How Many Months Do Cats Carry Their Young in the Womb?

In general, smaller mammals have shorter pregnancies than large mammals. A human pregnancy typically lasts nine months, but a cat's lasts only a little over nine weeks. If your cat is expecting, take extra care of her, and make sure she has a safe and private space in which to give birth. As soon as you realize your cat is pregnant, you can make her a clean and cozy "nest" box for her litter of kittens. She can get used to the space throughout her pregnancy. If you suspect pregnancy complications in your cat, do not hesitate to get help from a veterinarian. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.

  1. Length of Pregnancy

    • A cat's pregnancy lasts an average of around 65 days, which is just over two months. Alternatively, you can think of it as nine weeks and two days. It is quite normal for a cat's pregnancy to last up to four days less or more than this average. So, a typical cat pregnancy usually ranges from 61 to 69 days. If your cat gives birth much earlier than 61 days into her pregnancy, special care will be needed for premature kittens. Beyond 69 days, induction or cesarean section may be necessary.

    Grooming and Care

    • It's best not to let your cat roam outside while she is pregnant. If your cat is out and about, make sure she's tagged properly with ID and your contact details. As she gets bigger with the pregnancy, she may be moving slower than usual so it's even more important to keep her away from vehicular traffic. Also, a large pregnancy may get in the way of your cat's usual routine for cleaning herself. You may need to help with grooming the areas of her coat she can no longer reach, and help clean her rear end after toileting. A flannel can be used to clean the spots your cat can't reach.

    Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

    • On a cat's small frame, a pregnancy usually becomes visible quite early. If you are unsure when your cat became pregnant, there is another way to estimate the date of successful mating and, therefore, the expected birth date. Three weeks after a successful mating, the cat's nipples will become unusually pink. This is a sign that there are approximately 44 days left until your cat will give birth.

    Feeding

    • Your cat will require more food than usual while she is pregnant. If you already are feeding her a nutritionally-balanced diet, you don't have to change what you are feeding your cat, just the amount. Some cat owners give calcium supplements to a pregnant queen, to provide material for the growing kittens' bones. You should not give any supplements to your cat without veterinary advice. Also, don't give your cat any medications during her pregnancy unless your vet tells you it is safe to do so.