cat pregnancy period: essential guide for pet owners

The cat pregnancy period is a special and exciting moment for every cat owner, but it may be fraught with challenges and questions, from the initial symptoms of pregnancy to the necessary care. During the cat gestation period, owners need to provide themselves with sufficient information to ensure the health and safety of the cat and its fetuses.

In this article, we will explore the signs of cat pregnancy period, how to deal with the changes that occur during cat gestation period, and provide useful tips on proper care of cat pregnancy period to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy experience for your cat.

At What Age Can a Cat Get Pregnant?

The stages of cat pregnancy period development vary, and are divided into several stages, as cats begin to enter sexual maturity from the age of 4 months to 9 months. Cats become semi-adult at the stage between 9 and 12 months, and when the cat is more than a year old, it has reached full adulthood.

During cat pregnancy period, cats may request mating, especially during the cat mating season. Cats can become pregnant for the first time when they reach puberty. The cat is only six months old, but it is better to wait until the cat is a year old, so that its growth is completely complete.

Signs Your Cat is Pregnant

Including abdominal bloating and morning sickness, learn about 6 signs of cat pregnancy period, although they are no different from the signs of a cat getting pregnant for the first time:

1.Swollen nipples

The cat's nipples become swollen and enlarged approximately 15 to 18 days after cat pregnancy period, and you may also notice that they have become red, which is called “keratinization.”

2.Nausea

As is the case during pregnancy in humans, cat pregnancy period may also experience morning sickness and vomiting. If you notice that your cat is constantly suffering from this condition, contact your veterinarian.

3.Flatulence

A swollen belly is a sign that your cat is pregnant, but avoid touching her to avoid harming her and her unborn kittens. If you suspect that she has another health condition that is causing her stomach to swell, consult a doctor.

4.Weight gain

Your cat pregnancy period will gradually gain between 1 and 2 kg, which is a clear sign that she is pregnant. The number of kilograms your cat gains depends on the number of kittens she carries.

5.Increase appetite

cat pregnancy period tend to have an increased appetite as a sign of their pregnancy, which increases their weight. However, you must confirm whether this is caused by worms or a disease. Take your cat to the vet to confirm.

6.Ask for attention

During cat pregnancy period, your pregnant cat behaves differently. She purrs more than usual and seeks to demand more attention from you.

How to Confirm Your Cat’s Pregnancy

In addition to cat pregnancy period. There are some tests that can be performed to confirm a cat's pregnancy, including:

Ultrasound examination

It is an examination that is performed via a CT scan after 16 days, that is, two weeks after the cat becomes pregnant, to confirm the pregnancy, but you should know that this examination will not be useful in knowing the number of kittens present inside the uterus.

X-ray examination

It is an examination that is performed after confirming the pregnancy to determine the number of kittens present inside the uterus. This examination may be performed after 42 days of pregnancy, but it is better to wait until 55 days have passed, and you should know that this examination may not be completely accurate every time.

What Are the Stages of the cat pregnancy period?

Learning about the stages of cat pregnancy period and how long cats are pregnant can help you properly care for your cat based on her behavior and how she feels. Cats ovulate as a result of mating, but if the latter is absent, the heat period is prolonged.

1.Fertilization of eggs and formation of embryos

Fertilization of eggs and formation of embryos occurs after the male sperm reaches the uterus, which reach fertilizable eggs within 24 hours. After the eggs are fertilized, the cells divide and develop into blastula (one of the early stages of embryonic development in animals). The embryos are then implanted into the uterine wall, where they continue to develop throughout the remainder of the cat's pregnancy.

2.Fetal development and placenta formation

The process of embryo development and placenta formation occurs within about 7-14 days. The fetal cells begin to differentiate to form various organs during this time, and in parallel the outer cells of the blastula turn into the placenta.

3.Embryonic development

During embryonic development, the basic elements of the fetus's body are developed, and this occurs within about 14 to 28 days of pregnancy. First, both the head and tail appear, the digestive system develops and blood circulation begins. Then mouths, eyes, ears, front legs and hind legs appear.

During this stage of the cat pregnancy period, your cat will show signs of pregnancy, such as enlarged nipples. The fetuses will have developed organs and teeth, in addition to the formation of foot pads and muscles.

4.Rapid development of the fetus

The stage of rapid development of the fetus begins from day 28 of pregnancy until birth. During this stage, your cat appears noticeably pregnant. The embryos continue to develop rapidly, and although they do not develop fur, they have small claws. The mother cat begins searching for nesting spaces in preparation for receiving her kittens. During this stage of the cat pregnancy period, the cat suffers from breast pain, milk engorgement, and discharge from her vulva 12 to 24 hours before giving birth.

What To Feed a Pregnant Cat

During cat pregnancy period, cats need balanced, rich nutrition to support their health and the health of their fetuses. The diet of pregnant cats should include the following:

High-quality protein:

Protein is very important for the development of fetuses and the health of the mother cat. Meats (such as chicken, turkey, fish) are good sources of protein.

Essential fatty acids:

Fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 important for the development of the brain and eyes of fetuses can be found in fish and fish oil.

Vitamins and minerals:

Vitamins A, D, E, and K, in addition to calcium and phosphorus, are important in cat gestation period and for bone health and fetal development. You must ensure that these elements are balanced in food.

Carbohydrates:

provide energy during cat gestation period can be obtained from sources such as rice and grains.

Water:

Make sure to constantly provide clean, fresh water.

Caring for Your Pregnant Queen

All family members should be alerted about your cat's pregnancy to provide a calm environment two weeks before birth, especially children.
Try to encourage your cat to relax in the birthing bed, and if she rejects it and chooses another place, do not try to force her to change it.
It is important to monitor your cat gestation period because she is still searching for the most suitable place to give birth and may choose a place far away from you.
cat gestation period should be given one and a half times more attention to nutrition than normal cats to nourish the fetuses in their stomachs.
You must pay attention to the cat’s feelings and not scold or frighten him during the cat gestation period, because cats are very sensitive during pregnancy.
A spacious box with a low opening and containing cotton or warm blankets must be prepared to provide the necessary comfort for the mother cat and her babies.

Common Health Issues During Cat Pregnancy

Cats are beloved pets in many homes around the world and are characterized by being a source of comfort and enjoyment for their owners. However, as is the case with all living creatures. Cats are susceptible to a variety of diseases during cat gestation period that can affect their health and happiness. In this article, we will explore different types of cat diseases. Starting from common diseases to less common ones.

Cat plague:

Cat plague, also known as feline infectious enteritis, is a serious viral disease that affects cats, especially young and unvaccinated cats. This disease causes severe symptoms including fever, loss of appetite, severe diarrhea, and vomiting, which leads to dehydration and general weakness.

Prevention of cat plague is possible thanks to effective vaccinations, but in the event of infection, treatment requires immediate veterinary care, including nutritional support, fluid administration, and possibly antibiotic treatment to prevent secondary infection.

Viral diseases:

Cats are affected by a variety of viral diseases during cat pregnancy period that can be serious and sometimes fatal. These diseases include feline human immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, and feline herpes virus. Symptoms range from mild, such as sneezing and nasal discharge. To more serious, such as anemia and recurrent infections. Early detection and care. Proper medical care is essential to manage these diseases along with prevention measures such as vaccinations and keeping the environment around cats clean.

Cat virus:

Feline virus is a general term that refers to many viruses that can infect cats during cat pregnancy period. The most famous of these viruses are feline calicivirus and feline herpes virus, which cause respiratory symptoms, and feline leukemia virus, which can lead to more serious conditions such as cancer.

Where treatment methods vary based on the type of virus. The severity of symptoms, but supportive care and preventive vaccinations are essential aspects in managing the health of cats infected with these viruses.

Upper respiratory tract infection:

It can be caused by bacteria such as chlamydia and mycoplasma.

Symptoms: include sneezing, coughing, and nasal and eye discharge.
Treatment: includes antibiotics and supportive care such as providing a warm, moist environment.

Urinary tract infection:

Causes: Usually bacteria such as E. coli.
Symptoms: difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, excessive licking of the genital area.
Treatment: includes antibiotics and increased fluid consumption.

Bacterial dermatitis:

Causes: It can be bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus.
Symptoms: skin redness, itching, crusts and sores.
Treatment: includes the use of topical or systemic antibiotics and medicated shampoo.

Brucellosis:

Causes: Brucella bacteria.
Symptoms: include fever, arthritis, and miscarriage in pregnant cats.
Treatment: It is difficult to treat and may include antibiotics for long periods.

Bartonellosis (cat scratch disease):

Causes: Bartonella bacteria.
Symptoms: They may be mild or nonexistent in cats, but can cause problems in humans.
Treatment: includes antibiotics.

Tips to Prepare for the Big Day

The cat must be allowed privacy and provided a private, quiet place inside the house when the date of birth approaches.
Cats become more aggressive two weeks before birth, so it is best to isolate them and keep them away from children in order to ensure their safety.
The place where cats give birth must be heated with a degree of humidity, and cold air must be prevented from entering the place where cats give birth to avoid hypothermia.
Before the cat is due to give birth, the cat begins to prepare the place of birth in what is called nesting. Therefore, a designated birth box must be placed next to the cat so that she can give birth to her young inside it.
The birthing box or cage must be covered so that it becomes warmer than the room to protect the kittens after birth, because they are more susceptible to diseases in the first days of their lives.
Infrared lamps can be used for heating because they gently distribute heat throughout the parts of the box or birthing cage.

Preparing for Kittens: Supplies and Care

Getting a new kitten is a very special experience filled with joy, warmth and laughter. There's a reason the internet is filled with pictures and videos of kittens. Raising cats is super fun and entertaining. How to take care of kittens requires great attention from you, as the focus of caring for kittens is on adapting the cat to its new family and providing it with physical health to support its healthy growth, and this is done through several steps:

Offer her an appropriate amount of food

When someone asks how to feed a newborn kitten, the answer is always that kittens should be fed a mixture of high-quality commercial cat food, such as what we provide at the Jana World store, to ensure a balanced diet.

Avoid giving cow's milk to kittens but always make sure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Proper nutrition for kittens involves adjusting the diet to ensure that you are feeding the kittens what they need during each stage of development.

Make sure to hold them gently

Play time is important to enhance the bond between you and your cat and apply optimal care for kittens. Cats are very playful and curious and love to spend some of their energy chasing cat toys and interacting with their owners.

Therefore, make sure to hold her gently at this age when she is very small and delicate, despite her love of playing and running. Try to get a variety of different types of cat toys and try different toys so your cat doesn't get bored. Games may include chase and catch games, and games where you can place treats.

Allocate a suitable place for kittens to sleep

Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day, and kittens sleep even longer. As much as she loves cuddling with kittens when they sleep, she'll probably enjoy a place of her own where she feels private. They will happily curl up on themselves on a hanging bed, a fuzzy pillow on a chair, or in their own cozy cat bed. Especially if you have a dog at home, it is important to give your kitten a safe and private place to sleep, as this is one of the basics of how to properly care for kittens.

There's a good chance your kitten won't sleep in her very soft and very expensive bed. You can take a chance and buy a bed, or you can just make a cardboard box. The most important thing is that it should be a place that provides privacy, security, and peaceful sleep.

Help her when she needs it

The way to take care of kittens is to help them relieve themselves and provide them with a suitable place to do so. Place the litter box in a quiet, private area for your cat to use when he needs to relieve himself.

Veterinarians recommend getting one litter box per cat, plus an additional litter box. This means that if you only have one cat, you should get two boxes. If you get two kittens, you should provide 3 litter boxes. We know this sounds like a lot, especially if you live in a small space, but cats are clean animals and appreciate having their own litter box with their own scents.

Consult a doctor if any symptoms appear

Preventative care is important in cat pregnancy period to ensure your cat has the best chance at living a healthy life. How to care for kittens begins with finding the right veterinarian and working with them to establish a proper examination, kitten vaccinations, and preventative care schedule.

The right vet will be able to spot the subtle signs that something might not be right with your kitten. Between a thorough discussion with you and a physical examination, your veterinarian will be able to identify health or behavioral issues your cat may be experiencing.

What to Expect During Labor

In addition to the necessary attention during cat pregnancy period, it is necessary to also care for your cat during labor, and the care during this period is represented in the following picture:

You may not notice the early stages of your cat's labor, as there are no visible contractions. Instead, they will appear agitated and exhibit strange behavior such as constantly following - or avoiding - you. She will also be very loud and often self-absorbed.
When she is almost ready to give birth, she will scratch and settle into the nesting box, making a loud chirp.
Once you notice a reddish discharge, it won't be long until the first kittens and placenta begin to appear - usually within less than an hour.
During birth, your cat will "scream" and make a sad sound, which is completely normal.
You can expect to see a kitten every 10 to 60 minutes, and your cat will likely eat the placenta and chew the kittens' umbilical cords.
If two hours have passed after you discover the discharge and there is no sign of litter, call a veterinarian who may have to assist with the delivery.
Cats are very good at taking care of themselves during labor, so try to avoid bothering them; Checking it every 15 minutes can be perfectly fine.

The Birthing Process: What to Expect

Childbirth begins when the bag of water opens, and some secretions or blood may appear with it. Within an hour or less, the first fetus begins to emerge, then the fetuses follow one after another.
You may see a kitten every ten to sixty minutes, and it takes a cat from two hours to twenty-four hours until the birth process is completed.
You may notice the cat cutting the umbilical cord and eating the placenta, so there is no need to worry.
It is an instinctive behavior in cats to hide the effects of birth and protect the young from enemies.
You should contact your veterinarian in the case of obstructed cat births if more than two hours have passed since the breaking of the waters and the first fetus has not appeared.
Avoid interrupting the cat during childbirth to check on her.
Cats have the ability to take care of themselves without assistance, and because frequent interruptions may make them feel afraid and frightened, which may lead to the phenomenon of the cat eating its kittens after giving birth.

Caring for Newborn Kittens

In addition to cat gestation period, here are some tips which will help you in caring for newborn kittens;

After birth, it is necessary to ensure that the kittens are placed away from other animals in the house and away from any noise or noise, and to provide privacy to avoid stimulating aggressive behavior in the mother cat.
Giving the mother cat appropriate healthy food after giving birth, rich in the vitamins and nutrients needed to restore her strength and produce milk. You should consult a doctor about appropriate cat food after birth
Paying attention to the cleanliness of cats and creating a good environment away from dirty materials inside the birth box or cage.
It is preferable to use a birth box that can be cleaned with water so that it is easy to clean daily.
Continuous monitoring and inspection of kittens, ensuring that there are no deformities or diseases, and following up on the behavior of the mother cat towards her kittens.
Handling kittens and early socialization makes them more docile and tame.

Post-Birth Care for the Mother Cat

Cats' behaviors change dramatically in cat pregnancy period and after birth, and it is important to be aware of these changes so that you can provide appropriate support and care for your cat. Some behaviors may emerge from the mother cat and her kittens after birth, and you can deal with them in the following way:

Mother cats tend to be more affectionate and protective of their babies after birth, and your cat can spend a lot of time caring for her kittens, including cleaning and feeding them.
Mother cats may also become more aggressive towards strangers or other animals in the house, and this is because your cat wants to protect her kittens from danger.
Your cat can also become more shy after giving birth, because your cat wants to be in a quiet, safe place with her kittens.
Your cat will likely become more demanding after giving birth, and this is because your cat needs more food and more rest than usual.
Providing good food for the mother: Cleaning kittens after giving birth requires more energy and food, so good food rich in nutrients must be provided for them.
Providing a comfortable place for the mother: A comfortable and warm place must be provided for the mother to rest and sleep, as kittens usually give birth in dark and quiet places.
Monitoring the mother: The mother should be constantly monitored to ensure that she is in good health and that she is feeding her young well.

Conclusion

Taking care of cat pregnancy period requires continuous monitoring and follow-up of all the signs that they may appear during the normal life stages that they may go through, especially when symptoms of pregnancy appear in cats. This matter requires additional attention, in terms of nutrition, pampering, medical examination, and constant care that the cat is in good condition.

Good psychological well-being, and providing the necessary physical comfort for her. Pregnancy in animals, just like in humans, has certain symptoms and precautions. Therefore, animal owners must recognize some of the signs of pregnancy in their cats so that they can take the necessary measures and follow some special behavior to avoid any health problems that the cat may be exposed to.

FAQS

How Long Is a Cat Pregnancy?

cat pregnancy period for 63 to 65 days, which is approximately two months.

How Many Kittens Can a Cat Have?

The number of kittens born usually ranges from 1 to 8 kittens, and this varies according to the breed and health condition of the cat.

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