If your feline friend has gotten pregnant, it’s natural to think, ‘How many months is a cat pregnant?’
Well, cat pregnancies usually last for around two months, but there’s a lot of other stuff you need to know when your cat is carrying kittens. Read on to learn what to expect when your cat is expecting!
How Long Are Cats Pregnant?
When your feline friend becomes pregnant, you can expect her journey to motherhood to last generally from 63 to 67 days. In some cases, this period may extend a little longer, up to 72 days.
To put it simply, your cat will be pregnant for approximately two months or somewhere between eight to ten weeks. It’s a relatively short gestation period, especially when you compare it to humans!
When Can Cats Get Pregnant?
Cats can become mothers at a surprisingly young age. Once they hit 4 to 7 months old, a female cat can experience their first heat cycle. This is a part of their natural reproductive process, signaling that their bodies are mature enough to carry a litter.
Heat cycles can happen every two to three weeks, so it’s important to be aware of the signs, such as increased vocalization or affectionate behavior. Your unspayed female cat could get pregnant if she has been outside or around unneutered male cats.
How Many Kittens Can A Cat Give Birth To?
Litters usually contain 4 or 5 kittens. Younger and older cats often have smaller litters.
Cats can have as many as five litters of kittens a year if they have access to mates. That’s why many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering cats before they reach this stage.
Signs Your Cat Might Be Pregnant
It can be quite a surprise to find out that your cat is pregnant, as signs begin to appear two or three weeks into the term. Here are some signs you may notice in the early stages of pregnancy.
Gaining weight: Just like humans, a pregnant cat will gain weight. This weight gain is concentrated around her belly.
Bright and enlarged nipples: A few weeks into pregnancy, a cat’s nipples become more noticeable. They’ll get brighter and bigger – a change called ‘pinking up.’
More hunger than usual: A pregnant cat needs more food to support her growing babies. If she’s scarfing down her meals and seems to be constantly on the prowl for more, it could be a sign she’s eating for more than one.
Seeking extra attention: If your independent kitty suddenly becomes a love bug, craving pets and cuddles, it might be more than just a mood swing. Pregnant cats often seek more affection and comfort from their humans.
More hiding: On the flip side, some expectant cats look for solitude. They might hide away in quiet, secluded spots as they get ready for the arrival of their kittens.
Sleeping longer hours: Carrying kittens is hard work, and it can tire a cat out. If your usually active cat is napping more, she could be conserving energy for the demands of pregnancy.
If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
How Vets Confirm Cat Pregnancy
Vets have some neat tricks up their sleeves to find out about a cat’s pregnancy
Feeling the Belly
At around 17 days after your cat has mated, a vet can use their hands to gently press on your cat’s belly. By doing this, they can feel for little lumps that indicate the presence of growing kittens.
Ultrasound
If your cat is at least 14 days into her pregnancy journey, an ultrasound can be used to peek inside her tummy. This is the same technology doctors use to check on human babies before they’re born.
The ultrasound shows a live picture of the inside of your cat’s belly, and you can see the kittens as tiny, moving shapes. It’s safe for your pregnant cat and kittens.
X-ray
As the pregnancy progresses, around 42 days in, an X-ray becomes a helpful tool. It allows vets to see through the cat’s belly and count how many kittens your cat is carrying. It also helps predict when they might arrive.
X-rays are usually reserved for later in the pregnancy because they are more revealing at that stage and safer for the developing kittens.
Caring for Your Pregnant Cat
Once you know your cat is expecting, you’ll want to make sure she’s comfortable and healthy. Here’s what you can do to make your cat’s pregnancy comfortable
Avoid pressing on her belly to prevent discomfort or harm.
Keep her litter box clean and easily accessible.
Feed her high-quality food, she might eat up to 25% more than usual.
Monitor your cat and get in touch with your vet if you notice anything unusual.
Set up a cozy, quiet spot for her to give birth and care for her kittens, away from busy areas and other pets.
Feline Pregnancy: A Summary
If they are not spayed, cats can get pregnant when they are as young as 4 months old. Pregnancy lasts about two months, but mama cats don’t typically show signs of pregnancy until two or three weeks into the term.
Head to the vet to get your cat’s pregnancy confirmed. It is important to monitor and care for your cat for a healthy pregnancy. Provide her a private area to give birth and soon your home will be filled with cute little kittens!
