Before mating
Before letting your cat become a mother, wait until she is mature not only sexually but also physically. Although cats can be mated during their first heat, it is better to wait until the second.
The cat breeding season starts every February, when the days begin to get longer and lighter. Heat can look different in different breeds, but it usually lasts 3 to 15 days. Ovulation happens on day 3–4 of the heat, so that is the best time to put the queen with the tom.
- Take the queen to the tom, not the other way round: this is less stressful for her.
- Do not worry if the queen does not accept the tom at first. This is completely normal.
- Mating itself usually takes 10–15 seconds, but it is best to let the cats mate over several days in a row, as this increases the chance of kittens.
How to recognise pregnancy
Your cat may be pregnant if you notice:
- changes in appetite;
- she has become calmer;
- her nipples have turned pink around the fourth week;
- she licks her belly and the fur there thins out;
- occasionally even morning sickness.
An ultrasound scan can be done from day 16, and from day 20 the foetuses can gradually be felt.
Caring for a pregnant cat
If the pregnancy is confirmed, look after your cat more carefully than usual. Make sure nothing knocks into her, that she has as little stress as possible and can rest away from loud noise. Keep her in a warm room and set up a spacious, comfortable bed.
During pregnancy you can gradually start feeding her kitten food, which has more vitamins and protein. Just do not change her food suddenly. Start by mixing a small amount into her usual food until, in the end, she is eating only kitten food.
Common mistakes during pregnancy
- Extra treats. These are not recommended. As the kittens grow, the belly gets bigger, the stomach is squeezed and appetite drops. After a few treats the cat will feel full but will not get the nutrients she needs.
- Letting her outside. Try to keep your cat indoors during pregnancy to avoid risks from other animals and disease.
- Parasites. Take particular care to protect your cat from fleas, ticks and worms, as they are easily passed on to kittens. Before you even plan a pregnancy, make sure she is free of them and get her a flea and tick collar. Read more on our parasite prevention page.
What happens during the birth
A cat is usually pregnant for 60–65 days, around 9 weeks on average. A litter can have anywhere from 1 to 9 kittens.
Signs that birth will start within a couple of hours: the cat meows, is restless, walks in circles, and some even hide. If your cat is friendly and not hiding, you may see drops of milk on her nipples. Before giving birth, cats usually wash around the vulva and lick their nipples. Once contractions start, cats purr, which is thought to help them calm themselves and ease the pain.
A kitten should appear about 10–15 minutes after the first pushing. It is born in its sac either bottom first or head first, and both are completely normal. A normal gap between kittens is 15–30 minutes. During that time the cat may go off to eat or drink, which is also normal.
Giving birth is usually a natural process that people do not need to interfere with. It takes around 6–7 hours, depending on the number of kittens.
If the first kitten has not appeared within an hour, call a vet: the kitten may be stuck. Also get in touch if the birth is taking longer than usual, as there may be complications and your cat may need help. Emergency care.
How to help your cat
Prepare a suitable bed before the birth. A cardboard box works best: cut an opening in the side so the cat can get in and out easily, and leave the top as a lid so you can check on her from time to time. Line the bottom with paper towels that you can change. Never use newspaper or any other paper printed with coloured ink.
If this is her first litter, watch how she copes. The mother eats the sacs the kittens are born in. This is completely normal, as they give her a lot of useful nutrients. She licks the newborn kittens, which stimulates their circulation and breathing, and she also shortens their umbilical cords.
If the cat does not lick the kittens, take them out of the sac and give them to her. Stroke her and encourage her, and that may be enough. If the cat rejects the kittens, you will have to take on the mother's role: wipe the kittens dry and keep them warm. This is rare, but it does happen.
Possible complications
- Retained placenta. Count the sacs and the kittens: a placenta may have stayed inside, which is dangerous for the cat. Contact your vet.
- A stuck kitten. Keep track of how long the birth is taking. If you suspect a kitten is stuck, contact a vet as soon as possible. If only the kitten's face is stuck and the umbilical cord is intact, it can most likely be saved. If it is stuck at the belly, it will not be possible to help.
- Prolonged pregnancy. Know roughly when your cat conceived, because sometimes labour does not start on time. A caesarean section is then needed. For some breeds (for example Persians), it is generally recommended not to let them give birth at all: their kittens have very large heads, so the risk of a kitten getting stuck is higher.
- Uterine rupture. This is rare, but it does happen.
- Uterine infection. For about a day after the birth the cat cleans herself and there may be some blood, though owners rarely see it. If you notice a foul-smelling greenish-brown discharge, contact your vet, as this is a sign of infection.
- Mastitis. The cat does not produce milk, so you will have to take care of feeding the kittens.
- Stillborn kittens. This usually happens if the cat has been given embryotoxic medicines, that is, medicines that harm the kittens.
The kittens' first days
For about a week it is best not to touch the kittens at all. If all is well, their mother will look after them herself.
- At 3–4 weeks, start offering the kittens kitten food.
- At 8 weeks, kittens can be weaned from their mother. Do this gradually: do not take all the kittens away at once, and watch how the mother reacts.
If you are keeping the kittens and do not plan to rehome them, they will separate naturally. You will notice the mother stop feeding them milk and start teaching them to hunt and fend for themselves.
