Usually the first signs of pregnancy in cats start appearing when the pet is three weeks pregnant. Pregnant cats become more loving, quieter and less interested in playing. They start sleeping more and more, and spend much more time inside than usual. In terms of physical appearance, their nipples become larger and they start to gain weight from the fifth week on.
If you think your cat is pregnant, take it to a vet. Though rare, it does occasionally happen for a cat to show signs of pregnancy without actually being pregnant. A vet is the most fitting person to determine whether or not her pregnancy is real.
What to expect from the cat pregnancy period
The cats are pregnant for an average 65 days before giving birth. That's two months and a little extra - out of which the first three weeks will not be very obvious. You will basically have to deal with the pregnancy issue for a month or so.
Once you have established the cat is pregnant, you will have to ask for advice (preferably from the vet) on the diet. Cat pregnancy, like human pregnancy, comes with issues in regards to healthy food, body changes and functional changes. You will probably need to clean up the litter box a little more often than usual, for example.
Like women, cats should avoid any type of medication during pregnancy - that means that you should try to make sure that your cat doesn't get sick so that it doesn't need any. Try to keep the cat inside as much as possible and groom her regularly - hygiene is more important than ever during pregnancy. Since the cat will spend much more time sleeping than usual, make sure its nest is comfortable and clean.
Some tips
* Cat pregnancy, obviously, ends in cute little kittens. If you don't want to keep them, try to find a home for them before they are born - afterwards they will be a handful.
* Pregnant cats do not like other cats - even those it knew and tolerated them before. Try to make sure it has its privacy.
* Calculate the day it gives birth, precisely. Make sure that someone, if not you, is there when it happens. It is even better if a vet is there.
* Don't assume you know everything. Read about pregnancy, ask other people who have been through this and take your cat to a vet. There's always a possibility to encounter unexpected issues.
* People recommend a box covered in paper as the best place for your pet to give birth in. Be careful, though, it will be the cat the one who chooses where to do it - so if you want to make sure it chooses the box, you have to have more around the house available.
* Cats like to go through people's wardrobe. If you don't want your clothes to get dirty, keep your closet closed during the last week of pregnancy. If you keep the tips above in mind and don't forget to ask for a vet's advice, you will have no problem dealing with cat pregnancy.
