Cat Pregnancy & Birth

Cat owners should know about the reproductive cycles of their pets. For those planning to breed their cats, it's important to understand the cycle and what to expect from a cat pregnancy.

  1. Heat

    • A cat can go into heat for the first time, or become fertile, at anytime between 5 and 10 months of age. The fertile period lasts a few days and can occur several times a year. While a cat is in heat, she might have less of an appetite and howl frequently.

    Signs of Pregnancy

    • About three weeks after conception, a pregnant cat's nipples will become pink. From this point, it will be around six weeks before the kittens arrive. A pregnant cat will want to stay close to home, will sleep more and gain weight. A vet can confirm pregnancy.

    Gestation Length

    • Cats are pregnant on average 64 days, although anywhere from 62 to 67 is considered normal. If it's suspected that a pregnancy has gone on longer than that, call a vet as soon as possible.

    Birth

    • To make your cat as comfortable as possible to give birth, create a comfortable space for her shortly before she is due to give birth. The place should be quiet, dry and warm, and should have towels or blankets so that she can be comfortable. Shortly before labor begins, she can be restless or anxious and begin to frequently lick her stomach or vaginal area. When she goes into labor, she will breath quickly, lie on her side and often squat or seem to press down to deliver her kittens. Kittens will likely arrive within an hour of the start of labor.

    Warning

    • Although pregnancy and delivery in cats often happens without a problem, there can be complications if she is under a year old or if she is older and has had multiple litters of kittens, according to TheCatSite.com. If this is the case, ask the vet about any special precautions that should be taken.