The cat, from the age of 4-6 months, can become pregnant up to twice a year. After several weeks, a litter of kittens is born that can be quite large, up to 13 furry ones. These are adorable, very cuddly and sweet, so much so that it is inevitable to feel a lot of affection for them.
But do you know the gestation period for cats and what happens at each stage of pregnancy, from heat to birth and postpartum? If you want to learn more about feline pregnancy, keep reading.
When you have a cat, you might consider letting her have kittens, which can be a good decision as long as those kittens have a safe home before they're born . Why? Because finding homes for them isn't easy, since not everyone likes cats. Furthermore, for everything to go smoothly, it's important to choose the families carefully, putting them through a screening process to ensure that the kitten will truly end up in good hands.
Once this is done, then we can look for a mate for our cat. If she's a purebred, it's very important to learn about the breed's characteristics , breed standard, history, and common health issues. All this information can be provided by the breeder and the veterinarian, who can also advise you on planning litters to avoid over-breeding the cat.
Reproductive cycle of the cat and time of heat
Female cats are seasonally polyestrous , meaning they experience multiple heat cycles during their reproductive season, which typically coincides with the months of longer daylight hours. This means that if a cat is not spayed and has access to males, the chances of pregnancy are very high.
The reproductive cycle is divided into several phases with very characteristic behaviors:
- proestrus (1-3 days): The cat is more affectionate, rubs against people and objects, meows more frequently, and may mark with urine, but still does not accept the mount.
- Estrus or heat (3-9 days): This is the fertile phase. Meowing intensifies, she adopts the typical mounting posture (raising her pelvis and tail), she is very receptive to males, and if mounting occurs, ovulation is induced almost immediately, with a very high probability of pregnancy.
- InterestIf there is no mating or pregnancy, the cat enters a short rest period (8-15 days) before going into heat again.
- Right handedThis can occur if the cat ovulates but does not become pregnant, with a rest period of up to 45 days.
- Anestrus: reproductive resting phase, associated with the months with less light, in which does not exhibit heat.
This cycle explains why a cat can have several heat cycles a year and why it is so easy for her to get pregnant if measures such as sterilization are not taken.
How long does a cat's pregnancy last?
Knowing all this, the gestation period for cats lasts between 62 and 67 days . In some cases, it can last from 58 to 70 days , but it should never exceed 70-72 days without veterinary supervision, as this could indicate complications.
During all those weeks, the cat will experience a series of physical and behavioral changes that will prepare her to be a mother, and that will also help you recognize if she is pregnant and at what stage of gestation she is.
Symptoms of a pregnant cat and its evolution week by week
During pregnancy, the cat will experience a series of changes that will prepare her to be a mother, which are the following:
- Swelling of the breastswhich will turn a pinker color, especially between day 15 and 18 of gestation (a phenomenon known as "pinking-up").
- Changes in behaviorShe may become more affectionate with her caregivers or more solitary and reserved, seeking quiet corners.
- Increased appetite at the beginning and middle of pregnancy, and possible loss of the pregnancy as the delivery date approaches.
- Vomiting, especially between the fourth and fifth week, similar to morning sickness.
- Find a safe and comfortable place to give birth When the time of birth approaches, she begins to prepare a nest.
In addition to these general signs, pregnancy can be described week by week :
- Week 1-2The fertilized eggs implant in the uterus. There are no visible changes, although the cat may show slight variations in appetite or mood.
- Week 3The breasts become pink and swollen; this is one of the first clear signs. Occasional vomiting may occur.
- Week 4The abdomen begins to round slightly. A veterinarian can now detect pregnancy through gentle palpation.
- Week 5-6The fetuses grow rapidly, appetite increases, and the belly becomes more noticeable. You may start looking for quiet places.
- Week 7The fur on the belly may lighten or fall out slightly, and the kittens may be noticeable upon close touch.
- Week 8-9Fetal movements are noticeable, the cat may be more restless, licks herself frequently, and spends time in the place chosen to give birth.
It's important not to press on the abdomen or handle her excessively. A veterinarian should reliably confirm the pregnancy through palpation, ultrasound (from the second week onward), or X-ray in the later stages, always weighing the risks and benefits.
How many kittens can a cat have?
A litter can be quite large, up to 13 kittens, although it's more common for litters to consist of 3 to 6 kittens . First-time mothers tend to have smaller litters, usually between 1 and 4 kittens.
Factors such as the cat's age, breed, and health greatly influence the number of kittens. In very large litters, it's also more common for some kittens to be born weak or stillborn, or for labor to last longer than normal, so veterinary supervision is advisable.
In addition, because cats have induced ovulation , a cat can become pregnant by different males during the same heat (superfecundation), resulting in litters with kittens from different fathers.
Caring for the pregnant cat and preparing for birth
If your cat is pregnant, she'll be entering a period where she'll need a special diet, a calm environment, and regular veterinary checkups . It's recommended to offer her high-energy food (kitten food or food specifically formulated for pregnant cats), always with fresh water available, and avoid sudden changes in diet to prevent digestive upset.
During pregnancy, it's best to minimize stress, avoid forcing intense play, and refrain from using over-the-counter medications or antiparasitics, as not all are safe for fetuses. Ideally, the cat should have her vaccinations and deworming up to date before her first pregnancy.
As the birth approaches, prepare a comfortable and secluded nest for her : a spacious box with clean blankets or towels, in a quiet, warm, and low-traffic area of ​​the house. Although many cats will choose a closet or laundry basket on their own, providing a suitable space increases the likelihood that she will feel safe.
The cat's birth and postpartum period
In the days leading up to giving birth, the cat is usually more restless, eats less, drinks more, and persistently seeks a secluded place. She meows, licks her genitals frequently, and may have some clear vaginal discharge.
The birthing process is divided into three main stages: a dilation stage with contractions that are still barely noticeable; a kitten expulsion stage , in which the kittens are born one by one at intervals that can range from 15 minutes to a little over an hour; and a placenta expulsion stage , usually one for each kitten. If you notice that she is pushing for too long without success, or if there is a foul odor, heavy bleeding, or very weak kittens, it is essential to contact a veterinarian.
After giving birth, the mother cleans her kittens, cuts the umbilical cord with her teeth, and stimulates them to breathe and begin nursing. During this stage, she needs plenty of peace and quiet, food and water near the nest , and respect for her own pace: some cats are protective and won't allow their kittens to be handled during the first few days, which is perfectly normal.
Knowing the gestation period of cats , the phases of heat, the signs of pregnancy, and the needs before, during, and after birth will allow you to better support your cat and make responsible decisions, whether it's helping her raise a desired litter or considering sterilization to avoid unplanned pregnancies.