Understanding your cat’s pregnancy is essential for providing them with proper care during this exciting time. Whether you’re wondering if your cat is pregnant or want to know the cat pregnancy symptoms week by week, this guide will give you a full insight.

How Long is a Cat's Pregnancy?

A feline pregnancy lasts around 63 to 65 days, which is around 9 weeks. During your cat's gestation period, you'll notice lots of changes in their behaviour and physical appearance. This is a relatively short gestation period compared to other animals.

If you suspect your cat is pregnant, it's helpful to understand the typical timeline or cat pregnancy stages. With that in mind, let's dive into a week-by-week view of your cat's pregnancy journey.

Cat Pregnancy Week By Week Timeline

If you suspect your cat is pregnant, it’s helpful to understand the typical timeline of a cat pregnancy in weeks.

Cat Pregnancy Week 1 - Early Signs

During the first week of pregnancy, you won't notice many physical signs. The fertilised eggs are still implanting in the uterus, and your cat's body is beginning to adjust to the pregnancy.

There may be a slight increase in appetite, weight gain or a subtle behaviour change. But most cat pregnancy symptoms take a couple of weeks to show.

A female cat can mate again while in early pregnancy and give birth to kittens from multiple fathers, known as superfecundation. So, it's important to keep her away from unneutered male cats. Also, keep in mind that neutered male cats remain fertile for up to 6 weeks after castration.

Cat Pregnancy Week 2 - Hormonal Changes

By the second week of pregnancy, you might start to notice some early signs of cat pregnancy. Hormonal changes are at work, and your cat's body is preparing for the development of her kittens. She might experience mild morning sickness, causing her to eat less or feel lethargic.

Your cat's nipples will begin to enlarge and darken. This is a typical sign that her body is preparing to nurse her litter of kittens once they're born. These early pregnancy symptoms may be subtle, but they are important indicators of how your cat's body is adjusting to pregnancy.

Cat Pregnancy Week 3 - Subtle Signs

By the third week of pregnancy, the changes in your cat's body may become more noticeable. Her belly will start to grow, though it will still be quite subtle. Her appetite may increase as the kittens develop, so make sure she's getting plenty of nutritious food to support her growing litter.

Cat Pregnancy Week 4 - Belly Growth

By week four, you'll begin to see more obvious changes in your cat's body. Her belly will begin to enlarge as the kittens grow and develop, and her nipples will continue to darken and get bigger. Your vet may be able to confirm a pregnancy by palpation at around 25 days of gestation.

Cat Pregnancy Week 5 - Growth and Appetite

At the fifth week of pregnancy, your cat's belly will be visibly rounder, and her overall size will increase. Your vet can perform an ultrasound around day 30 to diagnose the pregnancy, and they may also be able to estimate the number of kittens and the due date.

It's likely that your cat's appetite will significantly increase, so you'll need to increase the amount of food you give her. Make sure she has access to plenty of high-quality, nutritious food to support her health and the development of her litter of kittens. You can ask your vet for advice on the amount and type of food you should be giving her.

Cat Pregnancy Week 6 - Kitten Movement

Around the sixth week of pregnancy, the kittens will be growing rapidly inside the mother cat. You may begin to feel or see the kittens moving inside her belly, which will be quite large by now. She will also be noticeably heavier than before.

To provide the best possible care for your cat during this week of pregnancy, keep her environment calm and quiet to reduce stress. Her energy levels may fluctuate as the kittens grow and she prepares for labour.

During this time, a mother cat's nesting instinct will kick in. She'll be on the lookout for a safe, secluded area to give birth. It's a good idea to prepare a cat nesting box - a clean, comfortable spot where she can do this.

Cat Pregnancy Week 7 - Restlessness and Behaviour Changes

As your cat reaches the seventh week of pregnancy, her nesting behaviour may intensify, and she may become more withdrawn. Her noticeably large belly may seem more uncomfortable as the kittens continue to grow. This is a sign that she's approaching the final stages of cat pregnancy, and labour is just around the corner.

Cat Pregnancy Week 8 - Preparing for Labour

During week 8 of your cat's pregnancy, you'll notice her body preparing for the arrival of the kittens. Her belly will be large and firm, and you may notice that she's becoming even more restless or irritable. Her appetite may decrease slightly as the kittens take up more space inside her tummy.

At this stage, you should have already prepared a comfortable space for her to give birth. Make sure to monitor her closely, as the signs of labour will begin in the next few days.

Cat Pregnancy Week 9 - The Big Day!

By the ninth week, your cat will be nearing the end of her pregnancy. She'll spend more time in a quiet, comfy place. The labour process can last from a few hours to a day, depending on the number of kittens in the litter.

Be sure to stay calm and allow your cat to give birth in a stress-free environment. During the delivery, it's important not to interfere unless absolutely necessary. If you notice anything unusual or if the labour process is taking too long, don't hesitate to call your vet for advice.

Cat Pregnancy Week 10 - The Unofficial Days

Some cats' pregnancies could move into week 10. This can depend on several factors, from the time it took the eggs to implant through to their specific breed characteristics.

While it's not unheard of for cats to carry into a tenth week, it's best to speak to your vet to make sure everything is still going smoothly and work on your pussycat's birth plan.

How to Prepare for Cat Laboour

In the last weeks of cat pregnancy, it's important to prepare a kittening area or nesting box in a quiet, private, warm, and clean area of the house. You want to make sure that your cat feels safe and relaxed there. If the box is placed in a noisy or busy part of the house, then they may refuse to use it.

A cardboard box lined with clean sheets or blankets can make a good "nest". Alternatively, you can also use shredded newspaper to help insulate the space. It's also important to make sure your cat has access to water in or near their nesting box. However, the drink should be elevated off the ground, so that no curious little bundles of fluff can fall into it.

Should I Take My Cat To the Vet During Pregnancy?

Throughout your cat’s pregnancy, regular veterinary care is essential. If you notice any unusual symptoms, like excessive weight loss, discharge or lethargy, it’s important to call your vet. Additionally, if your cat’s a first-time mother or if her pregnancy isn’t progressing normally, your vet can help to ensure that everything is on track.

Understanding the stages of cat pregnancy week by week is essential for providing the right care for your cat. From the early stages of cat pregnancy to the big day, being prepared will help ensure the health and comfort of your cat and her kittens.

Whether it’s making sure your cat has a comfortable space or knowing when to call your vet, you can support your soon to be feline Mumma every step of the way as she brings her new litter of kittens into the world. 

Everypaw Cat Insurance

Everypaw's Cat Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your kitty will be well looked after. 

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.