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 Photo by Squirrel Cottages @ flickr.com |
The beginning stages of cat pregnancy can be quite elusive. Cat pregnancy can last anywhere from 63-70 days, depending upon the cat and the breed. The average is about 65 days of gestation. During those first few weeks, there may be few signs of pregnancy.
A cat having kittens may experience some morning sickness in the first four weeks of pregnancy. But, as an owner you may not even notice or pay attention to this early sign.
Unfortunately, there is no test that can detect the first few days of cat pregnancy like there is for humans. But, there is a test that detects for pregnancy after 30 days. It tests for the pregnancy hormone relaxin.
There are five major ways to detect a cat pregnancy: palpation, ultrasound, fetal heartbeat monitoring, x-ray, and visual inspection.
- Palpation
After a cat is about twenty days pregnant, you can manually feel for a fetus. Usually, this is done by a vet because there could be damage to a pregnant queen or her fetus if this is done to harshly. The new embryos will feel like small peanuts in a sack. Later in pregnancy cat the fetuses can be felt as separate small bodies.
- Ultrasound
Ultrasounds can determine pregnancy very effectively. Though they aren’t as good as x-rays in determining exactly how many kittens will be in a litter.
- Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring
Fetal heartbeat monitoring is usually done by a veterinarian to make sure that the unborn fetuses are alive and active.
- X-Rays
X –rays are also a way of detecting pregnancy. However, they should not be used early in pregnancy as they can harm the unborn kittens. This is especially important to rule out cases of false pregnancy and other medical conditions that may mimic an actual cat pregnancy.
X-rays are used later in pregnancy and can help show a more accurate determination of the number of kittens in a litter. - Visual Inspection
The easiest way that an owner can detect a cat pregnancy is visually. Obvious signs of pregnancy include a swollen abdomen, weight gain, and breast/nipple enlargement. A cat in late pregnancy may also have less of an appetite than normal.
Feeding During Cat Pregnancy
Feeding a cat having kittens requires a slight change in diet. In early pregnancy, a cat should eat its regular diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements may or may not be needed. So, discuss this with your vet.
Later in the second half of pregnancy, there is a need to start adding and changing a cat’s diet to kitten food. Kitten food has extra protein and nutrients a pregnant or lactating cat needs to sustain her needs. By the end of her pregnancy, a cat should be solely eating kitten food.
Make sure your cat remains active during her pregnancy. Being a good condition physically makes delivery much easier. And overweight cats have overweight kittens that can have health problems. Just be sure that your cat does not do any rough and tumble play and high climbing very late (50+ days) in her pregnancy. This may hurt her unborn kittens.
Seeing the Vet While Pregnant
Vet visits are important during cat pregnancy. A vet will monitor the unborn kitten and queen to detect for any abnormalities. Ask your vet about any special blood work, dietary changes, and medication changes that need to be made for your cat.
In regard to medications, it may be necessary to avoid certain dewormers, vaccinations, oral antifungal medications and other types of medications during cat pregnancy, as some of these drugs can cause birth defects.
As your cat’s due date approaches, it’s important to ask your vet for the nearest 24 hours center should any problems occur during the kitten birthing process.
Remember…a cat having kittens needs little restriction on her activity until very late in her pregnancy. Keep your pregnant cat in good condition physically.
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