How to take care of a pregnant cat? How long does a cat’s pregnancy last? Pregnancy is an important stage in the life of your pet. In order for it to end with a successful birth, you need to know quite a lot about this condition.
When can a cat get pregnant?
The cat is ready to get pregnant for the first time at the age of 5 to 9 months. But this period may change. Body size, breed, general health, and even the length of daylight – all this matters.
The cat expresses its readiness for mating by its behavior: it becomes very restless, constantly requires attention, sleeps less and eats worse. At the same time, the cat takes a characteristic pose: it falls on its front paws, arches its back, rolls on the floor and invitingly purrs or meows.
The onset of pregnancy can be determined by the changed behavior, as well as by external signs: swelling of the mammary glands, fatigue, toxicosis and more frequent urination. The veterinarian will help you accurately determine the fact of pregnancy.
How long does a pregnancy last in cats?
A normal pregnancy lasts about 9 weeks – from 55 to 70 days, on average 63 days. Pregnancy can occur for a week more or less, this is not considered a pathology. The term largely depends on the physical condition of the animal, age, breed and number of kittens.
For example, in cats of Siamese and Oriental breeds, pregnancy sometimes lasts longer than 9 weeks. It is known that in short – haired breeds-Abyssinian, Devon Rex, Russian blue-pregnancy lasts 58-68 days. In cats of long-haired breeds-longer, for example, in the Neva masquerade, Norwegian and Siberian cats, the duration of pregnancy is 62-72 days. A multiple pregnancy leads to a reduction in the term.
IMPORTANT! If your pet did not give birth after 72 days, immediately contact the veterinarian.
Owners of cats who do not plan to sterilize them should know that domestic cats are able to bear offspring up to three times a year and this is a great stress for the cat’s body. According to veterinarians, it is desirable for a cat to bring kittens no more than once a year.
Caring for a pregnant cat
So, the cat is pregnant. Try to worry less (at least-it’s useless) and pay more attention to your pet: provide her with proper nutrition, rest, give her more liquid. The cat’s toilet should always be clean – this is especially important for animals during pregnancy. Pay more attention to the cat – talk to it, stroke it, now it needs a caress. Organize a place where it will be comfortable for her to give birth – it can be a house, a basket or a box. The main thing is that it should be a closed place, located in the quietest corner of the apartment.
How to feed a pregnant cat?
Pay special attention to nutrition – during pregnancy, the cat should eat fully. The diet must necessarily include dairy products, meat, fish, and if the cat uses ready-made diets, then choose food labeled “super premium class”.
In the first month, the diet can not be changed. During this period, give food with a higher content of protein, calcium, trace elements and vitamins. Starting from the fourth week, you need food with an increased protein content.
In the middle of pregnancy, feed the cat 4 or even 5 times a day. But at the same time, reduce the portions. By the end of the term, the number of feedings may increase three times.
IMPORTANT! The cat should not be fattened, as this can lead to difficult childbirth.
Your pet’s appetite may decrease approximately 1-2 weeks before giving birth. During this period, the cat’s abdominal cavity is full of kittens, so it needs nutritious and high-calorie food and a small portion size.
Childbirth in a cat
When your pet goes into labor, she becomes restless, eats poorly or refuses to feed at all, often licks herself and-most importantly-begins to breathe often. At the second stage of childbirth, the cat settles in the place that she chose for the birth of kittens, and does not leave it until the end of childbirth.
In most cases, cats cope with childbirth on their own, excessive attention causes them stress. So do not interfere with your pet. But if you see that something went wrong (the birth was delayed, bleeding began, the cat is lying and does not react to anything), call a veterinarian. At the same time, it does not matter what pregnancy the cat has on the account.
After giving birth, the cat can refuse to eat for up to 24 hours, but at the same time it should always have fresh water and access to the tray.
Pregnancy is not a disease, but a natural state. Provide your pet with full nutrition, little physical activity, timely rest, surround her with care and affection, and in the time appointed by nature, she will give you wonderful cats.