How to Care for a Pregnant Cat

If you have an unspayed female cat older than 5 months old, you will need to be thinking about what you will do if your cat becomes pregnant. Or, if your cat is already pregnant, you'll want to adapt your care to meet her needs and the needs or her kittens.

Instructions

    • 1

      Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as you find out your cat is pregnant or if you suspect your cat might be pregnant. Your veterinarian will give your cat a check up to see if she is healthy and tell you how far along she is. Feline pregnancy lasts about 65 days, but like humans can be slightly shorter or slightly longer. Unless your cat suffers injury or illness, you will not need veterinarian assistance again.

    • 2

      Discuss diet with your veterinarian. Generally, two weeks into the pregnancy you should begin mixing in some kitten food with your cat's regular adult food. Increase the kitten food every week until she is eating all kitten food in her final week of pregnancy. Your veterinarian may also give you a dietary supplement to feed your cat or recommend an over-the-counter vitamin.

    • 3

      Feed your pregnant cat at least twice a day at first and as many as four times near the end of her pregnancy. She will likely eat small meals but will probably eat more in total than before she became pregnant.

    • 4

      Watch the cat to make sure she is not showing any signs of illness. She may have morning sickness and not eat much some days. However, if she is not drinking water, does not eat for several days or seems to lack energy for several days, contact a veterinarian.

    • 5

      Set up a nest for her to give birth in two weeks before she is due. Your pregnant cat will need a warm and secure place that is away from people and other animals. A large card board box with the sides trimmed down for easy access and filled with pillows or blankets works well.

    • 6

      Trim the hair around her nipples as her due date gets close. This will allow her to easily take care of her kitten's nutritional needs immediately after they are born.

    • 7

      Keep your pregnant cat indoors for the final two weeks of her pregnancy. This will ensure she gives birth in a safe place.