Cat Pregnancy / Mating

Cat pregnancy is good news for cat owners. Now, you'll have cute kittens walking around the house! However, pregnancy is a stressful time for cats and you need to take extra care for your beloved pet, so that everything goes well. This is surely gonna be an anxious phase for you too.

When it comes to pregnancy of cats, most of the owners are baffled on how to know whether their cat is pregnant. Well, you must know how to read the pregnancy signs in your cat to confirm her pregnancy. If you're still doubtful, the vet is always there to confirm.

Cat pregnancy gestation period lasts for 63-65 days; up to 70 days is also normal. After a couple of weeks of pregnancy, you'll notice that your cat's nipples have enlarged and become pink. This is called "pinking up." By the end of first month of pregnancy, her belly would start showing. This is the most obvious sign of pregnancy. You may miss other signs; but you can't miss this particular pregnancy sign in cats.

At this time, your vet can feel your cat's babies inside by touching her stomach. NEVER try this at home on your own. You can lead to miscarriage or hurt the unborn kittens. And yes, cats experience morning sickness, just like expecting women. So, don't worry, if your beloved queen (that's what a pregnant cat is called) refuses to eat in the third week of her pregnancy.

Besides, she shows various behavioral changes during the different stages cat pregnancy. In the last stage, she may become restless and anxious. She may seclude herself to a quiet and safe place. Also, the pressure of her inflated tummy may make her irritable, tensed, disturbed, or even violent.

When her labor approaches, she may start "nesting" or show greater affection towards you. This is an important sign of cat pregnancy labor. Besides, she may produce a sound that would seem as if she were calling you. Even if you've never dealt with a pregnant cat in your life, you can immediately make out this sound! At this time, you should have already provided her with a maternity box, which is a cardboard box with sufficient space and lined with soft blankets and newspapers. You should place this box in a secure place, where there is little human activity, before the cat finds her own place to give birth. And mind you, she may even decide to deliver in your closet or beneath your bed!

During cat pregnancy birth, you must have your vet's emergency number handy. Besides, have lots of fresh towels ready. When your cat is about to deliver, do not let her go out of the house, as she may deliver kittens elsewhere and you may not be able to find the place.

Although Mother Nature takes care of all her creatures and has endowed them with enough motherly instincts, as the owner or "mom" or "dad" of your dear queen, you must provide the best cat care during pregnancy. You wouldn't want your cat to suffer or die due to pregnancy complications. Nor would you like to see dead kittens in your house.

So, during pregnancy, your cat deserves to be treated like a queen! And it's rewarding, trust my word!