Caring for a Pregnant Cat: Essential Preparations & Tip

Many cat lovers find themselves becoming incredibly anxious when their feline companions become pregnant. They might even be more concerned than they would be if they were expecting a human baby. This anxiety often stems from fears of doing something wrong or missing important milestones.

Let's take a simple look at some essential tips for caring for pregnant cats. These are scattered pieces of knowledge that we can all learn together.

1. For a newly pregnant mother cat, there's no need for additional care beyond ensuring she receives her daily nutritional needs.

Cats often repeat their daily routines. Breaking these habits by paying extra attention to a pregnant cat can actually cause stress and discomfort.

2. Keep her active as she normally would. If she's a caged cat, make sure she gets daily exercise before pregnancy. Continue this routine during her pregnancy. However, about two weeks before giving birth, avoid letting her engage in vigorous activities, especially jumping from high places to the ground. Although the risk of uterine torsion is low, it's better to be cautious.

3. As her belly grows, her nutritional needs will increase. Gradually transition her main food to kitten weaning cans and kitten food.

4. About a week before giving birth, provide her with a private space to get accustomed to. This will ensure she feels secure during labor and won't end up giving birth in a place like under the bed or in a cabinet, which she might consider "safe."

5. You can place her in a large cat cage or a pet enclosure. There are many modular pet enclosures available these days. After breeding, you can disassemble them, saving space and allowing for various configurations.

6. In the breeding cage, provide a comfortable nesting area. I usually make one out of a cardboard box, which can be discarded after use. The height should be sufficient to keep the kittens from爬 out but allow the mother cat to enter and exit freely. The length should be at least one and a half times the length of the mother cat's body, but not too large, as it can be difficult for her to gather the kittens.

7. Place water and food nearby, but avoid filling the water bowl too much after the birth. Some mother cats might carry their kittens around and, if they fall into the water, the kittens could drown.

8. Keep the litter box clean at all times. Some mother cats might bring their kittens into the litter box, which can be embarrassing if the box is dirty, resulting in kittens covered in feces.

9. Place the breeding cage in a location where you can easily reach it. For example, I keep mine in my bedroom, allowing me to monitor the mother cat's labor and care for the kittens. If that's not possible, consider installing a baby monitor.

10. Try to avoid letting other cats disturb the pregnant cat for a week before and after her pregnancy. If there are other pregnant cats, keep them in the same space, but only if they get along well. They might even help each other with the kittens if they give birth at the same time.

What should you pay attention to in terms of diet during pregnancy?

1. Increase calories slightly during the early stages of pregnancy to ensure the mother cat's weight increases steadily.

2. Her calorie needs are approximately 100Kcal/kg/day.

3. You can usually provide kitten food to pregnant cats, as it contains a balanced ratio of nutrients.

4. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to larger kittens and increase the risk of dystocia.

What are the signs of impending labor in a mother cat?

1. She may seem uncomfortable, frequently checking her abdomen, and appear restless.

2. She'll start searching for a quiet, comfortable place to give birth.

3. She might exhibit breathing difficulties, meowing, and licking her vulva.

4. She'll pace back and forth, showing signs of nesting, which usually lasts 6 to 12 hours.

5. Firsttime mother cats may take up to 36 hours.

6. Her body temperature might be slightly lower than normal.

Once you notice these signs, it's time to prepare the birthing area. Choose a warm, quiet, and safe location for the birthing box, which should be about twice the size of the mother cat's body. If the cat chooses a different spot, set up the box there.

What happens during the mother cat's labor?

The duration is typically 3 to 12 hours, with some cases lasting over 24 hours. The interval between each kitten's birth is usually 10 minutes to 1 hour. If the labor lasts too long, be aware of signs of dystocia. If the mother cat is straining for a long time without giving birth, wrap her in a blanket and take her to the vet immediately.

Most mother cats will eat the placenta, which is rich in nutrients and provides energy quickly during labor. If there are many kittens in a litter, the number of placentas might exceed what the mother cat can consume, causing her to become repulsed by them. Some mother cats might vomit after eating the placenta.

After giving birth, the mother cat will usually eat within 24 hours. Feed her warm goat's milk or petspecific milk to supplement her nutrition, and provide her with specialized pregnancy or kitten food. Increase her food intake, adding chicken breast, beef, and eggs. Place the litter box, food, and water bowls close to the nest. The mother cat needs plenty of water during the nursing period.

Observe the mother cat and kittens daily.

Be particularly vigilant if you notice the following conditions, or consult a veterinarian:

Mother cat: Fever or hypothermia, discharge from the vulva or mammary glands (bloody or puslike discharge), loss of appetite, weakness, lack of energy, reduced or no milk production.

Kittens: Weight loss, excessive crying, decreased activity, and a lack of interest in nursing.

Be cautious of postpartum hypocalcemia.

Mother cats may experience postpartum hypocalcemia between 3 and 17 days after giving birth, presenting symptoms like stiff gait, tremors, spasms, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. If the mother cat shows these symptoms, it's best to take her to the vet. It's recommended not to oversupplement calcium before giving birth to avoid endocrine disorders.

So, giving birth to kittens is a risky endeavor. While it's best to avoid any mishaps, there's always a chance. Cat lovers must do their best, not relying solely on limited experience to make decisions about unpredictable situations. Remember, what seems right to you might not be the truth; science is the truth!