Cat Pregnancy in Healthy Cats

"Can you tell me the basics
about cat pregnancy?"

Should I Allow My Cat to Get Pregnant?

Cat pregnancy is a normal part of a cat's life. However, it is best to have your cat spayed (and have your male cats neutered) so that we can decrease the number of homeless cats in the world.

Many people believe that it is best for their female cat's health to experience at least one cat pregnancy. Veterinary research does not support this belief.

Cats live a very healthy and happy life without ever giving birth to kittens.

However, if you have decided to allow your cat to become pregnant or you find yourself caring for a pregnant cat, here is some information you will want to have.

How Can I Tell if My Cat is Pregnant?

During the early stages (about the first two weeks), you won't be able to notice any differences in your cat. At about the third week, you may be able to notice some symptoms.

Feline gestation is about 63 days, although it can vary from 59 to 71 days.

If you think your cat may be pregnant and you are not sure, see cat pregnancy symptoms for a timeline and a list of signs that your cat is pregnant.

Cat Health During Pregnancy

Pregnant cats are not sick cats. Pregnancy is not an illness. It's a normal phase of a cat's life.

If it's your feline's first pregnancy, she may be a little nervous already. If you start to worry or treat her differently, she will pick up on your anxiety and this will make her more nervous and may affect her health.

Caring for Your Pregnant Feline

During the early stages of pregnancy, caring for your cat will be no different than usual, although you may want to add a pregnancy supplement to your cat's diet.

During the later stages, you will want to take extra precautions to make sure that your cat's pregnancy diet needs are met, and that her exercise and cat grooming needs are met.

You'll also want to keep your cat indoors during the later stages of pregnancy so that she does not choose an outside location to give birth to her kittens.

See How to Take Care of Your Pregnant Cat for more information.

Cat Pregnancy and Birth

During the later stages of her pregnancy, your cat will start to look for a location to give birth to her kittens.

You can help your cat and her kittens' health by providing the ideal location for her to give birth. At the minimum, indoors is the safest place to give birth.

Ideally, (and to protect things like your favorite sweater drawer!) you can make a "kittening box" for your cat and place it in a warm and draft-free location in your house within sight and sound of household activities.

Related Articles:

Do you know how to care for a pregnant cat? - Here's what you need to know to help your feline friend.

Cat Pregnancy and Birth - Preparing for your cat to give birth.