by Charlotte Howard

Created on: January 17, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

The average cat pregnancy lasts from anywhere between 56 and 70 days, averaging at 65 - 67 days. It is highly important that the queen is well cared for to ensure the health of the kittens. A queen can be pregnant from as little as a single kitten right up to a litter of ten or more. Most first time pregnancies produce three to four kittens.

ENVIRONMENT

You should try to keep your cat indoors as soon as you suspect pregnancy; queens do have the tendency to wander. If your cat is one who loves to go outside, invest in an outdoor enclosure, similar to one you would find in a cattery. This way she can have the freedom to go outside, but you will also be safe in the knowledge that she cannot run away or become injured.

When she gives birth, the cat will want to be somewhere quiet, warm and dark. Set up a bedding area somewhere that you can reach should she need assistance, but also out of the reach of young children and other animals. She may not use this bed and find somewhere else, but she will still appreciate a comfortable space to sleep. An old cardboard box with high edges and a flap so that she can get in and out easily without having to jump would be suitable. Use old towels or jumpers that you don't mind ruining as bedding, with a layer of newspaper as the actual birth is quite messy!

Make sure that her feed and water bowls are within reach of the bedding area. You will also need a litter tray. Cats do like their privacy, so one with a lid' is preferable. You can buy these from most good pet stores.

DIET

Pregnant cats have different dietary need to non-pregnant queens. She will need more calories, protein and calcium to help with the kittens' growth and production of milk. Adult cat foods simply do not have the right levels of these necessary nutrients. There are certain manufacturers who produce food specially designed for pregnant females, but if you cannot find these put your cat onto kitten food. It may also be advisable, especially if she is having a large litter, to supplement her meals with kitten formula milk. Cows milk should be avoided as most cats are actually lactose intolerant whilst the kitten formula, available from most pet shops or veterinary surgeries, is based on the colostrum (first milk) produced by a mother cat.

Fresh water should be made available at all times. If you opt for the wet meat feeds then you should also provide biscuits. Hard feed helps to keep their teeth in good condition, which is vital during pregnancy as the hormones can cause problems with their gums. You will eventually need to up the amount of food you give her. In later stages of the pregnancy she will need double she originally had.

VETERINARY CARE

Whilst vaccinations should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation, treatment against parasites should be continued. Tapeworm eggs are quite often carried by fleas, and are then passed on via the womb from mother to kittens making it essential to keep her guarded against them.

By keeping your cat comfortable, happy and healthy she should have a good pregnancy and easy labour making the time as least stressful and traumatic as possible.

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