In this article on our site we are going to talk about how long does a cat's pregnancy last so that, if we find ourselves before a cat in state, let's have an idea of the date for which we should prepare the arrival of the kittens. We will also explain how we can know, approximately, how long a cat has been pregnant, how we will identify the pregnancy or how many kittens she can give birth to. It is important that we consult with our veterinarian so that he can give us an adequate follow-up.
After delivery, it is advisable to evaluate the option of neutering or spaying the cat to avoid another litter in the future, since, as we will see, cats can give birth several times a year. Keep reading and discover the duration of a cat's pregnancy.
Cat Pregnancy Test
Before talking about the duration of a cat's pregnancy, it is necessary to confirm that she is indeed pregnant. To do this, the best thing to do is visit the vet, since by means of an ultrasound we will know if there really is a pregnancy and how many kittens it is going to have. Likewise, there are pregnancy tests for cats on the market that use urine to obtain a result.
On the other hand, the symptoms of pregnancy in catswill also help us check if she is really pregnant. The most common are:
- Bulging belly.
- Swollen breasts.
- Changes in his behavior.
- More hours of sleep.
- Nest preparation.
Length of a cat's pregnancy
Cats can spend much of the year in heat, as this is related to sunlight. During this period they will be able to be mounted by the males who, after copulation, by withdrawing their penis covered with spicules, induce ovulation. Due to the long duration of heat we will have high fertility in cats. For more information, don't miss this article: "How long does a cat's heat last".
If we pick up one that is over 6 months old, which is the age at which they usually start their heat, and we have confirmed that she is pregnant, we must provide veterinary assistance throughout the pregnancy to check that everything is going correctly. For this, it is important that we know how long a cat's pregnancy lasts, both to set an approximate date of delivery and to calculate the visits to the specialist that will be necessary. A cat's pregnancy usually lasts one two months (58-67 days), both in first-time cats and in successive pregnancies. We will see, below, other relevant aspects.
How do I know how pregnant my cat is?
We have put the length of a cat's pregnancy at about eight weeks. If our cat was in heat and this is interrupted, we can think that pregnancy has taken place, although in the first weeks we will not see any significant change in her that makes us suspect that she is in a state. If we think she may be pregnant, around 20 daysour vet may detect it with a ultrasound If the pregnancy is unwanted, it can be interrupted at this time. Although some veterinarians perform ovariohysterectomies at any time during pregnancy, operating late in pregnancy increases the risks. See the following article for all the details: "How to terminate a cat's pregnancy."
Towards the middle of the pregnancy we can notice among the main symptoms of pregnancy that the abdomen of the cat has grown in size. If we have not done it before, we must feed the mother with a specific feed for growing kittens because it will be the one that meets her new nutritional needs, or follow a homemade diet with the advice of a veterinarian specialized in nutrition. This sign may indicate that the cat is approximately four or five weeks pregnant.
At the end of pregnancy, if we place our hands on both sides of the abdomen, we may notice the movement of the kittens. The breasts will enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding. The search for a quiet place, a decrease in appetite or the appearance of vaginal discharge are signs that labor is imminent. Looking at these data will help us determine how pregnant our cat is, which will be around seven weeks of gestation.
Symptoms of labor in cats
As we have mentioned, the delivery will take place after two months of gestation. At this time, the cat will go to the nest that she has prepared and will begin to show the following symptoms:
She
If we observe these symptoms, in principle, our intervention should not be necessary. However, we can stay close to check that everything is going well and the little ones start to eat.
How many cats can a cat give birth to?
We have said how long a cat's pregnancy lasts, so at the end of the two months we should expect the birth. In general, as we have indicated, cats give birth on their own without complications and we should only leave them alone. Even so, we must be vigilant and have the vet's phone at hand in case any problem arises during the cat's delivery.
About how many cats a cat can give birth to there is no fixed numberThe average is four, but this figure can range between 1 and 5 kittens If the veterinarian has determined the number of fetuses during pregnancy, after delivery we must count let everyone be If the figure does not match we will have to notify you. Check out this article to find out "How long does a cat go into labor".
How many times a year do cats give birth?
In the same year, if we do not prevent it, the cat can have offspring again, with the obligation that this implies when sending them all to responsible homes. Given the high number of homeless cats, the option is, without a doubt, sterilization.
Up to what age can a cat give birth?
The truth is that there is no age limit for all cats. Depending on the breed and the lifestyle it has led, it can reproduce for more or less years. There are cats that can give birth up to 10 years old while others do so up to 17. What is important to know is that continuous litters can seriously harm the he alth of the cat, shortening its life expectancy. For this reason, we again insist on sterilization.
Cats' heat
Cats reach sexual maturity when they show their first heat, which is usually between 6 and 9 months of age. From this moment on, the following periods of heat will be determined, mainly, by sunlight. This is so because cats are seasonal polyestrous. Cats, on the other hand, become sexually mature between approximately 8 and 12 months. From then on, they can go into heat all year round, since for them it is activated when they perceive the smell of a cat in heat. For more information, consult this article: "All about the heat of cats".
Now, just because a male or female cat reaches sexual maturity does not mean that he is ready to mate. It is true that physically they can already reproduce and have offspring, but they are still too young to do so. Likewise, it is important to keep in mind the number of cats abandoned on the street or living in shelters waiting to find a new home. For all these reasons, we recommend opting for castration or sterilization in order to avoid unwanted litters, since we have already seen in the previous sections that a cat can give birth several times a year, for many years.
After giving birth to a cat, when does she go into heat?
Not all cats come into heat at the same time after giving birth. Some take about six months to start the heat period again, while others do so just a few weeks after giving birth. Thus, a cat could become pregnant again a week or two after giving birth.
The sterilization of a cat
Cats are Seasonal polyestrous, which means that during the months with the most sunlight, generally late winter to early of the autumn, they will have heat continuously, only stopped if fertilization occurs.
Knowing how long a cat's pregnancy lasts, it is easy to calculate that she can give birth to more than one litter a year and, taking into account the beginning of sexual maturity, all these kittens will be reproducing the following year. Doing calculations we will understand the importance of sterilization. This surgery can be performed before the first heat and, in addition to birth control, has he alth benefits, such as preventing uterine infections or, to a large extent, breast tumors
