How to care for a pregnant cat: instructions for owners

If a fluffy pet has always been slim but is now rapidly gaining weight, owners may wonder if the cat is pregnant. It is quite easy to suspect her of a new status. How can you tell if a cat is pregnant? There are several typical signs:

• A noticeable weight gain in just a couple of weeks – a total of 1-2 kg.
• Swollen and reddened nipples – the so-called swelling. It occurs around the third week of pregnancy.
• Abdominal bloating, noticeable by about the fifth week.
• Increased appetite.
• Vomiting.
• Changes in behavior. The cat may become more affectionate or, rarely, more withdrawn.

If your cat is not neutered and exhibits some or all of the above signs, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for a pregnancy diagnosis. The doctor may take a blood test, as well as x-rays and ultrasounds to determine if the cat is pregnant and how many kittens she will have.

Caring for a pregnant cat: what you need to know

If the cat’s pregnancy is confirmed, you need to make sure that she has everything necessary in order to safely survive this period. Although even pregnant cats can be quite independent, it is best for owners to know how to care for a pregnant cat during the 58-67 days of gestation, that is, the period of intrauterine gestation.

Provide more thorough daily care

The owner may want to stroke the belly of their pregnant pet, but this can be dangerous. Squeezing or squeezing a cat’s abdomen can be uncomfortable and potentially cause miscarriage.

The cat’s litter box is best cleaned twice a day. If during pregnancy it is difficult for her to get into the tray due to excess weight, it is necessary to replace it with a lower model with a wider entrance.

Don’t Forget the Importance of Nutrition

During pregnancy and lactation, the nutritional needs of animals change. According to the National Cat Welfare Centre, pregnant cats need about 25% more food. But it’s important to resist the temptation to overfeed your pet. The energy requirement of a pregnant cat is also high, so you need to choose foods that contain the nutrients she needs. A veterinarian should be consulted for specific nutritional instructions. He will tell you which food to choose and how to plan a feeding regimen so that the cat and her kittens get all the nutrients they need for their health.

Create comfortable conditions for childbirth

It is necessary to provide your pet with a safe and comfortable place to prepare for childbirth and the birth itself. As this important moment approaches, around the last week of pregnancy, most cats start looking for their own nesting site, explains Veterinary Partner. If the owner wants to help a pet, it is important to remember that she will need a soft couch, the quietest place in the house and privacy from other pets. In addition, you should make sure that everyone in the house respects her personal space and respects boundaries.

Best Ways to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancy

Knowing how to recognize that a cat is pregnant and how to care for her if she is waiting to be replenished will help the owner prepare for this important event. But what if the appearance of kittens is not included in the plans of the family?

Spay the cat

Sterilization not only prevents unwanted pregnancies, but also has many other important benefits. For example, spaying a cat can prevent:

• development of health problems, including uterine infections, cancer and tumors of the mammary glands;
• estrus in a cat;
• overpopulation of cats (according to a Mars Petcare study, 3,2 million homeless cats and kittens live in Russia).

If the cat has just given birth, you should wait until the kittens are weaned to discuss the neutering procedure and postoperative recovery with your veterinarian.

Don’t let the cat out of the house

An effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy in a pet is to keep it indoors, away from boyfriend cats. The Pet Health Network says pet cats are less likely to be at risk from other potential health hazards, including shorter lifespans, injuries from animal fights or traffic accidents, and diseases caused by exposure to pesticides and viruses. including feline leukemia.

When the owner understands how to know that a cat is pregnant, it is easier for him to provide her with the love and care that she needs in anticipation of offspring. Being able to recognize the signs of pregnancy will help you get your veterinarian involved in your cat’s care more quickly and set up your home for a safe and comfortable delivery.

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