Waiting for kittens - how long do pregnant cats walk, early signs of pregnancy, assistance during childbirth

There is a misconception that all cats easily bear kittens and give birth without outside help. However, purebred pets often require assistance both during gestation and at the birth stage.

Let's find out how a cat's pregnancy should proceed, what symptoms are a reason to see a doctor, and how a responsible owner should prepare for childbirth.

How long does pregnancy last in cats?

Pregnancy in cats can last from 63 to 67 days. These are average indicators, which are influenced by breed characteristics, number of kittens and other factors. Thus, long-haired breeds usually bear offspring for 10 weeks, and short-haired breeds - 9.

For each breed, the average duration of pregnancy is determined.

The average cat bears kittens for 65–70 days. These values ​​are influenced by the quality of life, the animal’s nutrition, the presence of stress and physical health. Up to three pregnancies are possible per year, but such a frequency of births greatly depletes the body.

For this reason, yard cats cannot boast of their longevity. And it is customary to breed purebreds no more than 3 times every two years.

Important! If the animal does not have breeding value and there are no plans to produce offspring, it is better to carry out sterilization. The optimal age for the procedure is 7–8 months.

Maximum delay in labor

Cats carry kittens for about 2 months. If we take into account the average, a normal pregnancy lasts up to 72 days. If labor has not begun by this time, you should contact a veterinarian. Long term carrying of kittens is dangerous for both newborns and the cat.

Premature birth is no less risky. Kittens born on the 58th day of pregnancy or earlier are considered premature. They are weak and in most cases doomed to death.

Important! If a cat does not have a suitable birthing area, she may abort the contractions and pause labor.

Mr. Cat explains: why are multiple kittens born?

A cat carries several babies at once. Five or six individuals is not something surprising. This is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the reproductive system.

A cat's uterus resembles the letter “U”. It has a base and two processes connected by the fallopian tube, which are longer than the reproductive organ. During conception, the eggs are transported to the uterus and attached to them. The area of ​​the shoots is wider, so more offspring are born.
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Preparing cats for pregnancy

Planning pregnancy is the first and important step on the path to getting healthy offspring. First, anthelmintic treatment is carried out, and then comprehensive vaccination against viral diseases (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calcivirus infection).

It is advisable for owners of a purebred animal to check their pet for genetic diseases to which a particular breed is prone. And to be completely sure that both animals are healthy, tests are carried out for coronavirus, immunodeficiency virus, herpes virus and other infections. Otherwise, infection can lead to a pathological course of pregnancy or cause physical abnormalities in kittens.

Late signs of pregnancy detection

More precisely, it is possible to say whether conception has occurred in about three weeks. The following symptoms will help you understand:

• You can use palpation to determine the presence of embryos in the tummy. Pressure must be done very carefully so as not to harm the babies. Too harsh an examination can cause a miscarriage.
• The mammary glands and nipples become swollen and acquire a brighter color.
• There is a sharp increase in appetite, and variability in the perception of foods may occur. Previously consumed food may be rejected, and interest in previously unloved food may appear.
• At 3-5 weeks, the tummy becomes rounded.
• When they reach 6 weeks, the kittens can be palpated.
• At 7-8 weeks, it is possible to notice the movement of the babies, feel the heartbeat, and identify the head and body.

Nuances and possible complications

During pregnancy, cats can experience complications that can be caused by infections, genetic diseases, and even external factors. The life and health of your pet will depend on timely detection of the problem and contacting a doctor.

False pregnancy

If the mating was not successful, or the embryos did not attach to the uterus, a false pregnancy may occur. In this condition, the cat appears all the signs of pregnancy: reddening of the nipples, increased appetite and body weight, drowsiness and search for a secluded place. But at the appointed time there will be no labor activity, as well as fetal movement.

It is impossible to independently determine whether a cat is pregnant or a false pregnancy has occurred. This is the task of a veterinarian. Only an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity or its palpation can clarify the situation.

Most often, false pregnancy is provoked by the following factors:

• overweight cat;
• mating with a castrated or too young cat;
• hereditary predisposition (the Oriental breed, Cornish Rex and Sphynx are prone to it);
• close proximity to pregnant cats;
• severe stressful situations.

False pregnancy is dangerous if it is characterized by a long course or occurs several matings in a row. The condition leads to depletion of the body and can provoke mastitis, pyometra and other dangerous diseases.

Preventive measures will help prevent its occurrence:

• proper and balanced diet;
• calm atmosphere in the house;
• early diagnosis by a veterinarian;
• mating with a healthy, proven cat.

To stop this pathological process, the doctor may prescribe sedatives, as well as drugs to stop the production of cat milk.

Frozen pregnancy

Sometimes a cat may experience a frozen pregnancy. Stopping embryo development occurs for a number of reasons:

• unsuccessful previous pregnancies;
• hormonal imbalances;
• some infectious diseases;
• pathologies of uterine development.

Such changes lead to the death of one or more embryos. Consulting a veterinarian will allow you to assess the situation and prevent dangerous consequences. After all, if left in the womb for a long time, a frozen fetus can begin to rot, infect healthy fruits and harm the cat itself.

In this situation, the doctor will help you make the right decision: wait for a natural birth so that the embryo comes out with healthy kittens, or begin to immediately stimulate labor. If all the embryos freeze, a miscarriage occurs.

Important! Ultrasound examination will allow you to determine if a cat is pregnant or find out about the pathology of the fetus. This procedure also determines the kittens' heartbeat and their rate of development.

Superfetation

An unusual phenomenon in cats is parallel pregnancy or superfetation. This term implies the conception and gestation of two broods at different stages of maturation. The process is observed if the cat is bred again when she is already pregnant. In this case, embryos develop in the uterus with a significant difference in time. The gestational age usually does not increase.

Superfetation most often ends in the death of late fruits. When labor occurs, they are pushed out. It is much less common for cats to give birth twice when the remaining kittens are successfully carried to term. When diagnosing a parallel pregnancy, it is recommended that the birth be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. This can increase the chances of survival of the younger litter.

What are the dangers of early pregnancy in cats?

The first heat indicates the cat's readiness to become pregnant. This process is individual for each cat and can occur from 6 to 11 months. However, its appearance is not a reason to plan a mating.

Experts tend to believe that it is better to introduce a cat for the first time no earlier than a year. By this time, the animal’s body will be fully strengthened and will be able to bear healthy offspring. And in teenage cats, pathologies of fetal development are often observed.

What age is most favorable for offspring?

A pet can become pregnant for the first time at the age of 6 months, she has her first estrus, and is ready to reproduce. But veterinarians advise not to allow mating at this time, because she is not psychologically ready to become a mother; in fact, she is still a teenager. Early birth can bring health complications; kittens are usually weak, painful, and sometimes incapable of life. Experienced cat breeders recommend waiting for the second or even third heat.

Features of the first pregnancy

During the first pregnancy, special care, feeding and maintenance of the cat are required. There are certain recommendations for this period:

1. With natural nutrition, a complex of vitamin and mineral supplements is introduced into the diet.
2. When feeding dry food, preference is given to the line for kittens or pregnant cats.
3. By the 6th week of pregnancy, the frequency of feedings increases. In total, 4–5 appointments are carried out per day.
4. Regularly weighing your pet will help prevent overfeeding. But it can lead to a difficult birth.

Birth of kittens

Around day 58 of pregnancy, begin checking your cat's temperature with a rectal thermometer twice daily. The normal temperature of cats ranges from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. Once the temperature drops by about two degrees, labor usually begins within 24 hours. Your cat may also stop eating 24 hours before giving birth.

Prepare for the birth of kittens by putting together a cardboard box lined with blankets or newspapers for your cat to give birth in, and setting up a nest for her and the kittens. Place the box in a quiet area of ​​the house where the cat has easy access. When she's ready, let her go to the crate and watch her labor, which usually lasts about six hours. Do not disturb or move her during this time.

Cat pregnancy calendar by week

On average, a domestic cat gives birth 61–67 days after mating. The minimum period is 56 days, the maximum is 72 days. You can understand that a cat is pregnant after the third week. To do this, you should know what signs are inherent in each stage of fruit development.

1–3 week

Pregnancy in cats at this stage can only be determined using ultrasound. The study will also show how much fruit she bears. External signs appear towards the end of this period.

4–6 weeks

At the beginning of the fourth week, redness and swelling of the nipples will occur, and vomiting may occur. These are the main signs of pregnancy in a cat. From week 5, appetite increases. Animals become more affectionate and more demanding of attention from their owners. By week 6, the belly increases slightly.

7–9 weeks

From the 7th week, fetal movement can be felt. This sign is especially noticeable in short-haired breeds. The kittens in the belly begin to grow quickly, which affects its size. Now pregnancy is noticeable even to the naked eye. With the onset of the 9th week, it is recommended to prepare a secluded place for the pet to give birth and wait for the symptoms of its approach.

Can pregnancy occur without being in heat?

The issue of pregnancy without an animal in heat worries a considerable number of owners. A cat allows a cat to approach her during the period of estrus; the most suitable time is the 3-4th day of this period. It is best to take the female to the meeting in the first days, as the couple needs time to agree.

Typically, a female who is not in heat will not allow a cat to approach her, but there are exceptions that the owner of different-sex pets should remember. Firstly, the cat will feel the onset of this period before the person. Secondly, if mating does occur, pregnancy may occur in a non-pregnant cat.

Caring for a pregnant cat

During pregnancy, a cat's body is exposed to great stress. During this period, the animal especially needs proper nutrition, care and attention.

Features of feeding

If your pet's diet consists of industrial food, then for the period of gestation of kittens it is recommended to choose brands of at least super-premium class. Growing embryos and the mother's body need food rich in vitamins and minerals. These requirements are met by lines for kittens, pregnant and lactating cats.

With natural nutrition, the diet includes:

• boiled veal;
• meat broth;
• boiled sea fish;
• buckwheat, oatmeal and rice porridge;
• fruits and vegetables;
• boiled cartilage;
• chicken eggs;
• sour cream, cream, yogurt and other dairy products.

The cat is fed up to 5 times a day. And from the second month, the daily norm increases by 1.5–2 times. Despite the fact that the diet will consist of the right foods, this is not enough for the expectant mother and her offspring. Therefore, during pregnancy, a complex of vitamin and mineral supplements is additionally introduced.

Is it possible to get vaccinated?

The protection period of complex vaccines lasts up to a year. If you are about to breed a cat that has completed this period, or has no vaccination at all, you need to take care of it in advance. Vaccination is allowed one month before the expected date of mating.

Important! Administration of the vaccine to a pregnant cat can lead to miscarriage or pathologies in newborn kittens.

Is it possible to give medications?

The question of whether it is possible to give a pregnant cat medications and which ones should be decided by a veterinarian. Even if the instructions for the drug allow its use, the final word remains with the specialist. A specific decision is made based on practical experience and an assessment of the pet’s condition.

If you have doubts about the correctness of the prescribed medication, you can always consult another veterinarian and draw the right conclusion based on several opinions.

Is it possible to pick up a cat?

Pregnant cats walk for two months, and throughout this period they need affection and attention from their owners. It is simply necessary to pick up your pet, but you need to do it carefully. Squeezing the stomach, causing discomfort to the animal, or throwing it is strictly prohibited.

Waiting for offspring

The period of gestation of kittens is marked by several important stages.

The formation of embryos up to 1 cm in size occurs during the first three weeks from the moment the cat is fertilized. This internal process does not in any way affect the appearance of the animal. But this particular period is marked by changes in the pet’s behavior and a decrease in her appetite.

Over the next two weeks, the cubs grow to 4-6 cm. At this time, their bodies begin to be covered with tiny hairs. The cat's belly increases significantly, acquiring a pear-shaped outline, and by the 5th week it becomes noticeably thicker. The cat waddles, with swollen sides, and one gets the impression that the babies in her womb are a little cramped. However, if the kitty bears no more than two cubs, her belly does not increase too noticeably. During this period, an ultrasound examination will give an accurate conclusion regarding the number of kittens. You should not independently determine the number of offspring by palpating the cat’s tummy. This is dangerous for both babies and their mother.

From the seventh to the ninth week of the “interesting situation” the cat experiences the most crucial period. The intrauterine development of her cubs is completed, the weight of each of them reaches an average of 100 g, length - up to 8 cm. The bodies of the kittens are abundantly covered with fur. They are active, constantly moving, which is why the sides of the expectant mother move noticeably. It becomes obvious that the cat is experiencing discomfort due to a heavy belly. She tries to lie down longer, runs to the toilet more often, does not show increased interest in food, rejecting even her favorite treats. A week before giving birth, she begins to slightly release immature milk (colostrum), which dries out in the nipple area.

About 3-5 days before the kittens are born, the kitty begins to show obvious anxiety, looking for a secluded corner where she could “make” a cozy nest. Owners can help their pet solve this important issue by purchasing or making a soft, comfortable bed that can accommodate the entire cat family. On the eve of childbirth, the kitty begins to actively lick itself, its pulse quickens, and trembling occurs. She follows her owners around, not wanting to be left alone. At such times, she especially needs affection and attention, friendly instructions. Household members should not show nervousness, as negative emotions will only increase the animal’s anxiety.

Gestation of kittens ends with birth. The process can take from several hours to a day. If during this period the cat was unable to lamb on its own, the help of a veterinarian will be required. Difficulties during childbirth are often caused by the fact that the owners fed the pregnant animal, which is why the kittens turned out to be too large.

Preparing for childbirth

Responsible owners begin to prepare the cat even before mating. This applies to a balanced diet, medical examination, deworming and vaccination.

Healthy activity of the pet is the key to a favorable pregnancy. But in recent weeks it is worth protecting her from jumping on tables, cabinets and other high objects. If the landing is unsuccessful, the cat may hit its stomach and harm the kittens.

If the pet is giving birth for the first time, it is better for the owners to make an agreement with the veterinary clinic in advance. This is necessary to receive round-the-clock counseling and emergency medical assistance if necessary.

Place for birth

The cat gives birth in two months, and a week before the upcoming event she is in search of a secluded place. A good option is an exhibition tent or a special maternity complex. If there are none, a spacious bed, a drawer, or even a large box will do.

The main conditions are sterile cleanliness, absence of drafts, warmth and a calm atmosphere.

The preparation of the site must be taken responsibly. Otherwise, when the due date approaches, the cat will rush restlessly around the house. And after the end of labor, dragging the kittens is possible.

About the number of kittens

There can be from 1 to 6 of them in one litter. It all depends on the characteristics of the cat’s body, its strength, and genetics. These animals have a two-horned uterus. Fertilized eggs move through the horns and attach to the walls. The birth of more than 6 kittens is rare. Typically, a pet's very first litter contains one to three kittens. And aging cats are not very fertile. Having reached old age, they stop giving birth. Although there are known cases of offspring appearing in cats up to 12 years of age. Of course, health will no longer be different. By the way, in old age cats can experience maternal feelings towards other kittens. Most likely, this is the grandmother's instinct.

Very often in one litter all babies can be of different colors. This is due to the mother’s individual preferences, her temperament, and tastes. For example, if a lady loves black cats, then her offspring will almost always be the same color. And when a cat mates with different males for several hours, her children will be multi-colored. After all, fathers are different!

What can affect the length of pregnancy?

The duration of gestation of kittens may vary depending on the following factors:

• Kitty weights. If she is obese or underweight, she may carry offspring a little longer or shorter than standard terms.
• Age. First-time cats that become pregnant before 10 months often experience difficulty giving birth. They sometimes experience pathologies during pregnancy.
• Hormonal background.
• The presence of infectious diseases. If the expectant mother has an infection, the babies may be premature and there is a high risk of miscarriage.
• Weather conditions.