Cat Pregnancy: Signs, Care and When Labor Starts
A cat’s pregnancy lasts about 63 to 65 days, around nine weeks, and the signs can be easy to miss early on. Knowing what to look for helps you prepare a safe space, adjust her food, and recognize when labor is near. This guide covers the signs of pregnancy, care during each stage, and when to call a vet.
Signs of Pregnancy in Cats
- Pink, enlarged nipples: often noticeable from about two to three weeks.
- Increased appetite and weight gain as the pregnancy progresses.
- Morning sickness: occasional mild vomiting in the early weeks.
- Calmer or more affectionate behavior, and a rounder belly from around week five or six.
- Nesting: searching for a quiet, hidden place close to birth.
Caring for a Pregnant Cat
Switch to a high-quality kitten food during pregnancy and nursing, provide fresh water, and avoid stress and heavy handling of the belly. A vet check confirms the pregnancy and the number of kittens by ultrasound or X-ray, and your vet can advise on deworming and safe medicines. Do not give any medicine or vaccine without veterinary advice.
Preparing for Birth
Prepare a large, low box lined with clean towels in a warm, quiet room. Signs that labor is close include restlessness, loss of appetite, a drop in body temperature, and repeated licking of the belly and genital area.
When to Call a Vet
Call your vet if strong contractions last more than 30 to 60 minutes without a kitten, if there is green or bloody discharge before the first kitten, if more than two hours pass between kittens while she is still straining, or if she seems weak, feverish, or in pain.
Pregnant Cat Care in Riyadh
At Top Vet Clinic in Al Rabwah, Riyadh, our veterinarians confirm pregnancy, monitor your cat with ultrasound, and are ready to help if complications arise during birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can a vet confirm a cat’s pregnancy?
An ultrasound can usually detect pregnancy from about two to three weeks, and X-ray can count the kittens later in pregnancy.
Can a cat get pregnant while nursing?
Yes. A cat can become pregnant again soon after giving birth, so talk to your vet about spaying once the kittens are weaned.
Should I vaccinate a pregnant cat?
Some vaccines are not recommended during pregnancy, so ask your vet before giving any vaccine.
Contact Top Vet Clinic in Riyadh via WhatsApp or phone to book an examination for your pet today.