How to Care for Your Pregnant Cat

Cats have been part of my family since I was young, and many kittens have been born in my household. The female cat we have now just recently had 3 adorable, healthy kittens.

A good brand of cat food is necessary for the pregnant mom. It is better to slowly taper off the adult food, and gradually increase kitten food. Kitten food has the needed nutrients for a mother to be. Changing the food gradually will make sure your cat does not experience any digestion problems while being accustomed to the kitten food.

You will also notice more frequent trips to the food bowl. She will eat more often but not the bigger portions she was eating before. It is not uncommon when she first becomes pregnant to hardly eat at all. Cats experience morning sickness as human females do. If it seems to go on to long (more than 2 weeks) give your veterinarian a call and she might need to be seen. It's better to be safe than sorry with you little mommy. Many veterinarians or assistants will let give advice without charge over the phone also if money is a concern.

Normal activity and playing is good for your pregnant cat. She knows better than we do her capacity to do things.

She will also sleep longer and more often than usual due to the growing kittens in her body.

When the time is getting close for labor, which normal gestation is from 60-65 days, set up a kitty nest. This can be a box with a blanket in it, or a basket she can easily get in and out of. Make sure to have her food, water, and litter box set up near by because she will be with her kittens all day and all night for a couple days after having them. Agitation is a good sign that that labor is coming in most cats. The involuntary contractions that happen during labor will let you know that it's time to get mommy in her kitten nest and have her babies. Normally just being near by is all that's needed. After the first couple days she will come and out and socialize when she feels comfortable leaving her new babies.

If any problems occur while your cat is in labor, have your veterinarian's phone number before labor, so you can call right away, if needed. Cats are accustomed to having their kittens without help but sometimes a problem can occur and the veterinarian can help.

May your cat have a safe delivery!