What is the duration of cat pregnancy?

Cat Pregnancy Duration

Cats reproduce through pregnancy and birth (reproduction), and the duration of a cat's pregnancy lasts from 63 to 65 days. Cats can become pregnant from the age of 4 months and give birth at 6 months old. The pregnancy period can vary, ranging from 61 to 72 days, depending on when pregnancy is detected. This variation is not based on the breed of the cat but rather on the timing of when pregnancy is recognized, as it is difficult to determine the exact time of pregnancy due to delayed physical symptoms, which typically appear after the second or third week of pregnancy.

Stages and Rituals of Birth

• Labor Stage: In this stage, the cat's uterus starts preparing for birth, contractions begin, and the cat shows signs of fatigue. You can feel the movement of the kittens inside her belly. At this stage, the cat often seeks comfort and security from its owner. Some cats may pant before labor due to pain and exhaustion. During the final 24 hours before birth, the cat may stop eating. Labor may last up to 36 hours in some cats.
• Delivery Stage: During this stage, the uterine muscles contract intensely and frequently, and the kittens move to the pelvic area in preparation for birth. The kittens are surrounded by membranes that ease the birthing process, allowing them to pass from the uterus into the pelvic area. This is the most exhausting part of birth for the cat, as each kitten is delivered in intervals of 10 minutes to an hour.
• Placenta Separation and Membrane Rupture: After giving birth, the cat expels the placenta, tears the membranes, bites and eats the umbilical cord, and starts cleaning the kittens, particularly their ears and mouths, by licking them.

Number of Pregnancies in a Year

The number of pregnancies a cat has depends on her estrus cycle, which is seasonal for female cats, typically occurring in the spring and fall (twice a year). During this period, pregnancy occurs. The estrus cycle lasts from 9-10 days, and if mating does not occur, it ends after four days.

The breeding season for cats begins in early February and lasts until late December, with February marking the start of the mating season.

Number of Mating Sessions Required for Pregnancy

During ovulation, a female cat requires 3-4 mating sessions within 24 hours. Each mating session lasts no more than two minutes, which is enough for pregnancy to occur. A female cat may mate with more than one male, and the kittens may have different fathers.

During this time, the cat breeder should provide the necessary care and support, as sometimes cats refuse to mate, leading to fights and injuries. Additionally, some female cats may exhibit aggressive behaviors, such as scratching or biting the breeder.

Signs of Pregnancy in Cats

 Pregnant cats show several signs, including:

• Changes in Nipple Color: By the third week of pregnancy, the cat's nipples become darker and more swollen. Some cats may also secrete a brownish substance during pregnancy, even though milk is not produced until after birth.
• Nausea: Some cats experience nausea, especially in the morning. If the nausea becomes frequent, it is advisable to consult a vet.
• Belly Swelling: Belly swelling may be hard to notice in overweight cats, but continuous growth in the belly size is a clear sign of pregnancy. Cats typically gain 1-2 kg during pregnancy.
• Seeking Quiet Places: After the first few weeks of pregnancy, the cat may search for a quiet place to rest. During this time, she may show more affectionate behaviors and purring, and become less tolerant of other animals around her.
• Ultrasound: After 40-45 days of pregnancy, an ultrasound can confirm if the cat is pregnant. While ultrasound is helpful, it may not be very useful for determining the number of kittens. X-rays are safer for detecting pregnancy and the number of kittens.

Care for Pregnant Cats

Breeders should handle pregnant cats calmly and naturally. Over-sensitivity could lead to complications, especially during labor. Here are some tips for proper care:

• Maintain her food intake, increasing it only in the last two weeks of pregnancy, especially in the final week when she may refuse to eat or eat very little.
• Remove any items that allow her to jump from heights, as moderate activity is permissible in the later stages of pregnancy.
• Avoid using insecticides, especially around the pregnant cat.
• Monitor her bowel movements, as constipation could be a sign of a problem, requiring laxatives.
• Ensure any medications given are safe for pregnancy.
• Prepare a comfortable, quiet place for her to give birth, like a wooden or plastic box lined with absorbent materials that can be disposed of after birth.

Pregnancy lasts from 63-65 days, and during this sensitive period, the cat may exhibit both affectionate and aggressive traits, especially toward other animals in her environment. Careful physical and nutritional care is crucial. It is recommended that the cat give birth in a closed, secure space to ensure she feels safe and undisturbed.

References

↑ Pets team, "What to Expect When Your Cat Is Pregnant", Pets, Retrieved 30/9/2021. Edited.

^ A B Purina team, "Cat Pregnancy Information & Advice", Purina, Retrieved 30/9/2021. Edited.

↑ Krista Williams, "Pregnancy and Parturition in Cats", VCA Hospitals, Retrieved 30/9/2021. Edited.

^ A B C D Mervat Kamel, Hussein Qaaoud, "Cat Breeding for Amateurs and Professionals", Page 74. Edited.

↑ Bgshelterpets team, "New to having a pet or just need more knowledge?", Bgshelterpets, Retrieved 30/9/2021. Edited.

↑ Ryan Llera, "Estrous Cycles in Cats", VCA Hospitals, Retrieved 30/9/2021. Edited.

↑ Rebecca Desfosse, "How to Tell if a Cat Is Pregnant: 5 Tell-Tale Signs", Care, Retrieved 30/9/2021. Edited.

^ A B Animalfriends team, "Signs That You Have a Pregnant Cat", Animalfriends, Retrieved 30/9/2021. Edited.