Cat Pregnancy and Birth Facts

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Cat Procreation

Dec 5, 2009
Jennifer Copley

Cat with Kittens - Jennifer Copley

What are the signs of cat pregnancy? How long does it last? What special care do pregnant cats require? This article answers these questions and more.

Here are the answers to many commonly asked questions about cat pregnancy, birth, and kitten care.

Cat Pregnancy

What are the signs of pregnancy in cats?

There are not usually any indications until the cat has been pregnant for several weeks, at which point weight gain and increased hunger are the primary signs, though some cats may also suffer from morning sickness and low energy. Later in the pregnancy, the cat’s nipples grow larger and pinker, and some cats also become more affectionate when pregnant.

How long does a cat’s pregnancy last?

Feline pregnancy usually lasts 58-70 days.

Caring for Pregnant Cats

What should a pregnant cat be fed?

Pregnant and nursing cats should be fed a premium, high-protein food formulated for kittens. Avoid giving table scraps or treats, as pregnant cats may fill up on these less nutritionally complete foods.

Can pregnant cats be given vaccinations or medications?

Vaccinations shouldn’t be given. Dewormers, flea control products, antibiotics, and hormone-based medications should only be used if approved by a veterinarian.

What special care do pregnant cats need?

See How to Prepare for the Birth of Kittens for information on caring for cats during pregnancy and while giving birth.

Cat Labour and Birth

How can an owner tell when a cat is in labour?

Signs of labour in cats may include restlessness, anxiety, vocalization, panting, licking the genital area, nesting behaviours, and straining.

Why do cats purr when giving birth?

There is evidence that purring speeds the healing process and may reduce pain.

How many kittens do cats have on average?

The average feline litter is 4 or 5 kittens, though a couple more or less is common. The record for most kittens in a litter is held by a Burmese cat in the UK, which gave birth to 19 (15 live and 4 stillborn).

Caring for Kittens

Is it safe to handle newborn kittens?

Contrary to popular belief, touching newborn kittens is unlikely to cause the mother to reject them, and handling kittens regularly from week two onward will make them friendlier and less fearful as adults, as long as the handling is gentle. General handling guidelines are as follows:

Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching kittens to avoid introducing germs.
Keep handling to a minimum during the first week.
Begin handling and stroking kittens regularly (but for just a couple of minutes at a time) during the second week.
Gradually increase handling times as kittens grow older.
Hold kittens very near the nest, within view of their mother.
Supervise older children’s interactions with kittens and don’t allow very young children to handle them.
Don’t attempt to handle kittens if the mother doesn’t appear calm and relaxed.
If the mother shows any signs of agitation when a kitten is removed from the nest, return the kitten immediately.

Should male cats be kept away from kittens?

Tom cats rarely harm their own kittens, and there have even been reports of toms helping to rear them, bringing food and offering protection. As for the kittens of other males, they are just as likely to tolerate them as to harm them (though they may try to drive them away when they reach sexual maturity). Although the risk is lower than most people believe, it’s still a good idea to keep adult males away from kittens just in case.

Will a cat adopt and nurse infants of other species alongside her kittens?

There are many reports of cats adopting and raising infants of various other species, including dogs, squirrels, rabbits, chickens, and red pandas.

What if the kittens are born premature?

If the kittens are tiny, skinny, and wrinkled, and they have either no fur or very fine fur, they are probably premature. Consult a veterinarian, as special care will be required.

What should be done if the mother rejects her kittens?

Mother cats don’t often reject their kittens, but it does happen occasionally. When a queen refuses to care for a kitten, it is usually because the kitten suffers from health problems or congenital defects, so the first step is to consult a veterinarian.

Kittens may also be rejected because the mother is ill or very young and inexperienced, and feral kittens may be orphaned because their mother has suffered an accident or been killed by a predator.

For information on feeding, warming, socializing, weaning, and more, see How to Care for Orphaned Kittens.