Cat pregnancy is both an exciting and stressful time, from confirming the pregnancy and ensuring your cat is in good health to creating a comfortable space for giving birth and ensuring your cat and her kittens are thriving. At Calusa Veterinary Center, we work extremely hard to provide factual information you can trust. We’ve taken FAQs about cat pregnancy and answered them here as thoroughly as possible to ensure you have the facts.
If you’re looking for a highly trained veterinarian in Boca Raton, FL, we’d love to see your cat for a thorough exam either before pregnancy or as soon as you suspect it, so please call us at (561) 786-1100.
What is the most important thing to know if your cat is pregnant?
On the most basic level, the most important thing to know is when your cat is pregnant. While cat pregnancy can go undetected for several weeks, knowing your cat is pregnant might affect some decisions you make in terms of their safety and health. It’s also critical to know that your cat is in good health and will be able to successfully carry a litter.
How soon should you bring your cat to see a veterinarian if you suspect they’re pregnant?
You should bring your cat in to see your veterinarian sooner rather than later for a complete wellness exam. Your veterinarian will want to confirm that your cat is in perfect health and can carry the litter safely, including checking for worms to ensure that’s not an issue during the pregnancy. If they discover worms, your veterinarian will want to go through the deworming process before your cat gets further along.
What are some signs of pregnancy in a cat?
While cats don’t necessarily “show” in the very early stages, you will notice signs of pregnancy around the third or fourth week. The cat gestation period is typically only 63-67 days, so they’ll already be quite far along by the time you notice visible signs.
Signs of cat pregnancy include:
- Swollen belly
- Enlarged and/or darkened mammary glands
- Change in temperament
- Heat cycle change
- Increased appetite later in pregnancy
- Weight gain of approximately 2-4 pounds
- Tiredness and increased sleep
- Nesting behavior, including seeking a quiet space to have their litter
Hill’s Pet Nutrition offers additional insight into common signs of cat pregnancy and how to care for your pregnant cat.
How will a veterinarian determine if your cat is pregnant?
Unfortunately, a dependable pregnancy blood test for cats doesn’t currently exist. In the absence of a blood test, your veterinarian can confirm pregnancy in a few ways.
Methods for confirming cat pregnancy include:
- Palpation of the abdomen by a veterinarian
- X-ray after the 50th day of a suspected pregnancy, when the fetal bones become detectable on an x-ray
- Ultrasound, if x-ray and palpation are both inconclusive
What can people do at home to prepare for their cat's labor?
Maternal instinct will handle almost everything related to your cat’s pregnancy. The first thing you’ll need to provide is a safe, quiet, isolated, and comfortable space— otherwise known as a whelping box—for your cat to give birth. This can be any rarely used space in your home, such as a closet, cardboard box, or spare bathroom. Location doesn’t matter as long as it is a dark and quiet area where your cat feels comfortable hiding to deliver the kittens.
How can you help your cat recover after giving birth?
Maternal instinct takes over once again after your cat gives birth. However, be sure to look for signs that your cat and her kittens are doing well, including your cat eating and drinking, the kittens nursing on a frequent schedule of every 1-2 hours, and that the mother is helping the kittens to eliminate. For the most part, you can let nature take its course but keep a watchful eye in case your cat or one of the kittens isn’t doing well.
Will my cat naturally know how to take care of the kittens?
Your cat will instinctively know how to care for her litter, with very few exceptions. When they go through the birthing experience, the hormone release triggers their instincts, and they begin the mothering process independently.
If you live in or near Boca Raton, FL, and are looking for pet care, contact us at (561) 786-1100 to set an appointment. You can also email us at customerservice@cvcboca.com. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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