Your cat is expecting kittens – what fantastic news! Amidst all the excitement, it's important to remember that your cat may require additional care, comfort, and affection during her pregnancy.
Tips For a Healthy Cat Pregnancy
Switching to kitten food
Switching to a kitten-specific diet during your cat's pregnancy is generally not necessary or recommended. It is best to continue feeding your pregnant cat a high-quality adult cat food that meets her nutritional needs.
During pregnancy, your cat's energy requirements increase, so it is important to provide her with a balanced and nutritious diet that is appropriate for her stage of life. This means choosing a cat food that is formulated to support the specific needs of adult cats.
Increasing food intake
During pregnancy, your cat's appetite will increase, and it's important to adjust her food portions accordingly. By the end of her pregnancy, her food portions might double. You should notice a gradual increase in her body weight as her appetite grows. It is normal for her weight to increase by approximately 40-50% during pregnancy. However, if you observe a decrease in appetite or weight loss, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian for guidance. Your cat should naturally lose the excess weight gained during her 3-4 week nursing period.
Making water available
Providing access to fresh water is crucial during your cat's pregnancy, especially if she is on a dry food diet. Hydration is essential for her overall health. Consider placing a couple of water bowls in areas of your home where she spends a lot of time, making it convenient for her to stay hydrated.
Caring for your pregnant cat
Petting
As your cat's pregnancy progresses, she may become more affectionate and seek additional cuddles. Love and care are vital aspects of supporting a pregnant cat, and it's crucial to handle her with caution as her body undergoes changes.
While it is safe to stroke your pregnant cat, be mindful to avoid touching her tummy. This area will be sensitive, and any contact there could cause discomfort or potentially harm her unborn kittens. If you need to pick her up, gently "scoop" her from her bottom rather than touching her stomach.
During the later stages of your cat's pregnancy, it's best to avoid any vigorous activities and give her space. Keeping her as calm as possible is important, and excessive energy or excitement could lead to stress. Providing a peaceful environment will help her navigate this crucial time.
Vaccinations
It is ideal for your cat to have up-to-date vaccinations before breeding. Ensuring that she is in good health and has optimal levels of antibodies is important, as healthy mothers can pass on immunity to their kittens through their milk. You can consult your vet to perform a blood test and assess the antibody levels to determine if vaccination is necessary.
It's crucial to note that some vaccines cannot be administered during cat pregnancy. If your cat is already pregnant and vaccinations are due, it's best to consult your vet to determine which vaccines are safe for both the mother and the kittens. If your cat hasn't been vaccinated prior to pregnancy, there is no need to worry. In most cases, everything should proceed smoothly, but if you have any concerns, it's always advisable to consult your vet.
Parasites
To prevent the transmission of worms from the mother to the kittens, it is essential to continue with regular worming treatment during her pregnancy. Additionally, it is important to maintain her flea treatment, but it is recommended to consult your vet to ensure that any medication used is safe for both the mother and her kittens.
Caring for a pregnant cat is a significant responsibility, and ensuring her comfort and well-being is crucial. Purina provides simple tips to help you support her during this time and ensure a smooth pregnancy.
Complications
Any redness in or around the mouth, swollen gums or bad breath are all possible signs of oral disease. These sick cat symptoms can be very painful, so your cat may also lose their appetite, eat on only one side of their mouth, drop food while eating or lose weight as a result.
Miscarriage
If your cat does miscarry, she won’t be upset by it and you’re unlikely to notice unless it is later into her term.
If your cat does miscarry later on in pregnancy, take her to the vets for a check-up to make sure she isn’t at risk of infection.
Caesarean Section
While problems during labour are rare, occasionally a caesarean section may be required. This can be the case if mum has experienced previous trauma to her pelvis (such as a fracture) or if her breed is known for an unusually large head or body size, as is the case with Persians.
Your cat may also need a Caesarean section if she is in labour but has been pushing for longer than an hour without producing kittens. If this happens, contact your vet immediately for help.
Eclampsia
Cats are much less likely than dogs to develop a problem with low calcium during or after pregnancy (eclampsia).
However, to be safe, keep an eye on your cat in case she shows signs of twitching, nervousness and agitation – these are all signs of eclampsia which can eventually result in seizures if left untreated.
In the final two weeks of feline pregnancy, encourage your cat to stay indoors to ensure that she doesn’t deliver the kittens outside. You can help your cat prepare for labour by building a ‘nest’ where she can comfortably rest, and use during and after birth.
cardboard box filled with clean sheets, bedding or towels is ideal. Make sure that the box is big and tall enough for mum and her litter to comfortably fit in, without any adventurous kittens escaping! Keep the nest in a warm place at room temperature to keep her comfortable.