Cat Pregnancy: Signs, Symptoms & What to Expect

Cats can become pregnant as soon as they achieve their intimacy maturity and begin their heat cycles. This typically begins at 5-6 months of age, but kittens as young as 3 or 4 months old have been observed to start their heat cycles. Female cats that have reached their intimate maturity are called "queens."

Heat cycles occur eveawcats can have many litters every season if permitted. Fertility normally declines at the age of 8, but the only way to ensure that a cat does not become pregnant is to get her spayed.

Cat pregnancy can be divided into three trimesters, each spanning approximately three weeks. The whole process typically lasts about 63 to 65 days.

First Trimester

It covers the initial three weeks and begins with fertilization. After mating, the sperm fertilizes the eggs in the fallopian tubes, and these fertilized eggs then travel to the uterus, where they implant themselves in the uterine lining and start developing into embryos. 

During this period, the queen (pregnant cat) may show subtle signs of pregnancy.

Second Trimester

It spans weeks from four to six and marks significant fetal development. During this stage, the major organs and structures of the kittens form, including the heart, brain, and spine. 

The queen’s appetite typically increases to support the growing kittens, and she will begin to gain weight steadily. Her abdomen becomes noticeably larger, particularly by the end of the second trimester.  

Third Trimester

From weeks seven to nine, the kittens experience rapid growth. They grow significantly in size, and their movements can be felt through the queen’s abdomen. During this period, the kittens' organs mature, and they develop fur, whiskers, and claws. 

The Queen's mammary glands have become more prominent in preparation for nursing, and she begins to produce colostrum, the first milk that is rich in antibodies crucial to the kittens' immune system.

Detecting pregnancy in cats can be difficult in the first two trimesters. The first noticeable sign of a cat's pregnancy may be nipple alterations around 16-20 days into the pregnancy, known as "pinking up." This is where a queen's nipples turn pinker and more visible. Cats in the first two trimesters are typically more sociable and docile than usual.

In the last 20 or so days of pregnancy, abdominal and mammary growth has become more visible. Cats may spend more time grooming their tummy and the area under their tail. They will typically look for ideal places to "nest."

During pregnancy, a cat undergoes various physical and behavioral changes. These changes are essential for the health and development of the kittens and prepare the mother for childbirth and motherhood.

Let us look at those changes during the gestation period for Cat.

Behavioral Changes

Increased Affection or Aggression

Hormonal changes can cause shifts in behavior. Some pregnant cats become more affectionate, seeking extra attention and cuddling from their owners. Conversely, others might become more irritable or aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or stressed.

Nesting Behavior

Nesting is a strong instinct in pregnant cats. They will look for warm, quiet, and safe places while giving birth. A comfortable nesting box lined with soft blankets or towels can help fulfill this need and make the cat feel secure.

Changes in Appetite

During the first few weeks, some cats might experience decreased appetite due to hormonal changes and morning sickness. However, as pregnancy progresses, their appetite usually increases to meet the nutritional demands of the growing kittens. It’s crucial to provide high-quality, nutrient-rich food formulated for pregnant or nursing cats.

Physical Changes

• Heat cycles cease: This may be the first sign you notice a cat's pregnancy.
• Nipples swell and become rosier in color: Breeders call this "pinking-up," and it may be the first visual sign you will see in a pregnant cat. 
• Enlarged abdomen: Sometime around the fifth week of pregnancy, a pregnant cat's abdomen will start to swell noticeably. 

Pregnant cats have a few special requirements when it comes to general health care.

Nutrition

Pregnant cats require a high-calorie diet to ensure the development of healthy offspring. To guarantee proper nutrition, offer a commercial cat diet labeled for pregnancy and breastfeeding or kittens (growth). Royal Canin's Mother & Baby Cat dry and wet food are both suitable for pregnant cats.

Mother cats should be switched to this high-calorie diet at the end of the first month of pregnancy and fed the same food until weaning, when kittens stop nursing.

Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary check-ups are vital to monitor the health of the queen and her kittens:

• Initial Visit: Schedule a veterinary visit as soon as you suspect pregnancy to confirm and establish a care plan.
• Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups throughout the pregnancy to monitor the Queen's health and address any concerns.
• Vaccination and Deworming: Ensure the queen is up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming, as advised by the veterinarian.

Feline pregnancy can sometimes lead to health issues:

• Infections: Infections such as feline herpesvirus or bacterial infections can affect the queen and her kittens.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition can lead to deficiencies that impact the queen's health and the development of the kittens.
• Preterm Labor: Stress and health issues can sometimes trigger premature labor.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage, or spontaneous abortion, can occur due to various reasons, including infections, genetic abnormalities, or trauma. Signs of miscarriage may include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Veterinary attention is crucial if a miscarriage is suspected.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy, where an embryo implants outside the uterus, is rare in cats and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include abdominal pain, lethargy, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Immediate veterinary intervention is required.

As the due date approaches, prepare a birthing area. This should be a quiet, warm, and safe space where the cat can give birth comfortably. The nesting box should be easily accessible but away from high-traffic areas and potential stressors.

Monitor the cat for signs of labor, such as restlessness, nesting behavior, and a drop in body temperature. When labor begins, it’s usually best to observe from a distance unless intervention is needed. Most cats can handle the birthing process independently but be ready to contact a vet if complications arise.

Labor in cats is divided into three stages. Understanding these stages helps ensure that the queen receives proper care and support throughout her pregnancy, leading to a successful birth and healthy kittens.

Stage One: Uterine contractions begin, and the cervix dilates. The stage can last from 12 to 24 hours, during which the queen may appear restless and vocal.

Stage Two: This stage involves the delivery of the kittens. Each kitten is typically born within 15 to 60 minutes of each other, though longer intervals can occur. The queen will clean the kittens and sever the umbilical cords.

Stage Three: The final stage is the cats delivery of the placentas. Each kitten is born with its placenta, which the queen will expel after the birth of each kitten.

After all kittens have been born, make sure they are dry and that their noses and mouths are clean. To keep the kittens dry and warm, remove any soiled linen from the nesting box if possible without upsetting the new family.

Ideally, the temperature in the nesting box should remain between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week. Healthy kittens typically require minimal assistance in finding their first meal. Check with your cat to ensure she is enabling normal nursing practices. If you are concerned that your cat is rejecting her kittens, have her checked by your veterinarian.