Pregnant Pets: Caring for Your Pregnant Cat

So you are about to have a littler of kittens? How wonderful. Cats are one of the most popular pets to have. Cats are soft, affectionate little beings. So it's no wonder they are so popular as pets. Owners of female cats sometimes get the privilege of having kittens! What a special event. Kittens are by far one of the most adorable pets to have. They are almost as adorable as puppies.

As a pet owner there are several things that you can do to help your female cat have a great and healthy pregnancy. Your girls health matters a lot, and so does her happiness. In order to ensure that both she and the kittens are healthy here are ten tips and suggestions of things that you can do.

1. The first tip that will help you to care for your pregnant cat is to take her to the vet. At the vet she will likely receive a good, thorough check up. The vet will make sure she is up to date on all of her shot and that she has no parasites you are unaware of. Just as pregnant women need good medical care during pregnancy so do pets, cats included.

2. The second thing you can do to ensure a healthy pregnancy for your pet cat is to worm her. Hook worms and round worms can pass through her into her kittens. These types of parasites can be treated at home, and will need to be, after your vet visit. It is important to worm your cat, and other pets, regularly to avoid infestation. Use only a wormer designed especially for cats. She may become very ill if you use one formulated for dogs or any other animal.

3. The third suggestion I give you is to increase your pregnant cats food intake. Make sure that you increase not only the amount per serving by a half a cup but also you should increase the number of servings per day. Your girls needs nutrition for herself and now kittens as well. Her body will drain of nutrition quickly and she will become ill if not fed regularly. If that happens the kittens will be born sickly. All risk death.

4. Like the third suggestion, the fourth tip that will help you ensure you pet cat a healthy pregnancy and healthy kittens is to increase the amount of water she drinks. Her fluid requirements will go up. Offer her a bowl of water. Keep it clean and fresh at all times. Make sure it is always accessible.

5. The fifth tip is to keep the litter clean. The little box will stink just a little worse when your female cat becomes pregnant. Her urine will be stronger, and she will be going more often. Her bowel movements will also be more frequent as she is taking in more food. Freshening the littler box daily by scooping is a good idea. It is a great idea to completely change the litter at least once per week. This will keep her happy and also ensure your home doesn't smell of a strong litter box odor. Another tip to go with this tip? Use a litter containing baking soda.

6. The sixth tip to help you to care for your female cat during her pregnancy is to hold her often. Give her special attention. Make her purr as often as possible. Cats are very affectionate. They love to be loved. When your sweet girl knows she's loved she will feel happy. Without happiness she cannot be fully healthy. Hold her on your lap as you read. Let her curl up on the bed with you as you rest. Make her feel special, wanted and loved.

7. The seventh tip I can give you is to keep her clean. Bathe your girl often with a special cat shampoo. Her fur will be fluffy, fresh and so nice to pet. Most cat shampoos are safe to use on pregnant and lactating cats. However, some are not. Read all labels very carefully.

8. The eighth suggestion that will help you to ensure a great and healthy pregnancy for your special female cat is to keep her flee free. A flee collar will work, as will a flee treatment. A cat who is loaded with flees is not a happy or a healthy cat. Also, when her kittens are born they will too become infested. Consider using a medicated flee shampoo when you bathe her.

9. The ninth tip and suggestion I give you is to help her find the place where she will have her kittens. If you do not assist her she may end up having them under your little ones bed or behind the couch! Line a large but relatively shallow box with soft fabrics. You can use old blankets and sheets. This will be the place her kittens are kept for several weeks after their birth. It will be her nice cozy safe haven. Avoid having it the open. She will prefer her spot to be a bit secluded and sheltered.

10. The tenth thing you can do is to help her through birth. When the time comes you'll know. She'll go into labor. She'll cry and meow in pain. She be snippy but offer your support and love. Stay close by so she knows she's not alone. Once labor starts you'll have a beautiful litter of kittens to adore within hours. Thanks for reading and take care!