How Long Cats Stay Pregnant? Everything You Need To Know

Published in Cat Facts

September 01, 2023

8 min read

How Long Cats Stay Pregnant? Everything You Need To Know

Cats make wonderful pets for many households. They are relatively low maintenance, independent, and make affectionate companions. Confused Face

However, one aspect of feline ownership that owners must consider is the cat’s reproductive cycle. Unlike dogs, who generally only go into heat once or twice a year, cats can go into heat every two to three weeks between spring and fall.

This means that if you have an unspayed female cat, pregnancy is a very real possibility multiple times per year. But just how long does a feline pregnancy last anyway?

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the feline gestation period, from signs of pregnancy to stages of fetal development to caring for a pregnant queen. Read on for a comprehensive guide on what to expect when your cat is expecting.

Typical Feline Gestation Period

The normal gestation period for cats is approximately 63-65 days, though anywhere from 60-67 days is considered normal. This is shorter than the 63 week (9 month) gestation period for humans. However, it is longer than the typical canine gestation of 58-68 days.

Some key points about the cat pregnancy timeline:

Pregnancy can be detected as early as 2-3 weeks after breeding. An ultrasound may pick up fetal heartbeats around 21 days gestation.
The cat will begin “showing” a swollen abdomen around 3-4 weeks gestation as the fetuses grow.
Fetal skeletons become visible on x-ray around 6 weeks (40 days) gestation. X-rays can help estimate litter size.
Rapid fetal growth occurs in the final 3 weeks. The birth weight doubles in the last 2 weeks.
Many physical and behavioral changes happen 1-2 weeks before birth when the cat starts nesting.
Delivery typically occurs 63-65 days after breeding.

So in summary, cat pregnancy is short, lasting just over 2 months from conception to birth. Changes start happening fast, so owners need to be observant of any signs their cat may be expecting!

Signs Your Cat is Pregnant

Cats are excellent at hiding illness and injuries. This stoicism extends to pregnancy as well! If you don’t know your cat was in heat or around an intact male, you may not realize she is pregnant until she is close to giving birth. However, there are some subtle clues to look out for. Here are the most common feline pregnancy symptoms:

Increased Appetite: After 2-3 weeks gestation, your cat’s appetite may increase up to 1.5 times her normal intake. This accounts for the extra nutrients needed for the developing fetuses. Make sure she has access to a high-quality kitten or pregnancy diet to meet her increased calorie needs.

Weight Gain: Your cat will gain 2-4 lbs over the course of her pregnancy as the fetuses grow. However, weight gain alone is not a foolproof sign of pregnancy, as some medical conditions can also lead to increased weight.

Morning Sickness: Just like humans, pregnant cats can experience nausea and vomiting, most commonly early in pregnancy around 3-4 weeks along. Make sure she has access to her food around the clock to combat this.

Enlarged or Reddened Nipples: Around 15-18 days after breeding, you may notice your cat’s nipples becoming enlarged and red – this is called “pinking up”. The mammary glands are preparing to produce milk.

Swollen Belly: Sometime between 3-5 weeks gestation, your cat’s belly will begin to expand as the fetuses grow. This is often the most obvious physical sign of pregnancy.

Behavioral Changes: Nesting behaviors, increased affection/clinginess, decreased interest in playing, and protective aggressiveness are commonly observed in pregnant cats as they prepare for the birth.

Lack of Heat Cycles: If your cat was experiencing regular estrus cycles, these will abruptly stop once she is pregnant. Call your vet if you notice your cat has missed her expected heat.

If you observe any combination of these symptoms in an intact female cat, she may be pregnant! Contact your veterinarian, who can confirm pregnancy through palpation, ultrasound, and x-ray.

Stages of Feline Pregnancy

Now that you know what signs to look for, let’s walk through the cat pregnancy stages week-by-week so you know what’s happening inside that swelling belly!

Week 1 - Ovulation & Fertilization

The queen ovulates, releasing eggs that can remain fertile for 1-2 days.
If mating occurs, sperm travel up the reproductive tract to fertilize the eggs within 24 hours.
Cell division begins, forming a cluster of cells called a morula by roughly 1 week.

Week 2 - Embryo Forms

The morula enters the uterus around days 7-10. Here it forms a blastocyst, an early stage embryo.
The blastocyst “hatches” from its protective membrane and implants into the uterine lining around 10-14 days.
Placenta formation begins as the embryos start sending out chemical signals to mom. Her body begins to recognize the pregnancy.
Embryos take basic shape and begin developing organs and systems.

Week 3 - Embryo Becomes a Fetus

Around 14-21 days, the embryos have implanted in the uterine horn and the placenta is developed.
The head, eyes, spine, and limbs begin to form.
Heartbeats can sometimes be detected by ultrasound by day 21.
By day 28, the embryos resemble tiny kittens and are called fetuses.
Mammary gland changes begin as the fetuses start to draw calcium. Mom’s appetite increases.

Week 4 - Fetal Skeletons Form

The fetal skeletons form cartilage starting around day 30. Some bone also forms.
Fetal movement may be felt as muscles start developing around bones.
Claws can be seen on the paws and whisker buds form on the muzzle.
Fetal skeletons become visible on x-ray by days 40-45. Litter size can be estimated.
Rapid weight gain begins. The fetuses are still thin but longer.

Week 5 - Fetal Fur & Movements

Fur begins to grow starting around day 50, beginning with vibrissae (whiskers)
Frequent fetal movements can be seen rippling along the abdomen.
Eyelids begin to open and close, tongues start protruding in and out.
Fetuses are fully formed small kittens at this point, just lacking fur coverage.
Udders are fully swollen as mammary glands ramp up milk production.

Week 6 - Preparing for Birth

Fur rapidly develops, beginning with pale fuzz that gradually pigments.
Fetuses gain significant weight during the last week as fat stores develop.
Birth weight doubles between days 50-60. The belly appears hugely distended.
Fetuses position themselves headfirst in preparation for the upcoming birth.
Normal late pregnancy discharge occurs. Nesting and restlessness increase.

Week 7 - Labor Begins!

Around days 62-67, behavioral changes signal impending labor.
Temperatures drops below 100°F. Appetite declines and restlessness increases.
Contractions begin as oxytocin levels peak. Stages 1 and 2 labor occur (see details below).
Delivery of the first kitten occurs, followed by siblings every 30-60 minutes.
Stage 3 labor involves delivery of placentas and maternal grooming.

Congratulations - your cat has officially given birth to her kittens! Average litter sizes range from 4-6 kittens. Now the real fun begins - caring for mom and the new babies!

Caring for a Pregnant Cat

Now that you know what to expect during feline gestation, let’s discuss some tips for caring for your expecting queen. Here is how to keep a pregnant cat healthy and comfortable:

Feed a high-quality diet designed for pregnancy/kittens. This provides extra calories and nutrients for mom and babies.
Free-feed your cat to combat morning sickness and satisfy her increased appetite. Keep food available at all times.
Avoid medications unless specifically approved by your vet as safe for pregnancy.
Limit stress by keeping her routine consistent and providing a quiet, comfortable place to rest. Consider indoor-only housing.
Groom regularly to minimize hairballs and keep her coat clean for nursing. Bathing is okay if needed.
Take her to the vet for a full exam to confirm pregnancy and monitor fetal development.
Prepare a nesting area with a box, bedding, and seclusion where she can give birth.
Have emergency supplies on hand like towels, nursing bottles/formula, and your vet’s phone number.
Monitor for trouble - abnormal discharge, lack of appetite, lethargy or other concerning symptoms warrant a prompt vet visit.

While cat pregnancies are generally straight forward, occasionally complications like eclampsia or birthing difficulties arise. Stay vigilant for any warning signs that something may not be right. Proper prenatal care is the best way to set your cat up for a smooth delivery and healthy kittens!

Cat Birth - What to Expect During Labor

As a cat owner, you’ll want to know what to expect when your queen goes into labor. Here’s an overview of the feline birthing process:

Stage 1 - Appearance changes and nesting

Your cat’s abdomen will enlarge significantly a few days prior to birth. Appetite diminishes and mammary glands enlarge. She will start seeking out a private, comfortable nesting area. This stage can last 24-48 hours.

Stage 2 - Active labor

Strong abdominal contractions begin, occurring every 5-30 minutes. Your cat will appear restless. Early in stage 2, there is vaginal discharge and she may vocalize excessively. Her water breaks as the first kitten moves into position. Straining and pushing occurs with each contraction.

Delivery - Kitten births

Delivery of the first kitten normally occurs 6-24 hours after the onset of stage 2 labor. Your cat will lick at her vulva and strain with contractions. A thin membrane sac containing the kitten will emerge, break open, and the newborn will be delivered. Expect just 5-60 minutes between births, so subsequent kittens often arrive before placentas from the previous birth. Intervene only if labor stops or there is obvious trouble.

Stage 3 - Placenta passage and maternal care

Your cat will lick and chew at the sac surrounding each kitten, tear it open, and remove the placenta. She will chew through the umbilical cord and lick the kitten dry as it begins nursing. Kittens nurse vigorously for the first 24 hours to get colostrum. Mom will be very attentive to grooming and caring for her babies as a healthy maternal instinct kicks in.

Keep handling the new family to a minimum during this special bonding period as mom recovers from the labor and kittens acquire her antibodies. Ensure all kittens are nursing and the mother is resting, eating, and eliminating normally. Contact your vet with any concerns. Otherwise, enjoy viewing your new feline family!

Caring for Postpartum Cats & New Kittens

Congratulations - your cat has given birth! Here are some tips for caring for mother and kittens in the first critical weeks:

Weigh kittens daily to ensure they are gaining weight steadily. Expect 0.5-1 oz per week.
Provide kitten food or high calorie supplements to support nursing. Free-feed mom.
Change bedding frequently to keep the nest clean for both mom and babies.
Monitor nursing sessions to ensure all kittens are latching on and feeding.
Gently rub kittens with damp towel or cotton to stimulate bowel/bladder if mom does not.
Supplement with KMR kitten milk replacer if you must hand-rear any kittens.
Weigh kittens individually daily to ensure equal nutrition between siblings.
Socialization is important after 2 weeks - gently handle kittens to habituate them to humans.
Start weaning kittens onto wet food around 3-4 weeks, mixed with KMR.
Provide a low-sided litter box at 4 weeks so kittens learn to use it from mom.
Kittens should see a vet for deworming and vaccines around 6-8 weeks.
Separate males from females by 10 weeks to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

With proper care, the kittens will grow into healthy, well-adjusted cats! Be sure to get them spayed/neutered by 5 months to prevent contributing to feline overpopulation. Enjoy watching your new kitty family blossom!

As you can see, cat pregnancy proceeds rapidly and kittens develop quickly in the womb. Understanding the cat gestation timeline helps owners identify pregnancy signs early and properly care for an expecting queen. While rewarding, raising a litter is also a big responsibility - be sure you plan to keep mom and kittens healthy, happy, and set up for success!