Cat Pregnancy & Nutrition

Your pregnant cat requires special nutrition. By paying special attention to the types of foods you feed your pregnant cat, as well as how often you feed her, you can improve the health of the whole litter.

  1. Supplements

    • Some cats need a vitamin-plus-mineral supplement when pregnant, according to DrsFosterSmith.com. Over-supplementing your cat can be dangerous for the kittens, so be careful with vitamins and check with your veterinarian.

    Food

    • According to TheCatSite.com, your pregnant cat will require 25 percent more protein, calories and vital nutrients than normal. Look for cat foods that are for kittens and mother, often labeled "growth formula."

    Changing Foods

    • Prior to pregnancy and in early pregnancy, feed your cat premium adult cat food, according to DrsFosterSmith.com. In the fourth week of pregnancy, start introducing the kitten food. To keep from upsetting her stomach, increase the amount of the new food each week so by the end of the pregnancy she eats only the new food. She will eat this food until the kittens are weaned.

    Frequency

    • According to DrsFosterSmith.com, pregnant cats need to be fed more often. By mid-pregnancy, you can feed your cat three times a day or allow her to feed freely. By the end of the pregnancy, she may need to eat small meals every three to four hours.

    Amount

    • Your cat may eat one and a half to two times as much as normal, according the Purina website. As long as your cat maintains a healthy weight, allow the excess food. Watch for obesity, as well as deterioration due to under-eating, and seek your veterinarian's advice if you notice either.