Pre-breeding veterinary care

Before breeding, it’s essential to have the cat examined by a veterinarian to ensure she’s healthy and free of sexually transmitted diseases. A deworming treatment is often recommended to prevent parasitic issues that could affect the pregnancy.

Reproductive cycle and gestation

In cats, ovulation occurs 24 hours after mating. If there is no mating, the cat does not ovulate. Her reproductive cycle is unique, with:

• Heat periods lasting about 7 days
• A resting phase of around 10 days before the next cycle
• No bloody discharge during heat, unlike dogs

Cat pregnancy and birth usually last 60 to 63 days. To monitor the pregnancy, your vet may suggest:

• Ultrasound from day 21 to confirm pregnancy and assess fetal development
• X-rays after day 42 to estimate the number of kittens

During pregnancy:

• Standard adult food is suitable early on
• Pediatric or kitten food is recommended from the start of lactation to meet energy needs

Signs of impending labor

A few days before labor, your cat may display noticeable behavior changes:

• Restlessness and nervousness while searching for a safe place
• Nesting behavior in quiet, comfortable areas
• Visible contractions signaling the start of labor

Prepare a warm, quiet, and safe birthing area in advance.

Stages of cat labor

Cat labor may last 24 to 30 hours, with the following phases:

• Initial contractions: 1 to 3 hours
• First kitten birth, followed by the next one every 10–20 minutes
• Short resting period (1 to 2 hours) between some births
• Expulsion of placentas, which the mother often ingests

After birth, the mother cat will naturally:

• Cut the umbilical cords
• Clean the kittens
• Start nursing them immediately

When to contact a veterinarian

Immediate veterinary assistance is needed if:

• Pregnancy exceeds 65 days with no signs of labor
• No kitten is born after 3 hours of strong contractions
• Over 4 hours pass between kittens
• Weak contractions persist over 3 hours with no birth
• Temperature drops below 37.7°C (100°F) for 24 hours without labor
• There is abnormal vaginal discharge
• The mother shows sudden behavioral changes, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever

At the clinic, diagnostic tools like X-rays and ultrasounds help check:

• Number, size, and position of the remaining kittens
• Fetal heartbeats to confirm vitality
• Whether the mother’s pelvis allows for a natural birth

Oxytocin may be administered to stimulate contractions. If the situation doesn’t improve or the mother is in distress, an emergency C-section is performed.

Postnatal care and kitten follow-up

After a difficult labor or C-section, the veterinary team helps revive the kittens and ensures they feed before the mother fully wakes up.

Important early kitten milestones:

• Eyes open between days 10 and 14
• Until day 18, they need the mother to stimulate urination and defecation
• Baby teeth appear around week 3
• Body weight doubles in just 10 days

If the mother is unable to care for the kittens:

• Gently rub their perineum to encourage elimination
• Disinfect their umbilical cords
• Maintain a proper body temperature, as kittens can’t regulate heat yet
• Feed kitten formula every 2 hours for the first week, then every 4 hours

Tip: A ticking clock or alarm in their bed can simulate the mother’s heartbeat and soothe them.

Weaning typically starts around week 3, with gradual introduction of solid food.

When to separate kittens from their mother

Separation should be gradual to minimize stress:

• Begin removal one kitten at a time from week 6
• Leave a 2-day interval between each separation
• Their temperature rises from 34.5°C at birth to 38.4°C by week 4

Conclusion

Proper care during cat pregnancy and birth ensures the health of both the mother and her kittens. A pre-breeding vet check, nutritional support, and careful monitoring during labor are essential to reduce complications. Contact your vet immediately if any issues arise.

If you have questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our veterinary clinic.