New born kitten with Feline Fancy Logo.

Cat Pregnancy | Information for Expecting Cats

Cat Pregnancy | Insights on Feline Pregnancy

The arrival of kittens is a thrilling and emotional experience for both you and your cat. Before these little bundles of fur join your family, it’s essential to recognize the signs of pregnancy in your cat and learn how to ensure her pregnancy is as smooth and joyful as possible.

When planning for a pregnant cat, it's crucial to remember that your female cat and her litter will have specific needs you must be prepared to handle. To support your pregnant queen throughout her week by week cat pregnancy, labor, and birthing process, we've included everything you need to know. From understanding the heat cycle and recognizing the signs of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, to knowing how to tell if your cat is pregnant, we cover it all.


Learn about the different stages of labor, including how long labor usually lasts, and what to expect during the final hours of labor. Discover the importance of veterinary care and how an x ray can confirm your cat’s pregnancy status.


Whether your mother cat is a young month old queen or a more mature feline, our advice will help you get ready for her to give birth. Understand cat behavior changes, such as nesting, and prepare for the arrival of newborn kittens. We also cover essential topics like kitten food for your month old kittens and tips on dealing with an unneutered male in the home.

Pregnant Queen Cat having an x ray at the vets.

At What Age Can a Cat Get Pregnant?

Female cats, or queens, can become pregnant as soon as they reach sexual maturity and start their heat cycles. This typically begins around 5–6 months of age, though some kittens as young as 3 or 4 months may start their heat cycle, depending on their birth season.


Heat cycles repeat every two weeks, so a pregnant queen can potentially have multiple litters in a single season. To give birth, a pregnant cat goes through various stages of labor, with the final hours being critical. Recognizing the day pregnancy starts and knowing how to tell if your cat is pregnant is essential for proper care.


Fertility usually decreases when a cat is around 8 years old, but the only sure way to prevent pregnancy is to have your cat spayed. For the best outcomes, seek advice from a cat vet, particularly as labor begins. Proper preparation will help ensure a smooth birthing process and healthy newborn kittens. Ensure you have kitten food ready and are aware of the signs of the last day of pregnancy to support your mother cat effectively.

How Long Is a Cat Pregnancy?

The gestation period for a pregnant cat is approximately two months, averaging 63–65 days. This time can be divided into three "trimesters" of about 20 days each. While it can be challenging to differentiate between the first two trimesters at home, understanding the week by week development of a pregnant female cat is essential for proper care.

Feline Trimester explained in 3 stages, 1st, 2nd & 3rd.

How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Pregnant?

Detecting cat pregnancy in a pregnant cat can be quite challenging during the initial weeks of pregnancy. One of the first signs you might notice is “pinking up,” where a pregnant queen's nipples become pinker and more prominent, typically around 16–20 days into the pregnancy. During these early weeks, a mother cat may also become unusually friendly and docile.


As cat pregnancy advances into the later weeks, especially during the final 20 days, signs of pregnancy become more apparent. It's crucial to recognize these indications of a pregnant cat. Symptoms of cat pregnancy include:

Increased Appetite

Increased Appetite: Pregnant cats require additional nutrients to support the growth of their kittens. For guidance on meeting their nutritional needs, check out our Cat Feeding & Cat Nutrition resources.

Weight gain

What should a cat’s weight be? This can vary based on multiple factors. However, a pregnant cat generally gains weight quickly due to the developing kittens. While weight gain is expected during cat pregnancy, sudden or excessive weight gain could also signal other health issues. If your pregnant cat experiences a rapid increase in weight, consult a vet for a thorough examination.

Heat cycles stops

If your cat’s heat cycle has abruptly stopped, it could be an indication of pregnancy. For those tracking their cat’s cycles, a missed heat period is often an early sign of a pregnant cat. Recognizing this change can be an important part of identifying cat pregnancy.

Sore and enlarged nipples

Swollen nipples in a cat can indicate either that she is in heat or pregnant. In the case of a pregnant cat, enlarged nipples may signal the onset of milk production as part of cat pregnancy.

Swollen abdomen

As a pregnant cat’s pregnancy progresses, her abdomen will enlarge as the litter grows.

Maternal behavior

During cat pregnancy, a pregnant cat may display more maternal behaviors, including increased affection and reduced playfulness.

Sleepy and tired

During cat pregnancy, a pregnant cat often sleeps more than usual due to hormonal changes and physical adjustments in her body. For more information, you can read the full blog How Long Do Cats Sleep?.

Vomiting and sickness

Pregnant cats may experience morning sickness, which can occur at any time of day. If your pregnant cat is vomiting along with other signs of cat pregnancy, you should take her to the vet as soon as possible. Vomiting and weight gain during cat pregnancy could also indicate underlying health issues.

Mother with Kittens feeding them.

Caring for a Pregnant Cat

Pregnant cats have specific health care needs that differ from those of non pregnant cats.


Pregnant cats require a high calorie diet to support the development of healthy kittens. To ensure they get the necessary nutrition, provide a commercial cat food specifically formulated for pregnancy and lactation or labeled for kittens (growth).


Transition mother cats to this high calorie diet by the end of the first month of pregnancy and continue feeding it until the kittens are weaned. Pregnant queens should have frequent meals throughout the day. As the kittens grow and take up more space in the abdomen, their food intake may decrease, so it's essential to offer smaller, more frequent meals.

Parasite Prevention for Pregnant Cats

Parasite prevention does not need to be discontinued in a pregnant cat, but it’s important to use products that are safe. Consult your veterinarian about which products are safe for your pregnant cat.


During the week before labor begins, you might be able to tell your cat is nearing the stage of labor. When labor begins, the first stage can last several hours, and monitoring your pregnant cat closely is essential.


Bring a fecal sample to your vet to check for worms. Some intestinal worms can be easily passed from a pregnant cat to her kittens during cat pregnancy and nursing, hindering the kittens' growth. Various dewormers are safe for use in cat pregnancy, and your vet can help select one that will effectively target any parasites found in the fecal sample.

Vaccinations for Pregnant Cats

Ideally, a pregnant cat should be vaccinated before pregnancy to prevent illnesses, birth defects, and the risk of pregnancy loss due to infectious diseases. Vaccinated queens can also pass on protection against these diseases to their kittens through nursing via antibodies.


If your pregnant cat wasn't vaccinated and you need to tell if she's in the later stages of cat pregnancy, it's recommended to wait until after she gives birth to vaccinate her. Live vaccines should never be given to a pregnant cat as there is significant risk to developing fetuses. However, killed vaccines, such as most rabies vaccines, can be given if your veterinarian feels it's appropriate.


During the week leading up to labor, you might notice signs that tell you the pregnant cat is approaching the stage of labor. When labor begins, the first stage can last several hours, and you should monitor her closely. If you wonder why we call a pregnant cat a queen, read What is a Female Cat Called?.

X ray of mother feline showing babies.

Illness in Pregnant Cats

Cats are very adept at hiding when they are unwell, so it is crucial to monitor your pregnant queen for any subtle signs of illness. Keep a close eye on her behavior and physical condition. If your cat isn’t eating, has diarrhea, or is vomiting, these can be indicators of a health issue, and she should be taken to the vet promptly. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure both the mother and her kittens remain healthy.


Additionally, vaginal discharge, especially if it includes blood, is not normal at any stage of gestation. This could signify a serious problem, so if you observe any discharge, take your cat for an urgent veterinary visit immediately. Timely medical attention is essential to address potential issues and to safeguard the health of your pregnant cat and her unborn kittens.

3 stages of feline labour.

Signs of a Cat in Labor

Labor often begins with subtle behavior changes in a pregnant cat. Most queens will stop eating the day before labor begins. You might notice her scratching at her chosen nesting spot and appearing slightly agitated. Monitoring her rectal temperature can help tell you when labor is imminent; a drop below 100°F typically indicates that labor will start within the next day. During the initial stage of labor, contractions begin but may not be visibly noticeable.


In the second stage of labor, your cat will exhibit active signs of straining as the kitten moves through the pelvis. This stage usually lasts between 5 to 30 minutes per kitten. Kittens are born enclosed in a sac of fetal membranes and typically emerge head first.


The third stage of labor is more passive, involving the delivery of the remaining fetal membranes and placenta for each kitten. These membranes often appear greenish black, and one placenta should be passed for each kitten. The second and third stages of labor can alternate for each kitten, though it's possible for a second kitten to be born before this stage is fully completed for the previous one. It is normal for queens to eat these membranes.


Throughout cat pregnancy and labor, it's important to closely monitor your cat. However, unless you see signs of a complicated birth, try not to interfere. Cats can pause labor between kittens, and these breaks can last from 24 to 36 hours. They are more likely to pause labor if they feel unsafe in their environment.

How Long Are Cats in Labor?

Most pregnant cats will deliver all their kittens within six hours of labor beginning, unless there is an interruption as previously described. A longer gap between kittens with no contractions is normal however, prolonged and intense contractions are not. If you notice that your cat is having visible contractions for more than 20 minutes without delivering a kitten, or if it takes over 10 minutes to pass a kitten that is visible in the birth canal, it’s important to call a veterinarian.


Monitoring your cat closely during each stage of labor will help you tell if there are any issues that need professional attention.

Cat laying on the floor in third trimester.

Caring For Your Cat Post Labor

After your pregnant cat has given birth, she will need ample rest and time to bond with her kittens. It’s essential to keep the kittens and their mother together since newborns need to nurse frequently. To support both the mother and her kittens, your cat should be on a high-calorie, nutritious diet. This is important for her recovery and to provide the necessary nutrients during cat pregnancy. After giving birth, your cat will clean her kittens and nuzzle them. She may also become more protective and behave differently towards you initially.


During cat pregnancy and after birth, it’s crucial to give your cat space, as she might reject or harm her offspring due to stress or discomfort. If your cat rejects one of the kittens, consult a veterinarian for guidance on encouraging her to accept the kitten.


While it might be tempting to touch the kittens right away, it’s best to allow your cat to remain protective and keep her space. You can usually begin interacting with the kittens after a few weeks, once your cat feels comfortable and permits it.

FAQ

How long does it take for a cat to give birth?

During cat pregnancy, it usually takes between 6 to 12 hours for a cat to give birth to all her kittens, though this duration can vary depending on the individual cat and the number of kittens.

How long does it take for a cat to give birth between kittens?

During cat pregnancy, the time between the birth of each kitten typically ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This interval can vary depending on the individual cat and the overall progression of her labor.

When to change bedding after cat gives birth?

After a cat gives birth, you should change the bedding when it becomes soiled or wet to maintain a clean environment for both the mother and her kittens during cat pregnancy. Regularly inspect the bedding and replace it as needed to ensure hygiene, especially in the early days following the birth.

What to feed mother cat after giving birth?

After giving birth, the mother cat needs a high-calorie, nutritious diet to support her recovery and milk production during cat pregnancy. Feed her high-quality kitten food, which is specially formulated to meet the increased nutritional demands of a lactating cat. Ensure she always has access to fresh water.

For more details on what you can feed your cat, especially during cat pregnancy, visit What Can Cats Eat?.

How soon can a mother cat get pregnant after giving birth?

A mother cat can become pregnant again as soon as 1 to 2 weeks after giving birth, even during the early stages of cat pregnancy. However, it is generally recommended to wait until she has fully recovered and her kittens are weaned before considering another mating.

Why won’t my cat let me touch her belly?

Pregnant cats may resist having their bellies touched because they are protective of the fetuses during cat pregnancy. However, if your cat is not pregnant and avoids having her belly touched, it could indicate pain or discomfort unrelated to cat pregnancy.

When can you feel kittens in a pregnant cat? 

During cat pregnancy, you can usually start feeling kittens in a pregnant cat around the 5th to 6th week. At this stage of cat pregnancy, the developing kittens are sufficiently large, and their movements can be detected through the cat’s abdomen.

How much weight should my cat gain during pregnancy?

During cat pregnancy, your cat should gain about 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kg) in total. The exact weight gain can vary depending on factors such as the number of kittens and the cat’s size and breed. Regular veterinary check-ups during cat pregnancy will help monitor her weight gain and overall health.

What does a pregnant cat belly feel like?

During cat pregnancy, a pregnant cat's belly will feel firmer and somewhat swollen compared to when she is not pregnant. As the cat pregnancy progresses, you may also be able to feel the individual kittens as small, soft lumps or movements in her abdomen, especially around the 5th to 6th week of cat pregnancy. The belly will likely become more rounded and distended as the kittens develop.

Why is my pregnant cat meowing so much?

During cat pregnancy, a pregnant cat might meow more due to discomfort, stress, or hormonal changes. As she approaches labor, she may seek more attention and feel more restless. If her behavior changes significantly or if you have concerns, consult a veterinarian.

How many times can a cat get pregnant in a lifetime?

A cat can get pregnant multiple times throughout her life, typically around 2 to 3 times per year. Given that a cat can live 10 to 15 years, she could potentially become pregnant 20 or more times over her lifetime, depending on her health and breeding conditions.

Can you change cat litter when pregnant?

Yes, you can change cat litter during cat pregnancy, but it's important to take precautions. Avoid direct contact with the litter and use gloves if possible, as cat litter can carry parasites like Toxoplasma that pose risks during cat pregnancy. If possible, have someone else handle the litter box, or use a mask and wash your hands thoroughly after changing it to ensure safety during cat pregnancy.


Kelly Rushton with her Cat Eddie Stafford.

Kelly Rushton

Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.


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