Gestation Period for Cats

Cats like other mammals, give birth to young ones. This, for a change, is a joyous moment in the lives of cats. The time from when a female gets pregnant to the time when kittens are born, is the known as the gestation period. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that proper care and attention is taken, during the period, so that it gives birth to healthy kittens.

Average Gestation Period for Cats

When the female cat has an intercourse with a male cat (tom), it is likely to get pregnant. The gestation period is generally about 60 to 69 days. The average gestation period can be assumed to be 63 days (9 weeks). It makes it easier for people to remember, as it can be related to the normal human gestation period of 9 months. There are various changes in the appearance and behavior of the female cats, once it gets pregnant.

Physical Changes in Cats During Gestation Period

Change in Eating Habits
There are a few changes in the eating habit of cats after it becomes pregnant. The cat may feel more hungry than it was before getting pregnant and so would tend to eat more.

Discontinuation of Heat Cycles
One of the first signs of a cat being pregnant, is an abrupt ending to the heat cycles, also called the 'mating period' of a female cat.

Changes in the Nipples
Another common sign of pregnancy in cats is, change in the shape and color of the nipples. The nipples of a pregnant cat swell and they start appearing dark pink in color. This condition is commonly referred to as 'pinking'.

Enlarged Abdomen
When a cat is about 5 weeks into pregnancy, her abdomen starts bulging. The bulge appears prominent and continues to grow till the kittens are born.

Vomiting
Just like humans, certain cats do experience morning sickness, which makes them vomit everyday in the morning. This condition is not something to worry about, however, if the problem of morning sickness persists for a long time, consult a vet.

Behavioral Changes in Cats During Gestation Period

Increased Warmth and Affection
Cats tend to become a lot more affectionate towards the owner than what they used to be prior to their pregnancy. They try and seek attention in whichever way possible. The owners should oblige willingly, so that the cat does not stay upset during her gestation period.

Looking for Private Places
During latter stages of pregnancy, when very few days remain for the kittens to be born, cats start looking for quiet corners or any other private places in and around the house. This activity is referred to as 'nesting'.

There are certain signs, when the cat is ready to give birth at the end of the gestation period. The cat becomes uneasy and restless, and is unable to stay in a particular position for long. It starts 'nesting' and might also urinate frequently as its bladder gets pressurized by the enlarged uterus. When the cat is ready to give birth, her temperature falls down and it begins howling. A milk like secretion comes out from its nipples, indicating that it is perfectly ready to deliver.

After delivery, it is advised to take the cat along with the kittens to a vet for proper medical checkup. The owner needs to provide it with food rich in minerals and proteins, as it needs to produce enough milk for its young ones. Make sure that the cat has enough time with her kittens in a comfortable and safe environment for some days. Consult a vet for any other advice on how to help the cat recover after delivery.

Few Tips to Help Cats in their Gestation Period

• Keep a regular overall check on the cat's health, once it has mated.
• Ensure a balanced diet for the cat during the gestation period, so that it gives birth to healthy kittens.
• Consult a vet for a diet plan for the cat, to maintain its health during the gestation period.
• Build a small 'nesting' place for the cat in a safe, cozy and secluded corner of the house, where it can give birth.
• In case there are any abnormalities apart from the ones mentioned above, consult a vet.

The gestation period for cats is not long, so take proper care during that period. Shower love and care to help it give birth to lovely and healthy kittens.