Cat Pregnancy: How Long Does It Last and What to Prepare for Delivery?

Bringing new life into the world is a beautiful experience, and witnessing your cat give birth can be incredibly rewarding. However, it’s crucial to be prepared and know what to expect. This article will delve into the duration of cat pregnancy, essential preparations for delivery, and how to provide the best care for both the mother and her kittens.

Understanding Feline Gestation

A cat’s pregnancy typically lasts around 63 days, ranging from 58 to 70 days. This timeframe can vary depending on the breed, the number of kittens, and the individual cat. Keep a close eye on your cat as she approaches her due date, watching for signs of labor.

Early Signs of Pregnancy:

Nipple Enlargement (Pinkening): Around three weeks into the pregnancy, the nipples become more prominent and pinker.

Morning Sickness: Some cats experience vomiting or decreased appetite in the early stages.

Increased Appetite: As the pregnancy progresses, your cat will need more food to support the growing kittens.

Weight Gain: You’ll notice a gradual increase in your cat’s weight as the kittens develop.

Behavioral Changes: Some cats become more affectionate and clingy, while others prefer solitude.

Late-Stage Pregnancy Indicators:

Visible Abdominal Enlargement: As the due date nears, your cat’s abdomen will become noticeably larger.

Nesting Behavior: A few days before labor, your cat will start searching for a safe, quiet place to give birth.

Preparing a Welcoming Nest: The Birthing Box

Creating a comfortable and safe environment for your cat to give birth is essential. A birthing box is a designated space where she can feel secure and relaxed.

Choosing the Right Birthing Box:

Size: The box should be large enough for the cat to lie down, stretch, and nurse her kittens comfortably. A 50cm square box is generally suitable.

Material: Sturdy cardboard or plastic containers work well.

Entrance: Cut an opening on one side that’s large enough for the cat to enter and exit easily, but high enough to keep the kittens from wandering out. A 15cm diameter circle is a good size.

Location: Place the birthing box in a quiet, warm, and secluded area away from heavy traffic and loud noises. Cats prefer dark and secure places when they are about to give birth.

Creating a Cozy Environment:

Lining: Line the box with soft, clean materials such as old towels, blankets, or shredded newspaper. Make sure these can be easily washed or replaced after the birth. Using materials washed with disinfectant will help to prevent infection.

Warmth: Maintain a comfortable temperature in the room and consider adding a heating pad or infrared lamp near the birthing box to keep the kittens warm, especially in colder climates.

Privacy: Ensure the birthing area is private and undisturbed.

Assembling Your Delivery Kit: Be Ready for Action

While most cats give birth without complications, it’s wise to have a delivery kit prepared in case you need to assist.

Essential Items for Your Delivery Kit:

Sterile Scissors: For cutting the umbilical cord if the mother doesn’t do it herself.

Iodine Solution: To disinfect the umbilical cord stump and prevent infection.

Dental Floss or Cotton Thread: To tie off the umbilical cord before cutting. This prevents excessive bleeding. Cut into 10cm lengths for easier handling.

Clean Towels: To dry and warm the kittens.

Disposable Gloves: To maintain hygiene during the delivery process.

Wet Wipes: For cleaning the mother cat and the birthing area.

Medical Syringe: For administering fluids or medication if necessary.

Heating Pad or Heat Lamp: to help keep the kittens warm after birth.

Contact Information for Your Veterinarian: In case of emergencies.

Recognizing the Stages of Labor: What to Expect

Understanding the stages of labor will help you monitor your cat and know when to intervene if necessary.

Stage 1: Labor Begins

Duration: 12-24 hours

Signs: Restlessness, panting, nesting behavior, decreased appetite, vomiting, increased vocalization.

What to do: Observe your cat closely and provide comfort and reassurance. Ensure she has access to fresh water and a clean litter box. Avoid disturbing her unless she seems distressed.

Stage 2: Active Labor and Delivery

Duration: Varies depending on the number of kittens.

Signs: Strong contractions, straining, visible amniotic sac, delivery of kittens.

What to do: Allow the cat to give birth naturally unless there are complications. Each kitten should be born within 30 minutes to an hour of each other. Contact your vet if contractions are strong for more than 30 minutes without a kitten being born.

Intervening When Necessary:

Kitten Stuck: If a kitten is partially emerged and the mother is struggling, gently grasp the kitten with a clean towel and pull gently in a downward direction, following the mother’s contractions.

Umbilical Cord Issues: If the mother doesn’t bite through the umbilical cord, tie it off with dental floss about 1.5-2cm from the kitten’s abdomen, then cut the cord with sterile scissors about 1cm beyond the tie. Disinfect the stump with iodine solution.

Membrane Covering Kitten: If the kitten is born inside the amniotic sac and the mother doesn’t remove it, gently tear the sac open and clear the kitten’s nose and mouth of fluids. Rub the kitten vigorously with a clean towel to stimulate breathing.

Stage 3: Placenta Delivery

Duration: Immediately following the birth of each kitten.

Signs: Delivery of the placenta after each kitten.

What to do: Count the placentas to ensure one is expelled for each kitten. Retained placentas can cause infection. Although mother cats may eat the placentas, it can lead to diarrhea, and you should remove them if possible.

Postpartum Care: Nurturing Mother and Kittens

After the birth, providing proper care for the mother cat and her kittens is crucial for their health and well-being.

Caring for the Mother Cat:

Nutrition: Provide high-quality kitten food or a specialized postpartum diet to support lactation and replenish her energy reserves. Fresh water should always be available. Consider offering fish broth or glucose water for added energy.

Hygiene: Keep the birthing box clean and dry. Change the bedding regularly to prevent infection.

Rest: Allow the mother cat plenty of rest and avoid disturbing her and her kittens unless necessary.

Veterinary Checkup: Schedule a postpartum checkup with your veterinarian to ensure the mother cat is healthy and there are no complications.

Caring for the Kittens:

Warmth: Ensure the kittens are kept warm, especially during the first few weeks of life. Use a heating pad or infrared lamp, but be careful not to overheat them.

Nursing: Monitor the kittens to ensure they are nursing regularly. If a kitten isn’t nursing, consult with your veterinarian.

Hygiene: Gently clean the kittens’ faces and bottoms with a damp cloth as needed. The mother cat will usually stimulate the kittens to urinate and defecate by licking their bottoms, however, you may need to assist if she doesn’t.

Weight Monitoring: Weigh the kittens daily to ensure they are gaining weight steadily. A healthy kitten should gain approximately 10-15 grams per day.

Veterinary Care: Schedule a veterinary checkup for the kittens at a few weeks of age to check for any health issues and administer vaccinations and deworming medication.

When to Seek Veterinary Assistance: Recognizing Complications

While most cat births are straightforward, it’s important to recognize when veterinary assistance is needed.

Signs of Complications:

Prolonged Labor: Straining for more than 30 minutes without producing a kitten.

Weak Contractions: Weak or infrequent contractions for an extended period.

Visible Prolapse: Protrusion of the uterus or other tissues.

Excessive Bleeding: Heavy bleeding from the vulva.

Foul Odor: Foul-smelling discharge from the vulva.

Depressed or Lethargic Mother: Mother cat is unresponsive or shows signs of illness.

Kitten Distress: Kittens are weak, unresponsive, or not nursing.

Conclusion: A Rewarding Experience

Witnessing your cat give birth is a special and rewarding experience. By understanding the stages of pregnancy and labor, preparing a safe and comfortable birthing environment, and knowing when to seek veterinary assistance, you can help ensure a smooth and healthy delivery for your cat and her kittens. Remember to provide plenty of love, care, and attention to both the mother and her newborns, and enjoy the miracle of new life.