As a veterinary nurse, I have had the privilege of supporting feline mothers-to-be and their owners. Cats undergo a significant pregnancy or gestation phase, demanding dedicated care and attention. This guide will walk you through caring for a pregnant cat, prenatal care, and the birthing process. I will also cover kitten care tips for a great start to a new life.
What are the Signs of cat Pregnancy?
Identifying the signs of pregnancy in cats can help you prepare for the upcoming birth. Common signs include increased appetite, weight gain, nipple enlargement, and abdominal swelling.
Prenatal Care For Your Pregnant Cat
Prenatal care plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother cat and her kittens. Here are essential tips for caring for a pregnant cat:
- Confirmation of pregnancy: Visit your vet so they can perform an examination/palpation or ultrasound of your cat. A cat’s gestation period typically lasts around 63 to 65 days, although this can vary slightly.
- Appropriate dietary requirements: It’s important to note that during this time, the pregnant cat’s nutritional needs increase significantly to support the developing kittens. Provide a high-quality, balanced diet formulated for pregnant and nursing cats. This diet should be rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy fetal development.
- Create a birthing/nesting spot: Provide a quiet, warm and safe area for your cat to rest and later feel comfortable to birth the kittens. Use a large box or pet bed lined with clean blankets.
- Regular visits to your Vet: Regular visits monitor the wellbeing of the mother and kittens’ development.
- Keep a diary of physical and behavioral changes: Pregnant cats may become more affectionate or show nesting behaviors as they approach the due date.
- Important that your cat is fully vaccinated before the pregnancy so that vital immunity can be passed to the kittens. This will also protect against birth defects and infections that could lead to pregnancy loss.
Preparing For The Birth Of The Kittens
- Signs of labor in cats: – What are the indications that a cat is about to give birth?
- restlessness
- nesting behavior
- panting, and vocalization.
- Drop in body temperature around 12-24hours before labor
- Equipped with Supplies: Keep plenty of clean towels and gloves just in case you need to assist during the labor. Provide support and reassurance to the cat. Avoid intervening unless necessary, as most cats can handle the birthing process naturally.
- Emergency Preparedness: Early intervention is key to prolonged labor and unresponsive kittens. The birthing process is generally 5-6 hours. Keep your vet’s contact information close in case you need information and guidance.
Caring for The Mother Cat & Essential Kitten Care Tips
Post-birth care for the mother:
- Keep mother cat comfortable and warm, and provide access to fresh water. Offer high quality food and monitor signs of illness and unusual behaviour.
- After birth, ensure the kittens are breathing and nursing properly.
- Keep the nesting area clean and warm, kittens are susceptible to temperature changes. The ideal temperature for the nesting area should be between 85-90F.
- Monitor the kittens’ growth and development closely.
Nursing and Colostrum
Ensure the kittens are nursing regularly and receiving colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by the mother cat. Colostrum contains antibodies that boost the kittens’ immune system.
Monitoring Health
Monitor the kittens’ health closely, checking for signs of dehydration, malnutrition, or illness. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerns.
Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for vaccinations and deworming to protect the kittens from common diseases and parasites.
Socialization
Start socializing the kittens early, exposing them to gentle handling and various environments to help them become well-adjusted adult cats.
Conclusion
Caring for a pregnant cat and her kittens is a wonderful and fulfilling journey. It is imperative to prepare yourself with the knowledge to care for both.