Caring for a Pregnant Cat: Essential Tips & Guidance

Prenatal Examination Schedule

Timing for Abdominal Pregnancy Check: It is advisable to undergo an abdominal pregnancy examination around the 30th day. During the 21st to 31st week of pregnancy, an ultrasound can be used to diagnose pregnancy and rule out the need for Xray examinations.

Later in Pregnancy: For a more definitive check, it is recommended to wait until 50 days or later. This is because the examination can confirm whether the pregnancy is a false positive.

Important Care for Pregnant Cats

1. Normal Gestation Period: From the time of mating, a normal cat's pregnancy lasts approximately 6566 days. It is advisable to start preparing for labor around this time. The cat's body temperature may drop by about 1 degree Fahrenheit 24 hours before delivery, and mucus may be secreted from the cat's vagina.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Pet owners should switch the cat's diet to a prenatal and lactation formula around the 4th week of pregnancy and continue feeding this until the end of lactation.

3. Behavioral Changes: As labor approaches, the pregnant cat may start to seek solitude, become restless, and refuse to eat. Delivery usually occurs within 24 hours.

Important Care for Pregnant Dogs

1. Normal Gestation Period: A normal dog's pregnancy lasts from 58 to 72 days. Labor preparation should begin around this time.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Similar to cats, pet owners should switch the dog's diet to a prenatal and lactation formula around the 4th week of pregnancy and continue this diet until lactation ends.

3. Exercise: During pregnancy, it is important to maintain moderate exercise to ensure the health of both the mother and the puppies.

4. Common Pregnancy Symptoms: Around 23 weeks before delivery, the dog may experience a decrease in appetite and periodic vomiting. This is normal and part of the pregnancy process, unless it is accompanied by severe anorexia.

5. Labor Signs: Just before delivery, the pregnant dog may become more secluded, anxious, refuse food, vomit, and exhibit respiratory distress or trembling. The discharge from the vagina will be clear and watery. A normal delivery in dogs can last between 12 to 24 hours.