Thursday, March 28, 2024

Pregnant Cat Care Tips

Is your cat pregnant? First, before we get started, we recommend cat parents to spay and neuter their furry friends to prevent overpopulation as well as other health-related issues.

If you happen to have owned or encountered a pregnant cat then it is worth to learn something about pregnant cat care tips.

These tips will help you know more about feline pregnancy, labor, delivery and even caring for the newborn kittens.

How to Tell If a Cat Is Pregnant

It is quite easy to note that your furry friend is pregnant. First, you will discover that the heat cycle has stopped completely.

The nipples on the belly will start to become swollen and dark red in color. Also, the female cat will begin to eat a lot and experience some morning sickness.

After five weeks, the stomach will become more visible due to the swelling and this will continue until she gives birth.

Another sign will be a dramatic change in behavior where she will show affection and want to spend more time with you.

However, female cats tend to manage their pregnancy with ease but it is recommended to take her for check-in at a veterinary clinic nearby.

The vet will conduct an ultrasound and confirm the well-being of the kittens in the womb. A physical examination of the mother will also be conducted to ensure she remains healthy throughout.

How to Care for a Pregnant Cat

During the gestation period of your feline, it is advisable never to give her any vaccination since it might have a negative impact on the pregnancy.

However, we recommend you consult your vet regarding treatments related to the removal of fleas or ticks.

Provide the mama cat with high-quality feeds suitable for pregnant cats to enhance the proper growth of the kittens in the womb.

Also, remember to supplement the feeds with taurine to prevent fetal deformities and even death.

We recommend you feed your mama cat wet food over dry food since it is a healthier choice during the gestation period.

During the early weeks, do not overfeed your feline friend since she is likely to become overweight and this could result in a lot of problems during delivery.

After the sixth week, feed your cat with plenty of food but in small portions frequently. Offer her small meals like four to six in a single day. During this time, she will not overfeed due to pressure from the kittens.

How to Create a Conducive Environment for Pregnant Cat

Pregnant cats rarely need special needs but if they are about to give birth, she will look for a safe and quiet place.

The preparation for looking for this place usually starts one or two days before queening. However, you can prepare a cardboard box and fill in with blankets for safety purposes.

Ensure your cat does not have access to the outdoors since she might sneak out and give birth in the bush.

As the days approach, the cat will become restless and even anxious. Do not get worried since this is perfectly normal.

Give her the required comfort and space. This behavior will continue for a couple of days before delivery and she will eventually become normal.

Do Pregnant Cats Need Human Help during Labor?

Many pet owners tend to be anthropomorphized with their pets. Pregnant cats do not need help since they prefer solitude in most cases.

It is important to note that pregnant cats have different needs when compared to pregnant humans.

They do a lot of work on their own, unlike humans. Under normal situations, they do not require intervention when giving birth.

So, leave your cat alone and give them privacy when they are under labor pains. They will be absolute queens without any problem.

How Long Does Cat Labor Take?

When the mama cat is normal, she will deliver after 24 to 48 hours. However, when she is stressed, she will experience interrupted labor.

During labor pains, the GI tract shuts down since everything is focused on the kittens. She will not eat or drink anything until kittens have been queened.

So, the cat takes about four to eight hours to completely deliver a litter of kittens if she does not experience interrupted labor.

What to Do After Your Cat Gives Birth

Once she has delivered, always give them space and privacy for a couple of ten days before showing some attention.

However, keep feeding the mama cat as she continues to nurse the young ones. Provide food with extra calories to provide energy and nourishment.

Ensure the queuing box is clean without disturbing the kittens. Examine the kittens and their mother if there is any sign that need medical intervention.

When to Seek Veterinarian Help?

Always take your pregnant cat to the vet when to see the following things:

  • Prolonged gestation period
  • Delivery of dead kittens
  • Maternal illness
  • A red-brown discharge which is not the Festus
  • Vigorous training that lasts for about 30 minutes without fetal delivery
  • Stuck fetal in the birth canal and partially visible

Sources and References

  1. Dr. Liza M. Guess. “Veterinary Clinical Sciences.” Ohio State University Department of Veterinary Clinical Services.
  2. Editor. “Pregnant Cat Feeds.” Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Serina Russow
Serina Russowhttp://smartcatlovers.org
Hey there, I'm Serina, your friendly feline fanatic! As the proud founder of "Smart cat lovers," I'm on a mission to share my passion for all things cat-related. With years of experience in cat behavior and health, I'm here to provide expert advice on nurturing happy, healthy kitties. When I'm not tapping away on my keyboard, you'll find me curled up with my four adorable furballs: Whiskers, Luna, Billy, and Charlie.

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