Your cat would have been spayed before this could happen in an ideal world. Maybe you forgot to spay your cat on purpose or found a pregnant cat. Or are you perplexed by the pregnant cat? Let's start by looking at the signs you observe in a pregnant cat:
Physical changes
A cat who is pregnant may suffer periods of "morning sickness," and she will typically eat more as the pregnancy goes on. In addition, your cat's belly will start to grow after about five weeks and keep growing until she gives birth. Her nipples may also become enlarged and/or have a deeper, red colour.
Changes in Behavior
Changes are common in pregnant cats, and you may notice that your first when an outgoing cat suddenly goes into hiding or that an otherwise apathetic cat has turned into a cuddling bug.
Your kitten's veterinary care!
Take your cat to the doctor as soon as possible if she is displaying indications of pregnancy or if you have reason to believe she may have mated when she was in heat. Your veterinarian's staff will explain the ideal checkup plan for your cat's pregnancy.
Your veterinarian may be able to detect pregnancy by gently palpating your cat's abdomen around three weeks into the pregnancy, though it may be challenging if the cat is obese or if other conditions like a large bladder or stiff faeces are present.
Together, you'll be able to make preparations for the big day. Knowing what is "normal" for an at-home delivery is important, and you should be prepared to take your cat to the clinic safely if necessary during labour.
Proper Nutrition for your cat:
You should feed your pregnant cat premium food that is designed for growth.
Cats can get pregnant for 58 to 70 days, while the average gestation period is 63 to 65 days.
A healthy, well-nourished queen will gain weight steadily throughout the course of the three trimesters of pregnancy. This weight gain seems to serve as a form of energy reserve for forthcoming lactation. At the end of the pregnancy, obesity brought on by overeating increases the likelihood of difficult or protracted labour and adds stress to the kittens.
Typically, during feline pregnancy, a high-quality, highly digestible formulation for kitten/growth/development is advised. The diets that have succeeded in feeding tests for gestation/lactation or all life stages are the best choices. At Pawsnfurr, there are plenty of options available that can be a purrfect choice of nutrition.
However, as the kittens develop, they will also have less stomach space, so feed her more frequently but in lesser amounts throughout the day. Your pregnant cat needs to drink a lot of water to be hydrated, so you might want to maintain a few different water bowls around your house in spots where she can easily get them.
Your Cat’s Environment
Your pregnant cat shouldn't require any additional care during most of her pregnancy, other than some minor veterinary treatment and dietary adjustments. However, when she approaches queening (gestation), she will start hunting for a secure location to commence nesting.
This normally starts a day or two before delivery. Ensure that this birthing box is both spacious enough for your cat and her litter to feel at ease inside of it and tall enough to stop any intrepid kittens from escaping! Line the nest with plush blankets or towels (that you won't mind throwing away) and keep it warm.
If your pregnant cat decides to give birth somewhere other than the box you have set up, don't be shocked. If so, when the kittens are born, don't be scared to move them to the prepared box. It's okay to handle the kittens; doing so won't make your cat hurt or abandon her offspring.
You should take your cat's mother and her babies to the vet for a post-natal checkup within 24-48 hours of your cat giving birth. You can buy cosy cat bedding at Pawsnfurr that will suit your needs for enhancing the comfort of the mother and her kittens. We wish a happy and healthy life to the newbies and the new mom. Explore more at Pawsnfurr!