Should You Isolate a Pregnant Cat?

As Princess prepares for her little ones, you can help make the birthing process a little less stressful. She may have strong opinions about where she will give birth, and if it's an agreeable spot to both of you, let her decide. Sometimes, though, you may have to influence her choice.

  1. Who Else is Home?

    • Your situation will dictate whether it's necessary to isolate Princess during the last stages of pregnancy. If it's just you and her in the house, the only reason to isolate her is to prevent her from giving birth in a place you consider off limits, such as your closet. If other cats, dogs or children are around, then it's a matter of ensuring that Princess has an appropriate place to give birth -- one where she and her newborns won't be the center of attention.

    Family Dynamics

    • The decision to isolate will depend on the dynamics of your household. The presence of children or other pets alone isn't a deciding factor. For example, if Princess is particularly bonded to one person or another cat, separating her from her source of comfort could be very stressful. However, if the other cat is a troublemaker, it's best to keep them apart. Other reasons to isolate Princess include another cat with an infectious condition, aggressive pets in the home, or children too young to understand her need for privacy.

    The Birthing Suite

    • If you need to isolate Princess, designate a space -- perhaps an empty room or a large closet -- and make a bed for her. A box or empty laundry basket lined with clean, washable -- or disposable -- soft bedding such as towels, will serve as a comfy birthing bed for her. The space you choose should be in a quiet area of your home that is free from drafts. Encourage your kitty to spend some time in the space by giving her snacks and spending time in it with her, petting or talking to her. As she gets closer to her due date, she should spend more time in her birthing suite, but don't confine her too soon -- she still needs her exercise. Don't isolate her until a day or so before you expect her to deliver.

    Let Princess Decide

    • Cats are independent creatures, and are pretty good at figuring out what their needs are and how to fill them. As Princess gets closer to her due date, she'll start scoping out where she wants to have her litter. She'll base her choice on where she's comfortable and where she feels her kittens will be safest. If there are places where you don't want her to birth her kittens, make sure those places are inaccessible to her -- keep doors and drawers closed. If you've determined she must have her kittens in a designated room, you'll need to contain her in the room during the last couple days of her pregnancy and after she gives birth. Cats will move their kittens when their nesting location doesn't suit them.