representatives of the cat world.

It should be said that post-term kittens are more dangerous than premature birth. So, the risk of various violations increases. Premature kittens are born weaker and smaller, but intensive feeding by the mother quickly corrects the situation and after a few weeks, the kittens catch up with their brothers in development and become almost identical in size.

First pregnancy

Puberty of the female occurs on average at 7-8 months of life. In this case, the cat experiences gradually changing periods of the cycle.

1. The arousal stage corresponds to the period of maximum readiness of the animal for conception. Changes in the genital organs occur under the influence of gonadotropic hormones. In this case, the appearance of estrus is observed, which is characterized by swelling, edema and hyperemia of the vulva, and the release of mucus from the loop. Sexual arousal is accompanied by a change in the pet’s behavior - the cat becomes restless, active, and its appetite decreases. Next, the heat stage is formed, which is characterized by the female’s readiness to mate; at this moment she looks active and restless. Ovulation is the release of a mature follicle. This process in cats has its own peculiarity - the mechanism starts only after sexual intercourse after 1-2 days.
2. The period of inhibition indicates a decrease in sexual activity. At this moment, the cat’s estrus ends: the mucous membranes of the genital tract return to their normal state, and the secretion of mucous secretion stops.
3. The balancing period is characterized by the restoration of the cat's behavior and lack of attraction to males.

It is most favorable for the first pregnancy to occur at the age of more than a year, since the animal’s body reaches a mature state. Conceiving at a younger age can lead to pregnancy pathologies, complicated childbirth and diseases of the offspring. We recommend reading the article about a cat’s first birth.

Characteristic signs and “surprises” of the first cat pregnancy

The optimal age for a cat to become pregnant for the first time is over a year. The veterinarian can determine the special position of the purr by visual examination approximately 20 days after fertilization has occurred, when the kittens are no larger than the size of a peanut. Using an ultrasound, he will establish pregnancy in the second week.

But there are signs by which owners may also suspect that the cat is soon expecting an addition to the family. In the third week from conception, her nipples turn pink and enlarge, which is especially noticeable if this is her first pregnancy.

During the first 3-4 weeks, her activity noticeably decreases. She may have nausea and vomiting in the morning (due to hormonal changes and stretching of the uterus), but this will soon pass. Then the expectant mother will begin to sleep and eat more. She will become slower and will often be in a state of thoughtfulness. Her food preferences may change.

Around the sixth week, pregnancy will already become obvious, and at 7 weeks, if you put your palm on her tummy, you will be able to feel the kittens moving.

On a note! These pets often have non-simultaneous births of cubs, when several of them are born within one day, and the rest after 24 - 48 hours.

Is it possible to terminate a pregnancy?

Abortion has a negative impact on the reproductive function and health of the animal. Veterinarians recommend avoiding it. The least consequences are typical for surgical abortion with sterilization. It is carried out in the first 6 weeks after conception, but it is safer to do it in the first 2-3 weeks. During the operation, the animal's uterus and ovaries are removed.

Prescribing abortifacients on your own is dangerous, so always seek help from a veterinarian. In the presence of serious pathology, a natural abortion occurs, that is, the fetuses die on their own inside the womb. In this case, the veterinarian must ensure that all kittens have left the uterus.