Cat Pregnancy Calculator: Everything you need to know

Last updated: Sep 05, 2024
Cat Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

How the Cat Pregnancy Calculator Works

Expecting kittens is such a special time, and knowing when they might arrive can help you prepare and care for your furry friend. Here’s a gentle guide to understanding and estimating your cat’s due date:

1. Understanding Your Cat’s Pregnancy

Cats can go in to their first heat cycle and become pregnant when they are as young as 6 months old. Outdoor cats
usually give birth in the warmer months when it is more likely for the kittens to survive.

According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, cats have a median pregnancy of 65 days, which is about 9 weeks. However, just like people, each cat is a little different. The majority of parturitions in general occur from 61 to 70 days. Our tool uses this range to give you an accurate period during which you might expect birth giving.

2. Feeding Schedule during pregnancy

Cats should be well taken care of during pregnancy. Their energy requirement increases, by approximately 10% per week. By the end of pregnancy, the queen’s energy intake should be 25–50% above maintenance levels. However, care should be taken to avoid the cat being overweight.

3. Preparing for the Kittens

Here’s how you can prepare for your cat’s kitten delivery in bullet points:

  • Set up a birthing area: Choose a quiet, private space lined with soft blankets or towels.
  • Gather supplies: Have clean towels, gauze, and your vet’s contact info ready.
  • Provide food and water: Keep food and water nearby, so she doesn’t need to leave her kittens.
  • Monitor without interfering: Let the mother handle labor unless there’s an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Determining how far along your cat is can be a bit tricky, but there are some signs you can look for. Generally, you can estimate the pregnancy stage based on the following physical and behavioral changes.
 
Early Pregnancy (Weeks 1-3):

One of the first signs of pregnancy is the enlargement and pinkening of your cat’s nipples. This change, known as “pinking up,” is due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Your cat might become more affectionate or seek out more quiet and comfortable places to rest.

Mid-Pregnancy (Weeks 4-6):

Weight Gain: As the pregnancy progresses, your cat will start to show more noticeable weight gain. Her abdomen will begin to expand as the kittens grow.
Increased Appetite: A significant increase in appetite is common, as your cat’s body requires more nutrients to support the growing kittens.
Abdominal Changes: The abdomen becomes more prominent, and you may be able to feel the kittens moving, although this is usually more apparent in the later stages.

Late Pregnancy (Weeks 7-9):

Abdominal Size: By this stage, the abdomen is significantly enlarged. The kittens are growing rapidly, and the size of your cat’s belly will be quite noticeable.
Feeling Kittens: You may be able to feel the kittens moving around in the abdomen, especially if your cat is calm and relaxed.
Behavioral Signs: Your cat might start nesting behaviors, such as searching for a quiet, comfortable place to give birth. She may also become more restless or seek out more attention.

At around 2 weeks pregnant, your cat’s pregnancy may not be visibly obvious yet. However, you might notice subtle changes in her behavior, such as increased affection or a slight increase in appetite. A vet can confirm pregnancy and provide a more precise timeline through an early ultrasound or blood test.

If you can see the kittens moving, your cat is likely in the later stages of pregnancy. Typically, this would be around 6 to 8 weeks into the pregnancy. At this stage, the kittens are growing and developing. If you’re concerned or want to know more details, a visit to the vet can help provide additional insights and confirm the pregnancy stage.

For a first-time mother, the number of kittens can vary, but on average, cats have about 3 to 5 kittens in their first litter. However, it’s not uncommon for a first litter to be smaller or larger. Keep in mind that this number can differ based on factors like the cat’s age, breed, and overall health.

As your cat nears the end of her pregnancy, she may start showing signs that labor is approaching. Look for these indicators:

  • Nesting Behavior: Your cat might start searching for a quiet, comfortable place to give birth. She may rearrange bedding or seek out secluded spots.
  • Restlessness: She may become more restless or anxious, pacing around or trying to get comfortable.
  • Increased Vocalization: Some cats become more vocal as they approach labor.
  • Loss of Appetite: She might eat less or refuse food as the delivery time gets closer.

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