If you’ve chosen not to have your veterinarian spay your cat, she may become pregnant at some point during her lifetime. If this happens, she’ll need additional care, attention, and visits to a local animal hospital. Here’s what your veterinarian wants you to know about caring for a pregnant cat until she gives birth.

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant

About a month after your cat conceives, you may see or feel that their belly has grown larger. Also, two or three weeks into the pregnancy, her nipples will start to darken. 

Your cat may also experience loss of appetite in the beginning stages of pregnancy, or vomit after eating. The best way to confirm your cat is pregnant is to take them to a veterinarian for an ultrasound or X-ray. By doing this, you can find out how many kittens she’ll be having. 

Caring for Your Pregnant Cat

Just like humans, pregnant cats need to provide enough nutrients for them as well as their children. By the end of the pregnancy, your cat should be eating about one and a half times as much as usual. Consider switching her food to one designed for pregnant and lactating cats. During this time, make sure your cat is getting regular visits to the veterinarian and that she receives any vaccinations she’s due for.

As her due date approaches, you should keep your cat indoors, so you can supervise when she goes into labor. Provide her with a nesting box—a medium-sized box with an opening in the side she can step over easily. Fill it with something soft, such as a towel or newspaper, and keep it somewhere quiet. Keep in mind that she may choose somewhere else to give birth.

About 24 hours before your cat gives birth, she will stop eating and her body temperature will drop. These are the main signs to keep an eye out for when expecting her to go into labor. 

If you need to talk to a veterinarian about your cat’s pregnancy, choose High Point Veterinary Hospital in Guilford County, NC. Serving the Tri-State Area, their professional staff are dedicated to continuing education and can provide the latest treatments for your pet. Call (336) 889-3832 or visit their website with any questions.