When a cat is pregnant, it can be an exciting time for the owner. The personality of the cat changes and it may become more loving than usual. If you live in a two-story home, be aware that your kitty may want to sleep on the floor instead of on the bed with you. They may also like to sleep or hide away in closets and cupboards. Here are some tips on how to take care of a pregnant cat:
- Provide fresh water and food daily
- Keep your cat inside during her pregnancy period (unless she’s an outdoor cat)
- Take care not to scare your pet while playing; don’t chase them around the house!
Once the cat has given birth, there are a few additional things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the kittens have somewhere warm and dry to sleep. A cardboard box with a few blankets or towels in it is ideal.
- Feed them kitten food or milk replacer every two to four hours for the first week, then gradually transition to solid food over the next two weeks.
- Take your kitty and her new kittens to the vet for a checkup within one week of giving birth. The vet will give you advice on how often to bring them back for follow-up appointments.
How to Determine Whether Your Cat Is Pregnant
There are a few signs to look for if you’re not sure whether your cat is pregnant. A pregnant cat will usually start gaining weight a few weeks into the pregnancy, and her nipples will become larger and more pinkish in colour. You may also be able to feel the kittens inside her tummy. It’s advisable to talk with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns.
A pregnant cat will also eat more and may experience morning sickness.’ Your cat’s stomach will begin to enlarge at five weeks and will continue to swell until she gives birth. You may notice a significant shift in behaviour. She may suddenly become too loving and ready to spend time with you.
Now that we know how to take care of our momma cat while she’s pregnant, let’s take a look at what to expect after birth. Kittens will typically nurse for four to six weeks, and it’s important to keep an eye on their health during this time. They should gain weight steadily and have no problems nursing. If you’re concerned about something, don’t hesitate to bring them in for a checkup.
In addition, in Your Pregnant Cat’s Environment, make sure she has a warm place to sleep – preferably not in direct sunlight or near drafts. A cardboard box with enough soft blankets is ideal. And finally, be sure to feed them kitten formula or milk replacer every two to four hours for the first-week post-birth, then gradually transition them over to solid food over the next two weeks.
What Should You Feed Your Pregnant Cat?
While pregnant, your cat should continue to eat the same food she’s been eating. However, you may want to provide her with more water than usual. Once the kittens are born, you can start feeding them kitten formula or milk replacer every two to four hours for the first-week post-birth.
Gradually transition them over to solid food over the next two weeks. Consult your veterinarian if you have any questions concerning what and how much good nutrition to feed your cat and her newborn kittens.
Pregnant cats need plenty of rest – just like us! So make sure she has a comfortable place to sleep during her pregnancy period. A cardboard box lined with soft blankets is ideal. And remember to keep an eye on her while playing; don’t chase her around the house! That can be scary and cause your cat to have premature labour.
Looking After Your Pregnant Cat
You’ll want to keep your cat active during her pregnancy to make sure she’s ready to give birth. If you have been tracking your cat’s pregnancy, be careful not to frighten her. Do not flop about violently or make loud noises. Just like us, pregnant cats can become anxious and stressed out.
Before you begin caring for a pregnant cat, you need to confirm that the cat is indeed pregnant. While humans may do easy urine or blood tests at home to establish a pregnancy, cats do not have this option.
If you don’t provide her with enough food and water, she could develop anaemia. Make sure she gets plenty of fresh water and nutrients on a daily basis. Consult your veterinarian if your cat loses interest in her meals.
Prepare Your Mother Cat to Give Birth
A pregnant cat will usually start giving kitten birth around 63 days after conception. Every cat is unique, therefore it’s wise to be prepared for everything.
Make sure your cat has a safe and secluded place to give birth, such as a quiet and dark room, don’t be startled if your pregnant cat chooses to have her kittens somewhere else than the nest you’ve prepared for her.
That action from your cat is perfectly normal and safe, so let her do what she wants to do to save her kittens. Most cats rather like to be alone before giving birth. Besides, you may also want to put down some newspapers or towels on the floor so she can easily clean up after the kittens are born.
Because your pregnant cat will require more calories to nourish her kittens, the general idea may be to increase the amount of food intake you offer her as your pregnant cat nears her term. Moreover, water is also required for your cat’s health, so keep the water bowl always full of clean and fresh water.
If you have other animals in your home, keep them at a safe distance from the birthing area. They may become curious and try to investigate, which could cause the mother cat to become agitated and potentially kill her kittens.
It would be better if you provide your kitty with a box ” Nest ” where she is going to give birth. The Box must be vast enough for your cat to look after her kittens with ease, and her litter can be fit in easily. Put a heating pad under one half of the box and set it to low. This will help keep the kittens warm after they are born.
What If a Kitten Remains in the Birth Canal?
If a kitten is born and appears to be stuck in the birth canal, don’t panic. This situation is common and usually resolves itself with time. Don’t try to pull the kitten out – you could damage it or the mother cat. Instead, gently pour warm water over the kitten’s body (making sure its head and neck are clear) until it slides free. If the kitten isn’t breathing, start performing CPR immediately.
Once all of the kittens have been born, you will want to check each one for abnormalities and signs of life. Kittens that aren’t breathing should be given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Give each kitten a name so you can keep track of them as they grow up!
What Kitten Food Is Good for Kittens?
Raw meat, fish, and eggs are not good for kittens because they can carry bacteria. You should never feed your kitten anything that has been cooked, as it may contain harmful chemicals or preservatives that could harm their digestive system. If you have no choice but to give your cat raw food, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned before serving – even then we recommend only giving them a small amount of this type of food first so they do not get sick from eating too much at once!
Go for a Regular Checkup for Your Cat and Her Kittens
Just like human babies, kittens need to go for regular checkups with the veterinarian. This will guarantee that they are healthy and developing properly, and ensure there are no health problems. And also it is good to have your cat examined by the vet.
The best time to take your cat in for her first kitten checkup is when she’s two weeks old. Be sure to bring along the nursing mother and her kittens’ food and water dishes, as well as a litter box. The veterinarian will also want to see the placentas from each kitten’s birth.
How to Recover Your Cat After Giving Birth
After giving birth, your cat will probably be feeling a little tired and sore. She may also be a little hesitant to leave her kittens for a very long. Make sure she has plenty of food and water available, as well as a comfortable place to sleep. You can also put down some newspapers or towels on the floor so she can easily clean up after the kittens are born.
If your cat had an unintentional pregnancy, the post-natal visit is an excellent opportunity to talk about getting your cat spayed to avoid any further surprise droppings.
Your cat should start recovering within a few days after giving birth. But if she doesn’t seem like herself after seven to ten days, take her to the veterinarian for a checkup.
Conclusion
Pregnant cats should be given a diet of wet food and fresh water. They may need more frequent vet visits to make sure their health is being monitored. It’s important for pregnant cat owners to understand the risks involved in owning a pregnant cat, but also how rewarding it can be when they have kittens!
It is important that you keep the litter clean and change it often. If your cat pees or poops outside the box, then you need to thoroughly wash its paws with soap and water. You also want to brush them regularly so they can feel more comfortable during this time in their life.
The most difficult part for me was when she started getting moody around her due date because she just wanted us out of the house all day long! Despite everything, we managed through together as a family-me included!
Have you had any experience with having a pregnant cat? What tips would you give someone who wants to own one? We would like to hear from you, so let us know in the comment box.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Q. What should a pregnant cat not do?
Ans: A pregnant cat should not be chased around the house, as this may cause her to have premature labour. She should also not be exposed to loud noises or sudden movements. Pregnant cats need plenty of rest – just like us! So make sure she has a comfortable place to sleep during her pregnancy period.
Q. What kind of food should I give my pregnant cat?
Ans: Pregnant cats need plenty of protein, so make sure she has plenty of fresh meat in their diet. You can also give her a vitamin supplement to make sure she’s getting all the nutrients she needs.
Q. How can I protect my pregnant cat?
Ans: You can protect your pregnant cat by keeping her away from other animals in the home. You should also make sure she has a comfortable place to give birth and plenty of food and water available. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your veterinarian. Pregnant cats need a lot of TLC – just like human moms-to-be! Make sure you provide her with a safe and comfortable environment around the house and keep an eye on her diet and overall health. And if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.
Q. Do cats have periods?
Ans: Cats do not have periods in the same way that humans do. Female cats will go into heat and cycle through estrus – or “heat” – several times a year. This is when they’re most likely to get pregnant.
Q. How long is a cat pregnant?
Ans: A cat is pregnant for approximately nine weeks.
Q. What are the symptoms of a pregnant cat?
Ans: The most common symptoms of a pregnant cat are an increase in appetite and weight and lactation. If you think your cat may be pregnant, consult your veterinarian for confirmation.
Q. Can you tell if a cat is pregnant by feeling her stomach?
Ans: It’s usually difficult to tell if a cat is pregnant just by feeling her stomach. The only way to know for sure is to take her to the veterinarian for an ultrasound.
Q. How many kittens will a pregnant cat have?
Ans: Most female cats will give birth to between one and six kittens, though some may have up to twelve. Kittens will be born approximately 63 days after conception.
Q. Do male cats help with the birthing process?
Ans: Male cats do not typically help with the birthing process. In fact, they can actually be a hindrance, as they may try to investigate and cause the mother cat to become agitated. It’s best to keep all other pets away from the birthing area.