Cat pregnancy and birth: what the breeder needs
If your cat is pregnant, advance knowledge of the stages of pregnancy and birth makes the experience easier and safer.
Stages of pregnancy
Cats' pregnancy lasts about 63-67 days, and clear signs appear in the last weeks.
- Increased appetite and weight
- Udder enlargement
- Find a quiet place to give birth
Preparing the birth place
A warm, quiet box with clean bedding is sufficient, and it should be presented to the cat a week before the appointment.
- Low-edged box
- Clean changeable linens
- Dim lighting and quiet
Birth and follow-up
Natural birth may take hours between each kitten and another. Monitor breathing and feeding for the first 24 hours.
- Let the cat treat her kittens
- Make sure each kitten is breastfeeding
- Call your doctor if labor stops for too long
