When suspecting your cat's pregnancy, it is normal for many doubts to appear. How long does a kitten stay pregnant, what precautions should be taken so that she has a healthy pregnancy, what are the best destinations for the kittens?
To take care of your cat in the best way, today we will explain to you many details that you need to know about feline pregnancy.
Just remember that, under any suspicion, the first step is to look for a veterinarian who will give you specific, important guidelines regarding the health of your cat and her future kittens.
Want to know how long a kitten stays pregnant and other questions about feline pregnancy? Understand more about the gestation of cats in our article!
At how many months can a kitten get pregnant?
Generally, the first heat of cats happens between the fifth and ninth month of age. But, if you want to crossbreed, it's important to wait until it reaches sexual maturity (around one-year-old).
Is it possible to terminate my cat's pregnancy?
Cats are animals that have the habit of running away from home and taking walks through the streets. On these occasions, it is common for females to return pregnant. For owners who do not wish to raise kittens and to reduce cat abandonment rates, termination of pregnancy is permitted.
If this is your case, go to the veterinarian so that your cat can take the appropriate medication for the stage of pregnancy she is in. After all, abortive methods can have side effects.
In general, females must be healthy, up to 7 years old and it is recommended that the pregnancy be terminated within 45 days after copulation, so that the procedure is safer.
4 symptoms of feline pregnancy
Pregnancy happens right after the period of heat, a phase that lasts between 5 and 20 days, when the cat is fertile. If you didn't follow the mating, but your cat left the house during that time, fertilization may have happened.
To find out if your cat has become pregnant, you need to be aware of changes in the animal's behavior on a daily basis, such as:
get more skittish
aloof or needy
Unwilling to play
Or hide around the house.
This happens because of the hormonal changes that the animal's body undergoes during the gestational period.
The most apparent signs (such as an increase in the size of the belly, more swollen and pink nipples and an enlarged vulva) usually manifest themselves at a later stage of pregnancy – around 4 weeks.
It is worth mentioning that psychological pregnancy in cats is also common. Therefore, it may be that your kitten is showing signs, but has not become pregnant.
Is there a pregnancy test for cats?
There are some quick test options on the market, capable of detecting pregnancy in 10 minutes, which must be done 31 days after ovulation. The test must be carried out in the veterinary office or in specialized clinics.
Ultrasonically is the most suitable exam for monitoring pregnancy and the development of puppies and should be performed after 25 days of pregnancy (third week).
Another exam that can be done is the X-ray of the abdomen, which shows the number of puppies and is indicated after 45 days of pregnancy.
How long is a kitten pregnant?
A cat's gestation lasts, on average, 65 days (two months), a much shorter period than that of humans. During this time, it will go through different phases:
2nd week: it is at this stage that the embryos and placenta are formed, which can cause nausea and even vomiting in cats.
3rd and 4th week: the belly starts to become more prominent and the breasts become pinker, preparing for lactation.
From the 5th week: the embryos grow very fast and the cat may feel more uncomfortable, with nausea and pain.
From the 7th week: it is possible to notice the movement of the kittens in the belly and the cat's weight increases considerably.
From 2 months (60 days): delivery can happen at any time and the cat must be treated with great affection and kept in an environment separate from other animals. Delivery must take place within a maximum of 67 days of gestation. Otherwise, see the veterinarian.
How to take good care of your cat during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can be a difficult time. After all, the body is undergoing a lot of changes, and the animal can be uncomfortable.
During pregnancy, it is normal for the cat to feel hungrier and the food must contain all the vitamins and minerals to meet the body's demand. Ask the vet for guidance to offer the proper feed.
It is important that the feline is vaccinated, medicated with anti-flea and deworming to take care of her health and the health of her puppies. Also, don't forget to make sure your kitten receives affection and attention during her pregnancy.
How long does it take to give birth to a cat?
The cat's delivery takes about two hours, if all goes without complications. Depending on the number of puppies, delivery may take up to 6 hours. When you realize it's about to happen, quickly contact the veterinary clinic.
How to identify the moment? Before childbirth, it's common for the uterus to descend and stay at the bottom of the belly. A green or yellowish liquid can also be expelled - a sign that the bag has broken - and will help, along with the contractions, for the delivery to happen in the best way.
If you don't have time to take her to the office, prepare a clean place, with towels to contain the bleeding.
Childbirth happens naturally, so you just have to watch the body do its job, offer her water to make sure she stays hydrated, and be on the lookout for any complications.
Notice, for example, if she will bleed heavily or if the interval between the birth of one puppy and another is greater than two hours. In these cases, it could be that there was a problem with one of the fetuses and the intervention of the veterinarian will be necessary.
Also prepare a maternity box, that is, a comfortable place to accommodate the cat and her kittens, which is close to the food and water containers.