When your cat is pregnant: prepare her for the arrival of the kittens

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant

In an ideal world, cat owners plan their cat’s pregnancy and know when to expect it. However, an unplanned pregnancy can happen, for example, if you don’t manage to have your cat spayed in time or adopt a pregnant cat from a shelter.

A cat’s pregnancy lasts approximately 9 weeks, although the exact duration varies from cat to cat, and kittens can be expected to arrive between 58 and 75 days. The first signs appear early on. Initially, you may notice a loss of appetite – cats can also experience morning sickness, although this usually disappears within two weeks. Once the initial nausea subsides, your cat’s appetite will increase and she will gradually start gaining weight. Around the third week, you may notice that her nipples become larger and pinker, and her belly will gradually begin to grow as well. In addition to physical changes, her behaviour may also change – your cat may sleep more and become more affectionate (or, conversely, less affectionate).

It is important not to restrict your cat in any way during this period, never force her to do anything and make sure she has plenty of peace and quiet. Cats know best what they need at any given moment.

“Your cat should have a quiet place of her own, somewhere she is already familiar with or can gradually get used to. This is particularly important for giving birth, which should ideally take place ‘without an audience’,” adds Martin Kváš, nutrition expert.

High-quality Nutrition Is Key to the Health of Both Mother and Kittens

A nutritious, well-balanced diet is essential for a smooth pregnancy and delivery. It provides your cat with everything she needs to support the healthy development of her kittens and prepares her for giving birth and the period that follows. Although your cat’s appetite will increase during pregnancy, you should avoid overfeeding her. Excessive fat accumulation could actually make giving birth more difficult.

“There is no need to make any significant changes to your cat’s daily food ration during pregnancy, but she should have access to food throughout the day. Her nutritional requirements do not change significantly during pregnancy. It is important to monitor your cat’s body condition even before she becomes pregnant and adjust either the type of food or the daily portion accordingly,” says Martin Kváš.

To make sure your cat gets everything she needs, you can choose food specifically formulated for pregnant and nursing cats. Kitten food is also a suitable option, as it provides all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients your cat needs during this period. When introducing a new food, make the transition gradually so that your cat (and her digestive system) has time to adjust. The best way to do this is to gradually mix the new food with the kibble she is used to eating. Before giving birth and shortly afterwards, you can also offer your cat kitten milk , which helps support her immune system and provides additional nutrients during her postnatal recovery.

High-quality nutrition is just as important while your cat is nursing. During this period, you should also make sure she has access to dry food throughout the day, allowing her to eat whenever she needs to. There is no need to switch to a different food after giving birth. Kitten food is also suitable for nursing cats, as it provides the energy they need to produce milk.