Let's first know when do cats reach puberty?
Cats follow a series of important stages during their development, beginning to enter sexual maturity when they are between 4 and 9 months old.
At this stage, kittens begin sexual development and show signs of sexual maturity.
Kittens become semi-adults between 9 and 12 months, when their bodies are fully formed and they are able to carry out adult tasks. When a cat is over a year old, it reaches full adulthood.
During these stages, cats may begin to ask to mate, especially during the cat mating season, which typically extends from spring to fall. Cats can get pregnant for the first time when the cat is 6 months old, but it is preferable to wait until the cat is a year old to ensure that it continues to grow in a healthy way.
It is important to take care of the cat during these vital stages, while providing proper nutrition and health care. Owners can also consider scheduling their visits to the vet to ensure the cat's health and safety as it grows.
How do I know for sure that my cat is pregnant?
Here are the best ways through which you can find out how I know that my cat is pregnant:
Physical changes in a pregnant cat
Look for these signs in your cat's body that indicate pregnancy:
- Heat cycles stop : This may be the first sign you notice that your cat is pregnant. If your cat has been going through heat cycles every 10 days to two weeks and they suddenly stop, she is likely pregnant.
- Nipples swell and become more pink in color: This may be the first visual sign you see in your pregnant cat. This usually happens at about three weeks into pregnancy. There may also be slight discharge from the nipples.
- Change in appetite: A pregnant cat may experience a decrease in appetite early in pregnancy. In the second half of pregnancy, you will show an increased interest in food. After all, a pregnant cat is eating not only for herself, but for several fetuses.
- Weight gain: Most pregnant cats gain about half a kilo to 2 kilos of body weight during pregnancy.
- Vomiting: The mother cat may experience a few bouts of morning sickness, just like pregnant women. This in itself is not necessarily a cause for concern, but if vomiting persists or recurs, contact your vet for help.
- Abdominal Enlargement: Sometime around the fifth week of pregnancy, your pregnant cat's abdomen will begin to noticeably swell continuously until it is time for her to give birth. However, it may be a little difficult to detect an enlarged abdomen if your cat is overweight to begin with.
How do I know that my cat is pregnant from behavioral changes?
Behavioral changes
There are changes in the cat’s personality and mood when she is pregnant that you should pay attention to. These signs are as follows:
- Increased affection: Your cat may become more affectionate than usual and seek to attract your attention by all means, so you must give it your attention. However, you may notice that your pregnant cat is less tolerant of other household pets during this time
- Increased sleep: Many pregnant cats sleep more hours per day than before pregnancy.
- Nesting Behaviors: Your kitten will usually begin nesting two weeks before she is born. Common behaviors during this time include finding a secluded place and spending a lot of time there, and even trying to drag blankets or other soft objects into the nest. To prevent your cat from choosing an undesirable place to give birth, provide her with a birth box that is easy for her to get in and out of. You should also put some soft blankets inside the box that can be disposed of or washed when they get dirty.
Among our distinctive products that help you take care of your cat during pregnancy:
Does the cat feel that she is pregnant?
During this period, you probably won't realize that your cat is pregnant, but you can watch for some warning signs, such as increased appetite or morning sickness. There are often significant behavioral changes at this time. A pregnant cat may suddenly feel lonely and long for company. On the other hand, he may become cranky and seek out company.
How long is pregnancy in cats?
Typically, gestation in cats lasts on average from 63 to 65 days. However, this period can vary slightly and last a few days shorter or longer. Caution must be taken and prepared for changes in the expected duration of pregnancy.
The length of pregnancy depends on multiple factors, including the cat's overall health and genetic factors. In cases of pregnancies that exceed 65 days, it may be necessary to see a veterinarian to verify the situation and ensure the health and safety of the cat and the fetus.
How long does a cat give birth?
Usually, the average number of kittens per birth is about 4 kittens . However, the actual number can range from one cat to 12 cats sometimes. Large numbers of cats appear in some breeds such as Oriental cats, Siamese cats, and Burmese cats.
A pregnant cat must be monitored and provided with a calm and safe environment for giving birth. In the event of giving birth, the cat may need assistance sometimes, and it is preferable to consult a veterinarian if the process continues for a long time without progress or if there are any health problems that arise.
How long does it take for kittens to give birth?
When the cat's birth process begins, it is best to leave it alone without disturbing it, and continue to monitor it from afar to ensure its safety. The pregnant body goes through several stages, and the following is an explanation of these stages:
1. The first stage:
-It usually lasts from 6 to 12 hours.
- Cervical contraction occurs.
2. The second stage:
- The actual birth process takes place.
- This acrobat continues for a period of between 10 minutes and an hour between the birth of each kitten.
- After each kitten is born, the cat is evaluated to ensure its health and the health of the kittens.
3. The third stage:
- The placenta leaves the body.
- This stage may last approximately between an hour and a day.
The birth process can take in total from 2 to 6 hours , but the time may extend longer in some cases. If the birth continues for a long time without progress, or if there are health problems, it is best to consult a veterinarian to obtain the necessary assistance.
How do you know that your cat will give birth soon?
What are the signs of kitten giving birth?
After the pregnancy period has ended and the cat has prepared the birthing site, several signs will appear that indicate the start of the actual birth is approaching. These signs include:
1. The cat feels uncomfortable:
- The cat may begin to feel uncomfortable and show signs of preparing for labor.
2. The cat entering and leaving the birthing site:
The cat may appear to want to enter a quiet, shaded place to begin the birth process, and in some cases it may go out and come in repeatedly.
3. Cat panting:
Signs of panting that resemble a human uvula may appear, which is an indication that labor is about to begin.
4. Making sounds:
- The cat may begin to make unusual sounds that express pain or preparation for childbirth.
5. Vomiting:
- Some cats may vomit as part of their preparation for the upcoming surgery.
6. Low body temperature of the cat:
- Before giving birth begins, a slight drop in the cat’s body temperature may occur.
7. Licking the vaginal area:
The cat licks the vaginal area to help stimulate the birth process.
If these signs appear, the owner should remain calm and provide the cat with a quiet environment. If the signs persist for a long time without the onset of labor or any health problems, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian to obtain the necessary advice and support.
You must provide a safe and comfortable space for your cat and future kittens with soft, quiet bedding and a private space
Petaholic cat house bed with detachable pillow
Among our important products during the birth stage of your cat at Petaholic, we recommend for you:
Marvel animal blanket from Marvel
Now, you know how to know that my cat is pregnant and the signs that indicate that your cat is pregnant, or that she is about to give birth and begin labor. All you have to do now is provide her with the necessary care at this critical stage, and accommodate her changes. You can also get all the necessary supplies to care for your cat in the best way from Petaholic at the best prices through this link .
You may also be interested in:
- How do domestic cats get married? Stages and steps
- How to care for and feed a cat after giving birth